Erica Chen

San Francisco

Technical Editor at Splunk (Blog)

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Articles

He Didn’t Get It. That’s Not Who I’m Speaking For.

1 month ago | medium.com | Erica Chen

I’m here for the ones who’ve been holding it together for far too long. Yesterday, I went to a speaker event. I shared that I’m in a speaking program, doing the deep work of learning how to use my story, my voice, and my presence in a powerful and intentional way. That’s when a man I didn’t know turned to me and said,“I’d rather be gang raped and beaten than pay $26,000 for that.”Yes. He really said that. Out loud. In a professional setting. To a woman he had just met.
She Made Me Quit My Career. She Helped Me Find My Voice.

2 months ago | medium.com | Erica Chen

It’s so easy to hold onto grudges. I used to keep a list in my head of the people who hurt me — those who broke my heart, gave me work trauma, or forced me to face parts of myself I wasn’t ready to see. But with time (and a lot of inner work), I’ve come to realize something important. These people, these souls, weren’t just villains in my story. They were catalysts. They brought the discomfort and chaos that pushed me to move, to grow, to wake up.
From Elf #3 to the Main Stage: My Speaking Journey

2 months ago | medium.com | Erica Chen

It felt like college all over again, only this time, the final exam is standing in front of a crowd and baring your soul. I’ve always loved the stage. From the moment I was cast as Elf #3 in a school play, to emceeing Chinese festivals, to selling my “skills” at the Bank of America talent show, something about standing in front of people, exchanging energy, and telling a good story has always felt like home. When I was five, my aunt signed my sister and me up for a local Macy’s catwalk event.
The Reroute Was the Real Path All Along

Mar 28, 2025 | medium.com | Erica Chen

A coffee shop. A whisper. A song I hadn’t heard in years. Maybe it’s time to go somewhere only you know. Erica Chen·Follow4 min read·--This morning, I followed a feeling — not a plan. My fierce, soul rooted friend and I had meant to grab brunch at Breakfast Den, but there were no seats. Instead of getting flustered, I felt calm. Curious, even. Earlier, I had peeked into another coffee shop, one my cousin Julian had recommended months ago.
I Dare You to Move: Embracing the Challenges Your Soul Chose

Feb 28, 2025 | medium.com | Erica Chen

Erica Chen·Follow3 min read·--Welcome to the planet. Welcome to existence. Everyone’s here. Everybody’s watching you now. Everybody waits for you now. What happens next? I dare you to move like today never happened before. “Dare You to Move” from Switchfoot popped up on my TikTok, and the lyrics hit differently this time. When it first came out as the star song in A Walk to Remember, I was obsessed with the beat, but the message didn’t resonate as much as it does now in my late 30s.
The Heart of a Business: Why Your Team Matters More Than Anything Else

Feb 27, 2025 | medium.com | Erica Chen

Erica Chen·Follow3 min read·--Running a business is overwhelming. There are endless responsibilities, constant fires to put out, and a never-ending list of priorities. During my time at WeWork, I managed a team of eight, oversaw the operations of three buildings, and supported thousands of members. With so many moving parts — teammates, services, and customers — figuring out where to focus my time and energy felt impossible. So, what is the most important?
The Jewelry That Shaped Me: From First Earrings to Lost Treasures

Feb 26, 2025 | medium.com | Erica Chen

Erica Chen·Follow5 min read·--The First Earrings I Ever WantedWhen I was five, I spent hours flipping through catalogs, mesmerized by earrings. The models wearing them looked fierce and brave — and that was exactly who I wanted to be. I never asked for anything — so different from my toddlers now, who seem to ask for the world. But earrings? Earrings were different. They were the first thing I truly wanted.
The World Keeps Spinning - Even When You Step Away

Feb 24, 2025 | medium.com | Erica Chen

Erica Chen·Follow2 min read·--“They would fall apart without me.”I used to think that every time I wrestled with the idea of taking a vacation. Even when I managed to step away, I felt the discomfort the entire time — unable to relax, constantly checking my email and Slack, bracing for the inevitable mess I’d have to clean up when I returned. I tied my worth to my work, believing that the more I sacrificed, the more valuable I became.
Bananas, Bowels, and a Love Story: My Hong Kong Adventure

Feb 18, 2025 | medium.com | Erica Chen

Erica Chen·Follow5 min read·--“Take me to Hong Kong. I’m going to die soon.”How do you not listen to your grandmother when she says that? I was 23, and this trip wasn’t even on my radar. I had just broken up with my boyfriend, and my $45K salary was barely covering my new car payments and student loans. But when Popo made that declaration, I knew I had to make it happen. I found flights and a two-bedroom apartment on Craigslist that promised WiFi and — most importantly — two bathrooms.
The Most Precious Gift We Can Give

Feb 2, 2025 | medium.com | Erica Chen

Erica Chen·Follow2 min read·--Every Sunday, my husband goes to a coffee shop to write. At first, I was surprised that he would use his precious alone time to work. I never understood how deeply he saw writing as a release. He once told me that when he retired, he would spend his days writing. He’d own a little brunch spot, crafting egg dishes with care. Just as his words challenge our thinking and expand our understanding, he loves satisfying our taste buds.