Leadership Lessons from Building a $500M Global Skincare Brand with Vicky Tsai

Vicky Tsai’s resume was flawless. Wellesley. Harvard Business School. Wall Street. Big brands like Procter & Gamble and Starbucks. But behind that picture-perfect career was the reality of quiet bias, vague feedback, and being told she did not have “leadership potential.” In this episode of Big Asian Energy, Vicky opens up about the toll of constantly feeling like she did not belong, and the moments that pushed her to rebuild her confidence, her voice, and her self-worth. She shares how she founded the global skincare brand Tatcha, sold it for $500M, stepped away, and then returned as CEO to lead it on her own terms with purpose and joy at the center. If you have ever felt stuck, sidelined, or like you had to shrink yourself to survive in corporate spaces, this conversation will give you the clarity and courage to take your power back. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How corporate systems quietly keep Asian employees “treading water,” or worse What it takes to truly reclaim your confidence, voice, and inner strength when you are in your deepest moments of uncertainty Why real leadership is not about perfectionism or power, but about purpose and calling About Vicky Tsai Vicky Tsai is the founder and current CEO of Tatcha, a luxury skincare brand inspired by traditional Japanese beauty rituals. After years in corporate America left her burned out and disillusioned, a trip to Kyoto sparked a new path. She built Tatcha from her savings, grew it into a global brand, and sold it to Unilever for $500M. After stepping away, she returned as CEO in 2021 to guide the company through a new chapter. Today, she mentors underrepresented entrepreneurs, serves on the board of Room to Read, and champions purpose-driven leadership. Resources Learn more about Tatcha: www.tatcha.comSupport Room to Read: www.roomtoread.org