Episode 5:
Living the Life They Didn't Choose For You - Creativity, Rest, and Partnership as Asian Americans
with Alice Teng and Jon Eng
What happens when the life your parents envisioned isn’t the one you want?
In this episode of Courage Class, Lindsay is joined by Mike and close friends Alice Teng and Jon Eng to explore leaving “safe” careers, navigating cultural expectations, and choosing creativity, rest, and authenticity—both individually and as a couple. This conversation is for anyone balancing family expectations with the courage to build a life that feels true.
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The alternative scared me the most – thinking my life would be 800 hours of [medical] residency in a place that didn’t give me joy. That was more terrifying than pursuing what I loved…If I just followed my parents’ dream for my life, then what a wasted life that was.”
Alice Teng
What you learn in this episode:
- How to navigate the tension between honoring family expectations and listening to one’s own inner knowing.
- Why creativity, joy, and rest are legitimate and meaningful life choices, not failures of responsibility.
- What it takes to make a nontraditional career shift with both courage and practical planning.
- How community, partnership, and role models make bold transitions more sustainable.
- How using a regret-minimization lens can clarify decisions and reduce fear around choosing differently.
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About the Guests
Alice Teng is the Executive Director of Asia Week New York. She joined the organization in 2023 as Production and Content Manager, supporting the presentation of Asia Week New York’s exhibitions and programs and amplifying the work of the Asian art community.
Alice brings nearly two decades of experience in the arts, with prior roles at MD Flacks, Ltd. Oriental Furniture and Art, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), Tate Britain, M+ Hong Kong, and contemporary art galleries. As Executive Director, she oversees strategic planning, programming, and partnerships, with a focus on expanding Asia Week New York’s reach and impact while supporting the breadth of Asian art.
Find Alice on LinkedIn
Jon Eng is a Managing Director of Middle Market and Mid-Corp Banking at Axos Bank, where he leads regional client relationships and business development efforts. Prior to joining Axos, Jon held roles at Citi and Lloyds Bank, building experience across middle-market banking and financial services.
Between his financial roles, Jon explored work in the performing arts, appearing in television series including Grey’s Anatomy, SEAL Team, and 9-1-1. While no longer pursuing acting professionally, this creative chapter continues to inform his communication style, adaptability, and leadership approach.
Find Jon on LinkedIn
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