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Rei Wang
Co-founder at The Grand | Angel Investor
Rei Wang is the Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer of The Grand World, a platform focused on group coaching aimed at addressing issues like loneliness and fostering community through open conversations. She has held this position since April 2019. Before her current role, she served as the CEO of Dorm Room Fund at First Round Capital, where she was involved in mentoring over 250 entrepreneurs and fostering a vibrant startup ecosystem. Her career also includes significant roles at General Assembly as a Product Manager and Global Community Lead, and at GOOD Worldwide Inc. as a Manager.12
Wang holds a Bachelor's degree from Emory University and has completed various programs at General Assembly. She has been recognized in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for her contributions to venture capital.12 In addition to her professional achievements, she is fluent in Chinese and has limited proficiency in Spanish.1
Wang's work at The Grand emphasizes the importance of community and intentional communication, reflecting her belief in the power of connection and empathetic listening in both personal and professional contexts.23
Highlights
Just returned from an incredible trip to the Paris Olympics, where Anita Hossain Choudhry and I had the honor of co-hosting Equity Summit with Angel City Football Club 🌟🥇
The energy was electric as we brought together visionaries from sports, entertainment, and business to tackle gender equity head-on. From intimate talking circles to dynamic panel discussions, we explored real solutions for equity and inclusivity in sports and beyond.
One of the most powerful moments was leading our Life Story Reframe exercise. Watching participants open up, share vulnerabilities, and connect on a deeper level was truly transformative. It reminded me how crucial it is to create safe spaces for authenticity in leadership and life.
The Conversation Circle on authentic leadership styles using DISC was equally impactful, sparking insights on how we can adapt our approaches to bring out the best in our teams. What truly amazed me was seeing The Grand World's exercises and frameworks resonate with a global audience representing 14 countries worldwide. It was a powerful reminder that our mission transcends borders and cultures. 🗺️🌐
Huge thanks to the amazing ACFC founders Kara Nortman, Julie Uhrman, and Natalie Portman for their unwavering commitment to change. Shoutout to ACFC captain Ali Riley for her leadership in modeling vulnerability. And special thanks to Alexis Ohanian Sr. for being a strong ally and supporting me and Anita on our Grand journey.
This summit embodied everything we strive for at The Grand. Our mission is to build a world where everyone can rise to their full potential and no one feels alone. The vulnerability, connection, and growth I witnessed at the Equity Summit reinforced my belief that this future is within reach.
By creating supportive spaces for honesty and self-discovery, we're not just talking about change – we're making it happen, one conversation at a time. Together, we guide each other to overcome challenges and embrace our grandest selves.
As I reflect, I'm reminded of Brené Brown's words: "Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity, and change," I felt their truth as I stood amidst changemakers at the summit from Malala Yousafzai to Khalida Popal. Change starts with us—in moments of connection, courage to be vulnerable, and commitment to uplift each other.
Equity isn't just about policy changes – it's about creating a movement where every individual feels empowered to contribute their unique strengths. At The Grand, we nurture these connections and foster growth that leads to lasting change. Let's carry this Olympic spirit of unity forward, together, we can create a world where equity isn't just a goal, but a reality we live every day.✨
Last week, The Grand World, Gold House and JPMorgan Chase & Co. hosted a special dinner event in celebration of AAPI month. Celebrating AAPI month isn’t just about recognizing our cultural heritage, it’s also about building a supportive community that empowers us all to thrive, grow, and succeed collectively - which is why we named the event Grand Visions, Gold Victories 🌟.
As a founder, having a supportive community is critical. Here are six design principles I use to create events that foster deep connections and build authentic community:
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Go beyond small talk: Encourage vulnerability and meaningful conversations. By giving people permission to open up, we can create opportunities for deeper, more genuine connections.
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Create a conversation guide: Use a simple structure to facilitate engaging discussions. This helps ensure that everyone can participate and share their insights in a meaningful way.
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Design for both introverts and extroverts: Incorporate writing or drawing activities to give introverts space to reflect and express themselves comfortably.
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Set the table: Clearly communicate what guests can expect. Setting intentions and expectations helps guests feel more at ease and ready to engage.
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Ignite the room: Your energy sets the tone for everyone else. Be enthusiastic and welcoming to create a positive, inviting atmosphere.
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Capture the moment and enjoy: Make memories, share stories, and savor the connections you make.
Thank you to Oscar Wong, Sophie Nazerian, and Eugene Choi for co-hosting this event with me! Thanks to Aaron Ishikawa, Alexander Duong, Amy Jin, Benjamin Liu, David T. Hsu, David H. Lee, Diana Nguyen, Eric Chi, Eric Hoang, Henry Kwan, Ju-Djuin Csontos, Kana L., Kelly Chen, Lynn Wang, Nanxi Liu, Saba Karim, Taka Iida, Veronica Ma for joining.
Seeing new friendships blossom and form the foundation for a vibrant and supportive AAPI community in Los Angeles was truly inspiring. In a world dominated by tech and AI, real-life human connections remain the cornerstone of a strong, united community where everyone feels valued and empowered. Together, we can build a dynamic community that uplifts each member, fostering collective growth.
