In the fall of 1989, during my sophomore year of college, I took a great class about China. The student demonstrations in Tiananmen Square were still fresh in our hearts and headlines so there was an anxious anticipation for this class – beyond a few liberal arts credits and some personal discovery. I felt a connection and conviction with those brave individuals as a fellow student and immigrant Taiwanese American. I was reminded of how grateful I am to live in a country where freedom of expression is cherished and encouraged, and opportunities are endless.
This class about China also uncovered yet another new, powerful and humble appreciation for my adopted country – gratitude to be a girl… in America. I come from a family of only girls – I am the middle of three. When my family immigrated to the U.S. in 1974, it was just the five of us – Dr. and Mrs. Chen and their three daughters. We had no other family in the United States. No other boys. So, I never really lived the Asian cultural difference and significance between girls and boys.
As part of the class curriculum, we watched a documentary called, “Big Happiness, Small Happiness” documenting the place of boys and girls in Chinese culture. When boys are born they are considered a “big happiness” and girls a “small happiness.” I knew that I was a “big happiness” in my parents’ lives, however I did ask myself the following questions:
Would I have the same boundless ambition if I grew up in Taiwan?
Would I have the same boundless ambition if I had a brother?
After I graduated from college, I had the opportunity to start the U.S. distribution company for the medical equipment manufacturer my father started in 1982 and his bothers carried on after he passed away in 1984. I knew that I had status in my father’s family that was rooted deep in tradition. My father was the ultimate “Big Happiness.” He was the number one (in birth order) son, of a number one son, of a number one son. And, he became a successful doctor in the greatest country in the world – America. Though I was given the opportunity to start the company, I was quickly reminded that I was a “small happiness.”
After 18 years of running my company and embarking on a mission to transform my industry and our country, I finally shared this story and challenge in a recent interview with The Next Women – an award winning on-line women’s business magazine. This was a first for me and I was incredibly honored. I thought about all of the women that have embraced, supported, inspired and motivated me in my life…I would not be where I am without them.
So, with this wonderful opportunity to possibly embrace, support, inspire and motivate other women, I would do so with intention, humility and honesty.
The article was released a couple of weeks ago (and re-released Friday February 10th) and it has gone a bit wild getting more than 10 times the reads of any other interview. I do think the headline had a draw and I’m proud to share it.
Being a woman in business, in leadership, and on a mission is unique and very challenging regardless of your ethnicity or background. That is why we must support each other, collaborate together and inspire with intention, passion and honesty. Together, we can create global change, shift cultural traditions and become One Big Happiness.
Sue Chen founded Nova Medical Products in 1993 when she was just 23 years old. Today, Nova has grown to become an industry leader in Mobility and Bathroom Safety products providing greater independence and personal well-being to people at all stages of life. Nova’s mission is strong and simple: take care of our people, take care of our customers, and take care of our community. Sue and her team at Nova are working to educate people about the hope and possibilities of life – regardless of physical challenges – and to empower their customers to live life fully. To read more about Nova Medical Products, visit www.novamedicalproducts.com.
