929: Confidence Through Culture With Angela Zeng
Dr. Angela Zeng is the founder and CEO of Karviva Wellness Beverages and co-founder of Fulfill Food & Beverages, where she leads the development of low-sugar, whole plant-based, prebiotic functional drinks grounded in Traditional Chinese Medicine and modern nutrition. With more than 22 years of experience across the functional beverage and pharmaceutical industries, she holds a PhD in Pathology and an MBA from leading U.S. institutions, with deep expertise in TCM, biochemistry, and medical research. Dr. Zeng’s work is driven by a commitment to making science practical and healing accessible, creating products that support everyday wellness while prioritizing environmental responsibility. Karviva has been featured in major media outlets including USA Today and Bon Appétit, earned top honors at the World Beverage Innovation Awards, and received recognition from organizations such as the U.S. Pan-Asian American Chamber of Commerce. A Titan 100 CEO Honoree and TEDx speaker, Dr. Zeng is also an immigrant and mother, and currently resides in St. Louis, Missouri with her family. Angela discusses how embracing and sharing Traditional Eastern Chinese medicine became the foundation for both her cultural confidence and the creation of a successful beverage company. Tune into her episode to listen to her story.
Audio is streamed directly from the publisher (cdn.simplecast.com) as published in their RSS feed. Play Podcasts does not host this file. Rights-holders can request removal through the copyright & takedown page.
Show Notes
Bio
Dr. Angela Zeng is the founder and CEO of Karviva Wellness Beverages and co-founder of Fulfill Food & Beverages.
Cultural Background
Angela is of Chinese descent.
Favorite Self Confidence Quote
Courage is not the absence of fear, but the decision that something else is more important.
Definition of Self Confidence
Self-confidence is a quiet trust in your values and the skills you’ve earned, allowing you to act with clarity even when outcomes are uncertain. It’s not loud—it’s steady, teachable, and renewed through disciplined action and lifelong learning.
Her Life Before the Discovery of Self Confidence
Like many highly educated women, Angela chased perfection: publications, protocols, external validation. As a new immigrant woman in science and business, she often minimized her voice, waited for permission, and believed she had to be flawless before she moved.
The “AHA” Moment
Angela's turning point came during a painful family mental-health crisis that reminded her: healing requires patience and presence, not perfection. She stopped trying to please everyone and started truly serving. She also overcame the fear of honoring Traditional Eastern Healing Wisdom in a society where many still hesitate to trust other cultures. Angela built Karviva around real needs—gentle, low-sugar nourishment—and leaned into my cross-cultural lens.
Her Life After the Discovery of Self Confidence
Since then, Angela has led with more courage, set boundaries confidently, and measured success by impact: customers who feel better, employees who grow, and communities we educate.
The One Self Confidence Tip for the Listener
Collect evidence: keep a “wins” log: data builds belief.
Borrow courage: join rooms that stretch you; mentors and peers are force multipliers.
Do one brave thing daily: a pitch, a boundary, a request. Confidence compounds.
Own your lens: your background is not a detour; it’s your differentiation.
Regulate your body: sleep, hydration, and whole foods make courage sustainable.
Interview Links
If you would like to connect with Sheena, here is the following:
Connect with me: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Tiktok | LinkedIn | YouTube | Website
P.S. If you are looking for ways to help women in your company increase their self-confidence to become effective leaders, you can contact me as I hold workshops and talks on this subject. You can contact me here.
P.P.S. Order my latest book Bridging the Confidence Gap. Click here to order your copy of the book
P.P.P.S. Order my book Wiley, The Tao of Self-Confidence, today. Click here to order your copy of the book.
Are you looking for more speaking opportunities? This is your time to be seen.
Get your free VISIBILITY Framework ToolKit. Click here to download it today.
Want to manifest like a queen? Click here to learn how.
"Let’s Build Your Queendom With A.I!" Click here to get on the waiting list.