Why subscribe?

I write the unvarnished truth about work, careers, politics, and culture—and their messy convergence. And I deliver it in a way that’s fresh, funny, and, occasionally, infuriating. You don’t read me to feel comfortable.

I start with the premise that work is central to our lives but that it’s often a fraught relationship. My mission is to dig behind the corporate rhetoric, explode conventional wisdom, and give it to you straight about the wages of success and failure. I’ll also talk about the elephant in the room—sexism, racism, bullying, depression, and other sticky issues that are often swept under the corporate rug.

I know what I’m talking about.

You might know me as the “Unfiltered” columnist at Bloomberg Law and the “Careerist” columnist at The American Lawyer. I’ve been writing about law and business for over 20 years. As a result, I have a very fat rolodex (remember those things?) packed with great sources.

Many moons ago, I was a corporate lawyer. Though I practiced for almost five years, I felt greatly miscast in that role. (Impostor syndrome?) But I don’t regret that detour because it gave me insights into the game of Big Law and business. Plus, it’s supplied me with buckets of material.

My opinion writing has won accolades from the Jesse H. Neal Awards, The Society of American Business Editors and Writers (SABEW), The American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE), and the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ).

I am a frequent speaker at law firms, corporations, law schools, and professional organizations. Among the topics I’ve addressed: Big Law’s women problem, diversity ambivalence, leadership, generational clashes at work, and fashion in the workplace. You name the topic, and I’ll deliver.

My personal story.

Born in Taiwan, I immigrated to the U.S. when I was six years old. Raised in Houston, I was determined to get out of Texas from an early age. I got my chance when I went to Williams College, then New York University School of Law.

I live in New York City with my family. Now that both of my daughters have graduated from college and are duly employed with 401(k) plans, I’d like to think my parental duties are over. But who am I kidding?

Stay up-to-date.

Never miss an update—every new post is sent directly to your email inbox. For a spam-free, ad-free reading experience, plus audio and community features, get the Substack app.

Join the crew

Be part of a community of people who share your interests. Participate in the comments section, or support this work with a subscription.

To learn more about the tech platform that powers this publication, visit Substack.com.

Logo art by Haley Koo