Redundancy to Reinvention with an Innovation Leader (Lucy Lin’s Story)
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Redundancy. Reinvention. Risk‑taking.
In this special episode of Emerging Tech Unpacked, I (host Lucy Lin) flip the microphone and share my own leadership odyssey - from six‑year‑old migrant arriving in Australia from Taiwan, to teaching in Japan, global professional in London and Canada, and now innovation leader, founder and STEM podcast host.
You’ll hear the honest story behind the LinkedIn headlines: navigating culture shock and language barriers, building a global career across technology, law and financial services, facing a career‑shaking redundancy, and turning it into a values‑led portfolio career in consulting, ecosystem building and emerging tech communications.
We dive into nonlinear career paths, the mindset shift from “Why is this happening to me?” to “What matters to me?”, and why I believe communication is the foundation of modern leadership and a true power skill.
If you’re a founder, emerging leader, woman in STEM, global citizen or someone sitting at a career crossroads, this episode will give you practical inspiration to follow your curiosity, back your adaptability and design work that aligns with your values.
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Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Lucy Lin's Journey
01:41 Early Life and Migration to Australia
04:19 Settling in Australia and Cultural Adaptation
10:57 Educational Pursuits and Career Beginnings
16:02 Teaching in Japan: A Formative Experience
20:56 Professional Growth in the UK
27:57 Innovation and Corporate Roles in Australia and Canada
36:27 Facing Redundancy and Embracing Entrepreneurship
39:18 Starting the Entrepreneurial Journey
40:30 Transitioning from Corporate to Entrepreneurship
41:49 Naming the Business: Forestlyn
44:37 Challenges and Realities of Entrepreneurship
47:20 Teaching Entrepreneurship Skills to Diverse Founders
55:59 Launching a Podcast: Emerging Tech Unpacked
01:08:40 Reflections on a Portfolio Career
