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Stephen Chung's journey from immigrant child to economic development leader offers a masterclass in resilience and coalition building. After arriving from Hong Kong at age eight and quickly facing family upheaval, Stephen found himself working alongside his mother in sweatshops, earning half a penny per shirt thread he cut. These early experiences with economic hardship fundamentally shaped his understanding of opportunity and equity.

What makes Stephen's leadership approach distinctive is how he transformed perceived weaknesses into strengths. As a self-described introvert who once struggled with public speaking, he learned to "perform" effectively while maintaining authenticity. This balance between vulnerability and capability resonates throughout his career trajectory—from social worker to governmental advisor to his current role leading LA's economic development efforts.

The podcast reveals fascinating behind-the-scenes moments from Stephen's career, including facilitating high-level international relationships during his time at the Port of Los Angeles and arranging for then-Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping to visit Los Angeles.

At the heart of Stephen's philosophy is a commitment to data-driven decision making balanced with genuine human connection. His team at LAEDC produces comprehensive economic research while ensuring that information translates into tangible opportunities for all Angelenos. His newly articulated vision, "A coalition of one, an economy for all," encapsulates his belief that regional prosperity depends on collaboration rather than competition.

For listeners navigating their own leadership journeys, Stephen offers refreshingly practical advice about embracing "scrappiness," learning through observation, and finding strength in diversity of experience. His story demonstrates how personal history—even painful chapters—can inform compassionate and effective leadership. Ready to reimagine what economic development looks like when it centers both prosperity and equity? This conversation provides an inspiring blueprint.

📌 ABOUT OUR GUEST:
🔹 Name: Stephen Cheung
🔹 Title: President & CEO
🔹 Organization: LAEDC & WTCLA
🔹 Guests Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-cheung-a18bb021/

🎧 New episodes every Monday. (Dark in July & December)

🎓 Powered by Los Angeles Leaders Workshops – advancing leadership through immersive learning experiences.

🌐 Learn more at: https://www.losangelesleaders.com/workshops
Let’s build a city of leaders — one story at a time.

🌟 SUPPORT THE PODCAST
Want to sponsor a future episode or provide gifts for our guests?
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🐦 Twitter: https://x.com/laleadersx
📧 Email: cluna@losangelesleaders.com

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What does it take to transform a 170-year-old social service organization while honoring its rich legacy? Steve Gunther knows the answer better than most. As the President and CEO of Maryvale—Los Angeles' first orphanage—Steve has masterfully guided this historic institution through its most significant evolution in over a century.

What makes Steve's approach to leadership truly exceptional is his remarkable self-awareness and humility. During our conversation, he shares a pivotal career moment when he voluntarily stepped down from directing a new program because he recognized he wasn't the right person for that role—even without another position lined up. This level of integrity and organizational commitment exemplifies the servant leadership that has characterized his forty-year career.

Under Steve's guidance, Maryvale has navigated substantial transformation, particularly during the pandemic. Faced with closing their residential treatment program in 2020—representing half of their operation—Steve led a comprehensive strategic planning process that resulted in innovative new services, including Seton House for single mothers with young children. One mother's simple words capture the program's impact perfectly: "I can breathe."

Steve's integration of faith with professional practice offers profound lessons for leaders in any sector. By knowing your values, making decisions consistent with those principles, and surrounding yourself with capable team members you trust, you create an environment where mission and purpose can flourish even through difficult transitions. As Maryvale expands its services and deepens its community connections, Steve demonstrates how honoring tradition while embracing innovation can transform both organizations and lives.

Ready to find your own leadership purpose? Subscribe to the Los Angeles Leaders Podcast for more inspiring conversations with visionaries making a difference in our community.

📌 ABOUT OUR GUEST:
🔹 Name: Steve Gunther
🔹 Title: President & CEO
🔹 Organization: Maryvale
🔹 Guests Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-gunther-msw-b8619922/

🎧 New episodes every Monday. (Dark in July & December)

🎓 Powered by Los Angeles Leaders Workshops – advancing leadership through immersive learning experiences.

🌐 Learn more at: https://www.losangelesleaders.com/workshops
Let’s build a city of leaders — one story at a time.

🌟 SUPPORT THE PODCAST
Want to sponsor a future episode or provide gifts for our guests?
👉 Email cluna@losangelesleaders.com

🔗 CONNECT WITH LOS ANGELES LEADERS
🌐 Website: www.LosAngelesLeaders.com
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/losangelesleaders/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/los-angeles-leaders/
🐦 Twitter: https://x.com/laleadersx
📧 Email: cluna@losangelesleaders.com

🔔 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring stories from leaders shaping Los Angeles and beyond.

#LosAngelesLeaders #LeadershipPodcast #Networking #LosAngelesBusiness #PodcastInterview #Entrepreneurship #LeadershipDevelopment #BeyondNetworking #ChristopherLuna

Leading Los Angeles - Real stories. Real leaders. Real impact.

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When was the last time you took a deep breath? According to Ajit Dodani, your answer might reveal why you're struggling to lead effectively in today's hyperconnected world.

In this powerful conversation, Forbes Coach and Empathify You founder Ajit Dodani takes us on his remarkable journey from growing up in his family's century-old ice cream business in India to becoming a leadership expert who teaches Fortune 500 companies how to build sustainable high-performance cultures.

Dodani's story is one of resilience and transformation. After moving to America at 19, he experienced both remarkable success and devastating setbacks—including finding himself homeless in Los Angeles with just $507 to his name. It was in these moments of crisis that he discovered the power of presence, breathing techniques, and emotional regulation that would later become foundational to his leadership philosophy.

The conversation explores Dodani's groundbreaking "Trust Formula," developed during his 16 years as a CFO at Benetton, where he meticulously documented the traits that build and break trust in organizations. He shares practical insights about shadow values—those unconscious drivers that often contradict our stated values and sabotage our leadership effectiveness.

Particularly timely is Dodani's framework for AI adoption: PI×HI×AI (Personal Intelligence × Human Intelligence × Artificial Intelligence). As he explains, "AI has become the IQ equalizer. Today, within minutes, anyone can know what previously took years to learn." This shift makes human skills increasingly valuable in the workplace—especially the ability to be fully present.

You'll learn practical techniques like box breathing (four counts in, hold, six counts out) that can reset your nervous system during stressful situations, and why successful leaders follow ultradian rhythms rather than pushing through exhaustion. As Dodani puts it, "In a world of hyperconnection and information overload, the person who becomes most human wins."

Connect with Ajit on LinkedIn to access his resources, workshops, and keynotes on trust-building, high-performance cultures, and humanizing AI adoption. What one breathing practice could transform your leadership today?

📌 ABOUT OUR GUEST:
🔹 Name: Ajit Dodani
🔹 Title: Founder & CEO
🔹 Organization: EmpathifyU
🔹 Guests Social:

🎧 New episodes every Monday. (Dark in July & December)

🎓 Powered by Los Angeles Leaders Workshops – advancing leadership through immersive learning experiences.

🌐 Learn more at: https://www.losangelesleaders.com/workshops
Let’s build a city of leaders — one story at a time.

🌟 SUPPORT THE PODCAST
Want to sponsor a future episode or provide gifts for our guests?
👉 Email cluna@losangelesleaders.com

🔗 CONNECT WITH LOS ANGELES LEADERS
🌐 Website: www.LosAngelesLeaders.com
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/losangelesleaders/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/los-angeles-leaders/
🐦 Twitter: https://x.com/laleadersx
📧 Email: cluna@losangelesleaders.com

🔔 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring stories from leaders shaping Los Angeles and beyond.

#LosAngelesLeaders #LeadershipPodcast #Networking #LosAngelesBusiness #PodcastInterview #Entrepreneurship #LeadershipDevelopment #BeyondNetworking #ChristopherLuna

Leading Los Angeles - Real stories. Real leaders. Real impact.