Patrice Tanaka on Purpose-Driven Leadership, Joy and AANHPI Representation in Communications

In the spirit of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, I sat down with Patrice Tanaka, Founder and Chief Joy Officer of Joyful Planet and a serial public relations entrepreneur, to talk about what it really means to live and lead with purpose as an AANHPI communicator and advocate.

Our discussion explored Patrice’s journey from growing up in Hawaii to becoming a prominent Asian American leader in New York, and how her experiences have shaped her commitment to helping others live and lead with purpose. We talked about the evolution from AAPI to AANHPI, why pan-ethnic unity matters and how greater visibility and representation can strengthen both our communities and the communication profession.

Patrice also shared how she chooses joy in the face of challenges such as anti-Asian hate and professional burnout, and why initiatives like the Diversity Action Alliance and AANHPI Heritage Month programming play an important role in amplifying underrepresented voices. For students and emerging communicators, she offered practical advice on finding purpose, bringing your authentic self to work and having the courage to speak up.

I left our conversation inspired by Patrice's optimism and her belief that purpose and joy are not just personal values, but powerful leadership tools. As we move beyond Heritage Month, her message serves as a reminder that celebrating and elevating AANHPI stories, perspectives and leaders should be a year-round commitment. This conversation is especially valuable for anyone interested in building a more inclusive communication industry while telling stories that make a meaningful impact.

For help in discovering your life and leadership purpose, Patrice invites you to email her at Patrice@JoyfulPlanet.com. She will send you the 11-question My Life Purpose Questionnaire she developed so you can begin living it actively.