S7EP4: From Tech Career to Coaching: Mo Fong on Empathy-Led Leadership, the Big Rocks Strategy, and Asking for What You Want
3 REASONS THIS EPISODE IS FOR YOU
Lead with empathy and create the psychological safety your team actually needs. Mo Fong walked away from a technology career to follow a deeper calling — and what she discovered along the way will hit you right in the heart. This conversation unpacks what it really means to lead with empathy, and why prioritizing the person in front of you over the task on your to-do list is the secret to building a team that truly thrives. If you've ever wondered how to foster psychological safety without sacrificing performance, this one's for you.
Struggling to manage all your big dreams? Enter the Big Rocks strategy. You know that moment when you have so many goals swirling around in your head — writing a book, raising your kids, building your career — and none of it feels manageable? Mo gets it. As a self-described hyper-achiever, she shares the "Big Rocks" strategy: a simple but powerful way to identify your most meaningful long-term goals and make daily progress that actually moves the needle. Just sit with that for a minute — small, consistent actions do add up to something extraordinary.
Get practical, real-world advice on pivoting your career and asking for what you want — even when fear gets in the way. Here's what I know for sure: imposter syndrome doesn't have to stop you from communicating your ambitions and creating new opportunities. Mo shares a coaching technique that will change how you think about rejection — role-play the worst-case scenario, reframe rejection as data, and watch your fear start to lose its grip. Whether you're navigating a major career pivot or just trying to ask for something you deserve, this conversation gives you the tools to do it.
EPISODE SUMMARY
You know that moment when you look at your career and think, Is this really it? Is there something more I'm supposed to be doing? That's exactly where Mo found herself before making a bold pivot from technology into coaching — and the wisdom she carries from that journey is fire.
In this episode, Mo and I dive deep into what empathy-led leadership actually looks like in practice, and why psychological safety isn't a "nice to have" — it's the foundation of every high-performing team. For all the hyper-achievers out there (you know who you are!), Mo introduces the "Big Rocks" strategy: a methodology for managing long-term goals like authorship, parenting, and career growth through small, intentional daily actions that make even the biggest milestones feel within reach.
We also get real about the fear of asking — and Mo shares a coaching approach that will help you reframe rejection as valuable data instead of a dead end. Whether you're dreaming of a career pivot, struggling with imposter syndrome, or simply ready to start advocating for yourself with more confidence, this conversation is your sign.
You can do hard things. And you don't have to do them alone. Now grab your favorite drink, get cozy, and let's dive in.
About Mo
Mo helps entrepreneurs and leaders find clarity in purpose so they can lead and live with intention. She works with founders and senior leaders navigating growth and complexity, helping them build strong teams, scalable organizations, and meaningful results without losing their values. Drawing on leadership, education, entrepreneurship, and archery, Mo turns insight into focused, purposeful action.
Connect with Mo
Website: http://leifongcoaching.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moleifong/
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Connect with Host Jocelyn Auyeung:
Jocelyn Auyeung is a Life and Career Transitions Coach (ICF PCC) helping people trust their intuition while honoring the reality of their life as they navigate major life and career transitions — so they can move forward with both clarity and alignment. A former educator, mom of two (yes, a tween AND a teen — she's in it), and the host of the Empowered Working Mom Revolution podcast, Jocelyn brings both professional expertise and lived experience to every conversation.
Next Step Session: https://calendly.com/jocelyncoaching/nextstepsession
Website: jocelynauyeung.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jocelynauyeungcoach
Podcast Website: empoweredworkingmomrevolution.com
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