FACE OF THE WEEK
FACE OF THE WEEK: Dr. Marissa Pei – A Trailblazer in Life Balance, Hope, and Happiness
Meet Dr. Marissa Pei, an extraordinary Inspirational Speaker, Celebrity Host/Producer, and Author whose impact has touched millions.
As the host of the award-winning syndicated show “Take My Advice, I’m Not Using It: Get Balanced with Dr. Marissa”, airing on CNBC/NBC News Radio, IHeartRadio, Spotify, and other major platforms, Dr. Marissa has established herself as a leading voice in the world of personal development, life balance, and happiness.
Known to many as the #AsianOprah, Dr. Marissa has a remarkable career that spans multiple industries. From her broadcasting career as a Good News reporter and journalist—where she has interviewed A-list celebrities like Halle Berry and John Travolta—to writing for top publications like Inc. and Forbes, Dr. Marissa has built a platform that encourages people to find hope and happiness no matter where they are in life.
Her #1 Amazon and National Bestselling book, “8 Ways to Happiness from Wherever You Are”, has inspired millions globally, selling out on tours in countries like Australia, China, and being available at Walmart and Target alongside other major bookstores. The book is her “self-help book on steroids”, helping readers realize that while pain in life is inevitable, suffering is optional. Her work continues to empower individuals in overcoming challenges, building resilience, and embracing happiness.
Beyond her writing and media presence, Dr. Marissa’s corporate consulting work has brought her to Fortune 500 companies, where she helps with leadership, teamwork, communication, diversity, and change management. Known for her profound insights into the human psyche, she also helps organizations understand why employees may “do weird things” at work!
Her impressive academic background, combined with her practical approach to personal development, led Dr. Marissa to be invited back out of retirement from Boston University and UCLA Anderson Graduate School of Management. She now teaches at Shanghai’s top universities, sharing her expertise in Personal Mastery and helping leaders overcome self-sabotage.
Dr. Marissa’s impact extends into filmmaking as well. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she became an award-winning filmmaker, producing the short film PPP: Post Pandemic Possibilities and a docufilm “The Road to Race: Ending Racism without White Privilege.” Her screenplay, “Life by a Thousand Cuts”, focuses on the complex relationship between mothers and daughters and the healing process.
A true multi-hyphenate, Dr. Marissa is also a singer/songwriter, a Balance Tai QiQong teacher, and a stand-up comic—recently invited to perform at Canada’s largest comedy club, Yuk Yuks, where Jim Carrey began his comedy career!
Her many accolades include prestigious honors such as:
- 2005 Role Model of the Year Award in Business and Media
- 2007 Remarkable Woman of the Year Award
- 2012 Asian Entrepreneur of the Year
- 2014 Asian Heritage Award
- 2016 Podcast of the Year Award
- 2016 Business Lotus Award
- 2017 Iconic Women Creating a Better World from the WEF India
- 2022 ACMA Media Excellence Award
- 2023 Gestalt OSD Lifetime Achievement Award
Despite her impressive career, Dr. Marissa’s greatest joy remains being a mom to two beautiful daughters and racing in 34 seasons of competitive sailboat racing. Her life motto? “Don’t Die Wondering!”
Dr. Marissa Pei continues to inspire individuals across the globe, showing us that true balance, hope, and happiness are achievable through resilience, self-expression, and a commitment to growth.
For more updates, interviews, and inspiring stories, follow Dr. Marissa on her social media and listen to her podcast, “Take My Advice, I’m Not Using It”.
| DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS FACE OF THE WEEK
FACE OF THE WEEK: Dr. Marissa Pei – A Multi-Hyphenate Champion of Happiness, Media, and Entrepreneurship
Can you tell us a little about yourself and what you do?
My name is Dr. Marissa Pei, and I’m known as #AsianOprah. I was introduced to Oprah as the Asian Oprah by her friend, Michael Bernard Beckwith, and Oprah responded by complimenting my pants. I couldn’t help but think, “Do you want them?” (laughs). It’s a compliment to be known as the Asian Oprah, as I credit Oprah with bringing meaningful conversation into mainstream media. In an era dominated by shock talk shows, Oprah opened the door to discussions about self-love and happiness. I try to follow in her footsteps as a media personality, host, producer, motivational speaker, author, filmmaker, influencer, and—because I’m an overachiever—singer/songwriter, Tai Chi instructor, and stand-up comic. I’m also a proud mom, and my life motto is, “Don’t die wondering!”
What inspired you to pursue your career or business?
There were several crossroads that inspired me to do everything I do today. My educational background in organizational psychology prepared me to consult Fortune 500 companies on power politics, miscommunication, and conflict. I was invited to become a professor at UCLA, and one of my graduate students told me that my talents were being wasted and suggested I should be on camera. That conversation led me to becoming an expert commentator on Fox, ABC, and Discovery Channel specials. From there, it was a logical next step to launch my own talk show, write books, and speak on stages globally. I’m determined to prove that being a multi-hyphenate is not only possible, but it’s the new normal. The world is full of people stuck in jobs they hate because they believe the outdated phrase, “Jack of all trades, master of none.” But who says you can’t excel at many things? I’m living proof you can!
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your career/business and how did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge was overcoming the personal challenge of divorce, which forced me to look inward and examine my own happiness. I began building a brand around hope and happiness, and I wrote a #1 Amazon bestseller, 8 Ways to Happiness from Wherever You Are. It’s a reflection of how many of us experience childhood trauma, but how we can grow into the truth that we are all worthy of happiness. This work helped me embrace my purpose in a deeper way, and it all began with overcoming personal adversity.
How do you stay motivated and focused on your goals?
I stay motivated by tapping into my deep competitive nature. I’ve always wanted to be the best, ever since I was a kid. That drive has stayed with me, and I channel it into everything I do. I also work out daily, which helps me stay disciplined and grounded in my goals.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned in your career/business journey so far?
Consistency and persistence are key. Stay consistent day in and day out. No matter what setbacks come your way, keep going strong. Every step you take, even the missteps, is moving you closer to where you need to be.
How do you define success?
Success, for me, is about impacting the most people in a positive manner. It’s not about material gain—it’s about creating a ripple effect of happiness and positivity that continues long after your efforts.
What is your biggest dream, and how are you working towards achieving it?
My biggest dream is my Happy 88 mission—to help 88 million people find happiness in the next eight years. I’m working towards this dream by broadcasting every weekday morning on my show, engaging on social media, and using my platform to spread inspiration. Every day, I work towards helping others improve their well-being.
How has your faith or spirituality played a role in your career/business?
Faith and spirituality play a huge role in both my personal and professional life. I’m not religious, but I am spiritual. I believe in the power of gratitude and prayer. Spirituality keeps me centered, provides inner peace, and helps me navigate challenges. It has allowed me to grow emotionally and has been essential in my work as an actor, broadcaster, and speaker.
Who is your biggest inspiration, and why?
My biggest inspiration is my “big brother”, Dr. Michael Bernard Beckwith, who not only introduced me to Oprah as the Asian Oprah, but also saw who I truly was when I was going through one of the hardest times in my life. He helped me realize my worth, and his mentorship has had a profound impact on my journey.
How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance?
I maintain balance by prioritizing rest and relaxation. When I feel stressed or overwhelmed, I reward myself by taking time off to relax, play Mahjong, go for walks, or watch movies. Setting boundaries and taking care of myself allows me to be my best for my family, my career, and my work.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in your field?
I always say: experiment and have fun. Try everything, and don’t be afraid to take risks. Life is short, so don’t limit yourself to one path. Embrace the possibilities and learn from every experience.
What is something that people often misunderstand about your work/business?
People often misunderstand that I need to call myself the Asian Oprah. It’s something I’ve embraced with humor, especially when I introduce myself to celebrities like Halle Berry or John Travolta, who enjoy the reference. It makes the interviews fun and lighthearted, which is part of my approach to media work.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your work/business?
The most rewarding aspect is seeing how my work impacts others. When I’m able to help someone discover their own happiness or guide them through their personal struggles, that’s the true reward for me.
What is something that you’re passionate about outside of your work/business?
I’m incredibly passionate about sailboat racing. It’s been my therapy for over 35 seasons, and I love the competition and teaching underprivileged kids how to race at the US Sailing Center.
What is the most valuable skill you have learned in your career/business?
The most valuable skill I’ve learned is the ability to network effectively at a high level. I’ve built relationships with industry leaders, and this has been crucial for my success.
What is something you wish you knew when you were just starting out in your career/business?
I wish I had known that people’s opinions don’t matter as much as I thought. What really matters is how I feel about myself, and being true to my own values and beliefs.
How do you deal with failure or setbacks? What is your philosophy in life?
I don’t see setbacks as failures—they are simply missed takes. I view life as a journey, where every experience chisels me into a better version of myself. I focus on the best case scenario instead of dwelling on the worst.
What is one life lesson you’ve learned a little too late?
Everything is right on time. There’s no need to rush or worry because things will unfold when they are meant to.
What is one thing that you have accomplished that you’re most proud of?
The one thing I’m most proud of is raising two beautiful daughters and showing them the value of living authentically, with love and gratitude. The gift of parenthood has been my greatest achievement.
How do you see yourself and your business/career evolving in the future?
I see my business and career evolving to incorporate AI into our online programs to help reach a larger audience.
How do you give back to your community or make a positive impact in the world?
I give back through my nonprofit, Eight Ways to Happiness, which helps young people rediscover their birthright to happiness. I also highlight nonprofits on my show that make a difference in various communities.
Do you have a favorite quote? What is it?
My favorite quote is:
“When there is no enemy within, no one outside can hurt you.” – African proverb.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
The best advice I’ve received is “don’t take yourself too seriously” and the advice I give is INTBOAD (It’s not that big of a deal!).
How do you stay innovative and adapt to changing circumstances in your field?
I stay innovative by practicing meditation, being open to inspiration, and learning from social media. I also challenge myself with new activities to keep my mind sharp.
ABOUT DIZZYDIDDY+MAG FACES:
“Celebrating Impactful Achievements Across Various Fields”
DIZZYDIDDY+MAG has launched a new initiative called “Face of the Week,” which aims to showcase the achievements of men and women who are making an impact in various fields, including entrepreneurship, entertainment, education, communication, and more. Each week of the year, from January to December, a new face will be introduced to the public through DIZZYDIDDY+MAG’s platform.
Many of these faces of the week will also be honored at the Crownys, which are the DIZZYDIDDY+MAG Awards and where all the faces and people who worked or partnered with DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS will be celebrated. The ultimate goal of this initiative is to give recognition and exposure to individuals who are making a positive difference in their respective fields.
The initiative will culminate with the release of a printed magazine in December for the Face Of The Year.
By highlighting the achievements of these individuals, DIZZYDIDDY+MAG hopes to inspire and encourage others to pursue their passions and make a positive impact in the world.
