We were honored to host Dr. Karen Yu, cognitive psychologist, Sewanee professor, and resident Luminary Fellow, for a deeply thoughtful “Lunch and Learn” session with Dong Yoon, our Associate Strategy Director. Themed Kindness Keeps Going, the session explored how kindness isn’t a luxury, but a tool for resilience. Dong Yoon led a meaningful conversation with Dr. Yu around the practice of cognitive kindness (being kind to each other’s minds) and how it is especially powerful in honoring the diverse and nuanced experiences of AAPI communities.
We unpacked the “illusion of transparency”: the mistaken belief that others can easily see our inner feelings or stress, and how it often surfaces in AAPI cultures through unspoken expressions of care (like offering the best piece of fruit instead of saying “I’m sorry”). These gestures, while rooted in love, can go unnoticed unless we intentionally communicate them. Practicing cognitive kindness means reducing that cognitive load, for ourselves and for others, by making the invisible visible. It’s about saying “I’m sorry,” and having an honest conversation, rather than brushing issues under the rug.
The conversation also shed light on the challenges posed by the “model minority” myth and the bamboo ceiling. AAPI individuals are often seen as diligent but not as leadership material (an assumption that limits opportunity and representation). Dr. Yu shared how cognitive kindness can help counter this, from democratizing mentorship to valuing diverse communication and leadership styles.
We also explored cultural imposter syndrome: the feeling of not being “enough” for either American or heritage cultures. Here too, kindness to self becomes essential. Recognizing our complex identities as strengths, rather than shortcomings, empowers us to show up fully and authentically.
To nourish both body and mind, we shared an incredible meal from Mali, a beloved local Thai restaurant, allowing our whole house to feed both their minds and stomachs. Sharing food rooted in AAPI culture helped ground the conversation and honor the richness of our heritage.
We wrapped the session with our Kindness Board: an invitation for all BH thinkers to document and share small acts of kindness throughout May. It’s a simple yet powerful reminder that kindness doesn’t just connect us; it multiplies strength across our teams.
As Dr. Yu reminded us, resilience isn’t just about pushing through. It’s about building systems of care that sustain everyone’s capacity to think, feel, and thrive.
Special thanks to everyone at Asian@BCGBrightHouse who organized and brought this event to life. And heartfelt appreciation to the Sewanee connections: Managing Director Cathy Carlisi, who brought Dr. Yu to BrightHouse as our Luminary Fellow, and Sher Shah, a current student who leaned in and helped activate the Kindness Board and this meaningful session.