I often think about the question of identity. Not only in the workplace, but generally having thoughtfulness and clarity around who we are at our core.

This topic came up recently as I just married someone who is a combination of four ethnicities (Native American, British, Spanish, and Filipino), and we had to make a decision about our new last name (personal blog here). Ultimately, the heart of this issue for many women comes down to a question of identity.

I think for a lot of people, we often place our identity in our accomplishments, our personality, or our physical appearances. For example, “I’m the guy with the awesome mustache,” or “I’m a mountain climber,” or “I’m the parent of four amazing kids,” or “I’m the founder of Snowflake.”

But in reality, at the end of our lives or even at critical moments throughout our lives, those things fade away. No one on their deathbed is thinking about how awesome their mustache is or even how amazing the company they founded became. As we age, physical and even intellectual traits often fade away. So, how do we gain clarity on who we are as a source of strength that will last us until the end?

. . .

For those who don’t know me, I work in Snowflake CRO Chris Degnan’s world under the Industry Go-To-Market team. I was born and raised in San Jose, CA to Taiwanese immigrants. My grandparents fought the war against communist China and took refuge in (and helped establish) democratic Taiwan. My parents immigrated to the United States for my dad’s master’s and PhD programs in mechanical, marine, and software engineering. Ultimately, it was a great move because my mom’s bright, bold, extroverted personality thrived much better in the states.

Like many children of immigrant parents, I grew up without a clear identity. My American schoolmates saw me as “Asian,” and my Taiwanese family considered me “extremely American.” I was caught in between with no real “home” for my identity as an American and Taiwanese individual (a very common feeling for Asian Americans).

With that being said, I put my identity in my achievements as a young child. Between ages three through sixteen, I learned to play seven instruments (some competitively), played three varsity sports, represented California at the White House for scholastic events, competed in scholarship pageants, and more. Thinking about my past makes me cringe deeply, but it is the reality of who I was.

A big part of my life story, and a critical factor in forming who I am today, is my cardiac medical condition. Beginning in high school, I underwent a few major procedures and operations for the condition which continued through college and beyond. Having your parents make decisions about Do-Not-Resuscitate orders, life support, and end-of-life wills for their 16-year old daughter was a series of events that forced me to mature and fast.

Being confronted about what I wanted my life to be at a young age ultimately shaped how I live it today, from career ambitions to how I relate with other people in the workplace.

For example, my career is split into two equal parts. While most people at Snowflake know me as the “Retail and CPG guru,” I actually have an entire other part of me that is entrenched in global education nonprofits based in Central Europe, Asia, and Ghana (where I’ve visited eight times in the past decade). My life’s work building those companies on nights and weekends is what brings me a deep source of meaning and fulfillment.

When I look back on the topic of diversity and inclusion, especially in the context of Snowflake, I think it all comes down to identity -- knowing your core self, and bringing your whole self to the workplace. At the end of it all, it shouldn’t take a heart surgery to understand and realize the importance of 1) getting to know yourself and 2) maintaining deep relationships with others. The two are deeply interlinked, as it’s impossible for others to truly know you if you aren’t bringing your whole self to work.

And when you bring your whole self to work, it creates a domino effect and fosters a culture of acceptance and inclusivity. Throughout my time at Snowflake, colleagues have become amazing friends, many of whom I leaned on recently when I lost a loved one. There’s so much to gain in being yourself, so I’m sending a big virtual hug to anyone pondering the question of identity, and to my Snowflake family (including those pictured below) who always get me through the worst and best of times!