Rooted in Resilience: A Journey from Refugee to Global Leader

• Catherine reflects on her formative years as a christian chinese minority fleeing from Jakarta to America.
• She talks about how and why she gained a passion for global supply chain management and.
• She shares how her leadership is driven by empowering others through mentorship and authenticity.

1. Could you tell us a bit about your childhood and how it shaped the person you are today? 

Born in Jakarta, Indonesia, I left during the racial and religious civil war at 12 years old, alone. As a Christian Chinese girl, I was a minority twice over. My brothers were in California, and that’s where I landed, going through asylum before becoming a U.S. citizen. 

Middle school was brutal. I didn’t speak English, and I had no parents with me; I was thrown into a completely different world. But my foundation was strong. My mother used to say, “Nothing will ever change who you are. You will always be my daughter. There’s nothing you can do more, and nothing you can do wrong, that would take that away.” That kind of unconditional love grounds you. Especially for girls, it becomes a quiet kind of armor. She’d also remind me, “Don’t care so much about what others think. You’re not getting your rice grains from them.” That line stuck. It taught me not to hand my worth over to anyone else.

2. Could you tell us about your professional journey and what inspired you to pursue a career in Strategic Procurement and Supply Chain Management? 

There was no clear plan; it was just instinct. I started as a math major, then took a biochemistry class that changed everything. The energy felt right. That led to an internship at Genentech in San Francisco, my first real job, and it set the tone for everything that followed. 

I joined their two year rotation program and explored manufacturing, quality, commercial operations, and supply chain. Supply chain lit me up. It’s global, human, and ever evolving. Procurement especially stood out. I loved partnering with suppliers, solving real problems together, and seeing how science connects to people and markets. 

3. You have significant experience in organizational leadership. How do you define leadership, and how do you think you have evolved as a leader? 

I used to think leadership meant looking polished and having all the answers. But that mindset led to burnout. Now, I see leadership as shared space. If you’re doing it all yourself, something’s off.

Leadership is about inviting others to help build the ship and sail it. It requires self awareness, empathy, and the willingness to let others lead. It’s not about being the hero. It’s about creating outcomes together.

4. As a leader in your field, how do you approach mentoring or guiding those who look up to you? 

By being real. I ask questions instead of giving answers and share failures, not just wins. Mentorship is about walking beside someone, not ahead. It’s about helping them hear their own voice, not echo mine.

5. Can you tell us some of the biggest challenges you faced managing cross-border procurement, and how you navigate regulatory or cultural differences? 

Time zones are a real challenge. With suppliers across Asia, Europe, and the U.S., someone is always working at an inconvenient hour. Then there are regulatory nuances, especially in healthcare, where compliance requirements shift from country to country. Culture adds another layer. A “yes” in one place might mean “no” somewhere else. Listening becomes your best skill. Asking clarifying questions, reading between the lines, and relying on trusted local partners helps bridge those gaps. Adaptability and humility go further than any playbook. 

6. Having managed strategic sourcing and strategy initiatives in general, what are some common mistakes you have seen in the field? 

Over focusing on cost is a big one. Going with the cheapest option can lead to delays, poor quality, and missed innovation. Long term value should always guide sourcing decisions. 

Another misstep is treating procurement like a gatekeeper instead of a strategic partner. Misalignment creates friction. Strong relationships and shared goals bring clarity and keep the team grounded, marching to the same drum.

7. What’s something you’ve unlearned in your career or in life? 

That my value is tied to productivity. Growing up as an immigrant, there was pressure to prove I belonged. I thought if I wasn’t producing, I wasn’t enough. But I’ve learned rest is productive too. Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish. And vulnerability, especially in leadership, is not a weakness. It’s how trust is built.

8. Can you tell us about some of your hobbies and interests besides work? 

Dancing, both ballroom and rhythm, hands down. It’s a multidimensional connection with music, your partner, and yourself. I also love mentoring. It fills me up. Hiking brings balance and reconnects me to life. The ocean is where I release what no longer serves me, and the mountains are where I find my next step. 

9. What are some things you’re most grateful for, personally or professionally?

The people who believed in me before I did. My mother’s relentless prayers and encouragement. Mentors who propel me forward. And the failures, because they’ve taught me more than any win.

10. Have you had a mentor or anyone in your journey who significantly influenced your life? 

My older brother, my first example of courage and sacrifice. And one of my earliest mentors, who took a chance on me and supported me through both my personal and professional journey. From preparing to present to executive leadership to being there through motherhood and my evolution as a woman standing strong in her feminine energy, she shaped me deeply. 

11. What advice would you give to the youth and upcoming professionals who aspire to have a career in Strategic Procurement and Supply Chain Management? 

Stay curious. Ask questions. Build relationships. They’re more valuable than any technical skill, though you need both to succeed. Find your community. You don’t have to do it alone. And remember, even early in your career, your voice has weight. Use it.

Catherine has a story of resilience, adaptability and growth. From taking refuge in America as a child unable to communicate with anyone to leading in a complex global industry. Her story inspires us by showing how true resilience and self worth shape an empathetic leader.