What are the challenges for these young, ambitious, first-generation immigrant pioneers, and how can they overcome the barriers of learning, language, and culture? How can they compete in a fierce work environment, earn recognition, and advance to senior management in corporate America?

Among these first-generation immigrants are Chinese students who began to arrive in the United States after 1972 when China opened the door to study in America. In the 1980s, more Chinese scholars journeyed to America and other overseas countries for academic and scientific research work. For America, Chinese students were a new business and academic market, and in the1990s the country saw an influx of Chinese students with increasing influence.

They were trailblazers. They were brave, intelligent, and curious, and their experiences represent fascinating case studies for later generations. Today’s Asian-Americans who are entering and navigating western business can learn and build upon the experiences of those who came before them.

We tell the stories of first-generation immigrant pioneers to show the challenges faced by new immigrants eager to succeed in American business. They learn to deal with senior management challenges. The stories honestly reveal the norms, communication styles, mindsets, and politics of corporate business to help other brave souls newly embarking on the same path. These are not things taught in schools; they are the life experiences of a generation.  

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