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Helen Lao, a first-generation American, left a secure HR career to build Clear Path Solutions, one of the top executive search firms in the U.S. In this conversation, she shares her journey from selling tires to leading a national team, her philosophy of relationships over transactions, and the bold risks that shaped her success.

Timestamps:

00:01 – Betting on herself: founding Clear Path Solutions

01:31 – Growing up first-generation, language barriers & resilience

02:49 – Expectations, being the “black sheep,” and work ethic

04:22 – Selling tires as the only woman in the room—becoming top salesperson

05:10 – Transition to recruiting and early HR career

06:39 – Quitting a stable HR role (with 4 kids) to start a firm from scratch

09:30 – Early struggles: $700 split payroll and hand-written checks

10:39 – Matchmaking philosophy: cultural fit over job titles

14:47 – Leadership traits of top CEOs & listening as a superpower

24:58 – Saying “no” to clients: living from abundance, not scarcity

38:17 – Boldest move: walking away from stability into entrepreneurship

45:20 – Advice to women leaders: unlearn silence, speak boldly