Alston Chiang, the founder of Acacia Consulting, shares his journey of launching his own recruiting business after a decade in talent acquisition. Despite his experience, the transition from working for someone else to owning his own company was daunting. Chiang emphasizes the value of mentorship in his professional growth, especially as an openly gay Asian man wanting to show others that success is possible without compromising one’s identity. Trusting in collaborators and seeking advice from experts have been crucial lessons he’s learned along the way.
Confidence is a key quality in business, but Chiang stresses the importance of balancing it with realism and transparency. Being open to addressing areas of improvement and asking for help have been valuable lessons for him as he navigates entrepreneurship. Embracing flexibility is also essential as the path to success is rarely linear. Chiang experimented with different business models and clients, stepping outside his comfort zone to gain valuable on-the-ground experience.
In the face of biased behavior and pressure within corporate culture, Chiang emphasizes the importance of being comfortable and authentic in the workplace. Finding his voice and confidence after years in a sales environment, Chiang now advocates for diversity and transparency in talent acquisition. He takes pride in being an openly gay founder and makes it a point to listen to people’s stories to better understand how he can help clients achieve their goals.
Chiang’s journey highlights the importance of mentorship, transparency, and flexibility in entrepreneurship. As a member of the Forbes Business Council, he continues to advocate for diversity and authenticity in the workplace. His experiences serve as a testament to the value of staying true to oneself and embracing challenges along the path to success.
