From Taiwan With Nothing to US Tech Founder: Anya Cheng on Thriving in the Chaos of Start-Ups

How do you keep going when the path ahead is full of unknowns? In this episode, Zoë is joined by tech entrepreneur Anya Cheng for a rich, honest conversation about navigating change — and backing yourself when things feel uncertain. Anya’s story takes us from early career rejection and visa struggles to founding her own company, Taelor, which helps people look sharp without the usual stress of shopping or laundry. Along the way, she talks about the skills she’s carried through it all — resilience, connection, and a knack for solving problems in unconventional ways. It’s a conversation about the messy, nonlinear path to success — and how our superpowers often come from the things we first had to fight for. Whether you’re leading something, starting something, or still figuring it all out, there’s something in here for you. ⸻ In this conversation: • What rejection teaches you — and why it matters • The scrappy, human side of breaking into a new industry • Building Taelor — and solving real-life problems through tech • Creating a business that reflects your values • The difference one person’s belief can make • When you know what “good” looks like… but you’re still building • Spotting potential in others (even when it’s not obvious) • Thriving in chaos — and knowing when it’s time to grow ⸻ Find out more: • Anya Cheng on LinkedIn • taelor.style — use code podcast for a discount Connect with Zoë on LinkedIn More at The Career Equation website