Yann Dang

Cues and Views

International leadership and executive coach Yann Dang, in brief.

Yann Dang
Yann Dang and baby Isabelle

Home: Fort Lauderdale, FL.  Age: 40 and fabulous.  Birthplace: Salt Lake City, UT.  Profession: Executive leadership and life coaching.  Organization: ASPIRE Coaching.  Title: International Leadership & Executive Coach.  Preferred pronouns: She/Her/Hers.  Significant other: My best friend, partner and amor, William Weller.  Alma mater: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Languages spoken: English, Spanish, a bit of Vietnamese.

Current project: Learning from my eight month old baby girl; empowering my clients; working at a startup focused on working moms; learning to salsa, networking with the powerful women at Chief.  Recent recognition: "Thanks for being you and still being my guiding star from afar!" Recent professional development: Launching my coaching practice.  Latest accomplishment: Landing amazing senior female clients who want to make an impact in their world.  Latest contribution to others: Inspiring women in my network to make bold moves and take risk aligned to their values.  What’s been your big (or biggest) leap? Leaving the comforts of my corporate role to start my own business while committing to being present for my family.  Hobbies: Dance, traveling, cooking, art, fashion, interior design, yoga, Gong baths.  Recent travel or adventure: Fishing with my husband, as a birthday surprise for him.  He caught a beautiful Triggerfish.  The rough waters reminded me of the morning sickness I had when I was pregnant.  Last book read: Man’s Search for Meaning, by Viktor Frankl.  Recently viewed and recommended: The Crown. Recent unique acquisition: Dancing shoes!

Personality profile: Ambitious, spontaneous, daring.  What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Generous.  Moral compass: What would I advise my daughter to do? How do you define a perfect friendship? Curiosity,  honesty, fun, laughing until you pee your pants.  How do you define an ideal business relationship? One where both parties are growing and becoming better than they could have alone.   What is your greatest joy? Isabelle (daughter) and Lucita (puppy).  What is your greatest fear? Losing my loved ones.  What is your guilty pleasure? Eating Cheese Puffs.  What natural talent have you neglected? Creativity in interior design and cooking.  What is your superpower? Presence.  What do you tell yourself when things don't go according to plan? Shit happens, suffering is optional.

What three emojis best describe you? 😘😝😡.

What is at the top of your bucket list? Riding a hot air balloon.  How do you relieve stress? Massage, yoga, a hot bath.  What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? Adventure, nature, yummy food.  What is your go-to work out? Running and yoga.

What book have you repeatedly read? The Heart of the Fight, by Judith and Bob Wright.  What movie have you repeatedly  watched? My Best Friend’s Wedding.  What is your daily ritual? My husband and I share what we are grateful for every night before dinner.  What’s featured prominently on your home or office wall? A black and white picture of my grandmother.  Who has had the greatest influence on your life? My parents.  What is the best advice you received growing up? Enjoy the present; life is constantly changing.  What is the best advice you received in your career? Believe in yourself, because there are plenty of people who won’t. What modern technology innovation do you most appreciate? Fancy Japanese toilets. What is your favorite app? Chief.  What is your go-to source of news and information? LinkedIn.  What is your go-to source of creative inspiration? Pinterest.  What world event has had the greatest influence on your life? 9/11.  I was in college and my professors were talking about it.  I had no idea what happened until after the class.  It was deeply disturbing and scary. What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? Creative director at a fashion company.  What company or organization do you most admire? Google.

What is your big idea? Social and emotional education for all kids starting in kindergarten; relationships and conflict resolution courses in elementary and high school. What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field? The power and impact of coaching for all. What change would you like to see in the world? Greater curiosity, understanding and connection.  What message do you want to send out into the world? Create a life you love and don’t hand over that responsibility to anyone else.  What widely held belief do you reject? The world is hostile. What mega-trend most excites you? Sustainability.  What mega-trend most concerns you? Social engineering.

What title would you choose for the movie about your life? Little But Fierce.  What actor would you choose to play you in the movie about your life? Ali Wong. Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? My grandmother.  As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? Archeologist.  What object would you first save from your burning home? My wedding ring.  How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? With my husband, baby and puppy in nature with no technology.  What advice would you give your younger self? Enjoy and take more risks.  What day in your life would you like  to re-live? My wedding day.  What period in your life would you do differently, if you could? My twenties.  I wish I had stood up for myself more and asked for what I needed.

Personal mission: To empower others through coaching and leading from an open heart. Personal motto: Stand tall, speak truth, play hard. Favorite quote: "Success is not final.  Failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts" (Winston Churchill).  Desired epitaph: She lived life to the fullest and truly enjoyed it.

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