#100 LinkedIn APAC Executive Opens Up About Gender Equality, the Pay Gap… and Raising 3 Daughters | Dave Yang

How does a father raise daughters in a world he knows still isn’t fair to them… and what does he do about it?In this conversation, I speak with Dave Yang, LinkedIn’s APAC leader, who shares the deeply personal moments that reshaped his views on women in leadership, gender equality, and what real strength looks like.He talks about confronting his early ignorance around the pay gap, learning from the women who worked beside him, and the pivotal moment he fought to change maternity-leave policy for a young mother in his team.Dave also reflects on the tug-of-war between his Asian and American identities, the vulnerability of raising three girls, and the legacy he hopes his daughters inherit from his name… not just his career.If you’re drawn to stories about fatherhood, identity, inclusive leadership, and the emotional journey behind doing what’s right, this episode will touch you in unexpected ways.IN THIS EPISODE(00:00) The moment that shattered everything he thought he knew(04:05) When doing the “right thing” suddenly got complicated(06:17) The identity tug-of-war no one prepares you for(07:56) Why he chose Singapore — and what it unlocked(09:21) The uncomfortable truth about progress nobody says out loud(11:12) The parenting moment that rewired his entire leadership(14:12) The surprising business case nobody can ignore anymore(16:38) The strength he found only after admitting weakness(18:07) One woman who changed his definition of leadership forever(19:43) The lesson he learned the hard way — from a child(22:02) His painfully honest definition of success right now(22:53) The rapid-fire round that reveals more than he expected💫 ABOUT DAVE YANGDavid Yang is the Head of SMB & Mid-Market for Asia-Pacific at LinkedIn, with over 20 years of leadership experience across Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, and Grab. He also leads External Partnerships for Women@LinkedIn, championing equity and representation across the region. Outside of work, he’s a proud father of three daughters, who are his greatest source of purpose and inspiration.CONNECT WITH DAVE → https://www.linkedin.com/in/dyang77/YanaTV is a socially responsible platform, and in this episode we are supporting our guest Dave’s initiative to raise funds for HCSA Dayspring, which provides trauma recovery, education support, and long-term care for young women recovering from abusive relationships. Dave aims to help them reach their $50K goal, and we invite you to join him—every contribution makes a real difference: https://lnkd.in/g893VSaj💫 ABOUT YANA FRYYana Adamanta Fry is an internationally recognized speaker, transformational coach, and founder of Awaken Human and The Academy of LOVE — pioneering platforms at the intersection of conscious leadership, emotional intelligence, and soul-based success. With over 15 years of global experience and clients from 30+ countries, she blends ancient wisdom with modern strategy to help high-achieving women and conscious men create lives of purpose, intimacy, and impact. Join me for Return to Love – a 28-day guided journey into LOVE.🌹 Next cohort starts on 18 Jan 2026 → http://bit.ly/3IAKXfBLET’S CONNECTLinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/yanafry Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/yanafry Bookings → [email protected] → YanaTV Channel❤️ RETURN TO LOVE → http://bit.ly/3IAKXfB 👉 If this episode resonates, please follow YanaTV, share it with someone you love, and leave a review - it helps us bring more untold stories into the world.And tell me in the comments: What does success mean to you - today, in this season of your life?