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Terry Batch's journey from South Georgia to global trade leader will make you rethink what's possible when you embrace every opportunity that comes your way.

What happens when curiosity about different cultures meets the courage to step through unfamiliar doors? Growing up in the American South during the 70s and 80s, Terry's fascination with her Korean and Mexican neighbors sparked a lifelong passion for cross-cultural connection. That curiosity led her to Beijing at age 20, speaking barely a word of Mandarin—a decision that would shape her remarkable career in international trade and diplomacy.

Terry takes us behind the scenes of her nearly 21-year career at the U.S. Department of Commerce, where she established the China team and led the Global Diversity Export Initiative, bringing underrepresented businesses to the global marketplace. She candidly shares her entrepreneurial setbacks—including a painful return to government work after her first attempt at launching Batch Global Strategies—and how that "failure" ultimately built the resilience needed to thrive during 2020's unprecedented challenges. Now, as President and CEO of Global LA and with her revitalized consulting practice, Terry works tirelessly to position Los Angeles as a premier destination for international business and investment.

Between navigating cultural nuances in Beijing and finding her tribe in Los Angeles (which she admits was the harder transition!), Terry offers invaluable insights on leadership, parenthood, and creating international opportunities for the next generation. Her philosophy that "you don't know what you'll do in adversity until you're in it" serves as powerful motivation for anyone facing uncertainty in their professional journey.

📌 ABOUT OUR GUEST:
🔹 Name: Terri Batch
🔹 Title: President & CEO
🔹 Organization: Global LA & Batch Global Strategies
🔹 Guests Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terribatch/

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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/st

Support the show

🎧 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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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/

Support the show

🎧 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.