As we continue on in celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, we’re honored to elevate Wanxiang America Corporation President Pin Ni‘s story. The Illinois EDC board member has lived and worked in Illinois since July of 1994.
What inspired your career path and industry involvement?
The synergies between the U.S. and China for business cooperation and value creation.
As an AANHPI leader in your field, what challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them?
Misperception and lack of understanding. I’ve overcome them by transparency, by balancing all parties’ interest to make sure everyone wins (by creating more synergy), and by working together with the community to grow together.
Can you share a key moment in your career that shaped who you are today?
When a customer asked if we would take 60% of his company with no cost to us (while his company was doing great), due to the potential synergistic gain. His math was that 100% of $1 is still just one dollar, but 40% of $10 is $4, and our ability to combine global resources could create a completely new dimension. In moments like this, business magic happens.
Who are (or have been) some of your mentors, role models, or inspirations?
There are so many. Hank Paulson is one; our late chairman Guanqiu Lu is another.
What does success look like to you—professionally and/or personally?
I’m not sure how to separate these two any more; they melt together for me today.
How does being in Illinois contribute to your success as an AANHPI leader (if it does)?
Illinois offers an open-minded and friendly environment to foreign investment, international culture, and global community.
What do you love most about living and working in Illinois?
I love that Illinois is big enough to be international, and small enough that we have very tight-knit community (and plus, I love Chicago’s weather).
What makes Illinois a strong place for AANHPI business leaders?
It’s a place filled with hope, not hate.
What policies, programs, or networks in Illinois have supported your professional growth or your organization’s mission?
The ecosystems Illinois has created for business has been very helpful. Despite being in the Midwest, it’s more international than many other major cities all over the world. We all want to have a feeling that we are “home.”
How do you or your organization support your local community or underrepresented groups?
We support the 100,000 Strong Initiative, in partnership with many schools like Chicago Public Schools, University of Illinois, Northwestern, and University of Chicago. We also have the Wanxiang Solar 1000 Program, through which we have donated solar systems to more than 50 schools in Illinois.
Are there any initiatives or organizations in Illinois that you’re proud to support?
There are so many. As long as it is good for the community, it deserves our efforts.
What inspires you to continue to affect change in your world?
When you see the results from your efforts—nothing is more enjoyable than that.
What does AANHPI Heritage Month mean to you personally?
It means pride, inclusion, and hope.
What would you say to a young AANHPI professional considering launching or relocating their career to Illinois?
Welcome home; we are here to support your dream 🙂
Favorite Illinois historical figure:
President Lincoln
Favorite book of all time:
Too many!
Best business advice you’ve ever given (or received):
Making money is easy, sharing money is much more difficult. But if you know how to share, the money will come.
RELATED POSTS
