Business
Celebrating Courage, Identity & Inclusion: Chopin Aramouni Inspires on AAPI Voice
What happens when resilience meets opportunity, and a cross-continental upbringing shapes a modern leader? On the latest episode of AAPI Voice, viewers were treated to an unforgettable conversation with Chopin Aramouni, Senior Vice President and President of GM International. His story is not just about career milestones, but an inspiring journey through cultures, challenges, and courageous change.
From Humble Beginnings to Global Leadership
Chopin’s roots are woven into a vibrant tapestry of immigration, family, and ambition. As the son of Indian immigrants, he shared how “my father came over from India, truly the American story with no money... for an education.” His parents’ bravery, their tight-knit family, and the lessons learned in a bustling multicultural household became the foundation for a remarkable career.
From excelling in engineering at Michigan State University to climbing the ranks at GM, Chopin’s trajectory defies stereotypes. He didn't just stick to what he knew—instead, he consistently leapt into unknowns, whether that meant moving from engineering to business management or stepping into leadership roles on a global scale.
Navigating Between Two Worlds
Despite his achievements, Chopin did not shy away from describing his childhood struggles: "There weren't many Asians in the community... not even access to Asian foods." Attending a private Catholic school as an Asian Hindu, he sometimes felt like “the only one.” But connection mattered: caring mentors and welcoming families took him under their wings, teaching him that true belonging supersedes labels.
As he grew, so did his sense of mission. Chopin reflected, “Now I really understand what inclusion means, and what it doesn't look like when it's missing.” For countless viewers, these words hit home.
Shattering Glass Ceilings and Championing Diversity
A recurring theme was Chopin’s navigation of cultural expectations—“My parents raised me to be a doctor or engineer”—and the leap from technical excellence to management. With vulnerability and authenticity, he credited mentors who nudged him beyond self-imposed limits: “If you fail, that's okay. We're here to help teach you, guide you, and grow you.”
He wasn’t content staying in his comfort zone. As opportunities knocked, Chopin learned that “it's not about what function you're in; it's about leadership—helping people pull out their strengths.”
On the persistent challenge of Asian Americans being less likely promoted, his advice was clear: “Think from a skill set basis. See yourself as a differentiator, go after new things—you will inspire others.”
Uplifting Communities and Leading by Example
Chopin’s commitment to inclusion extended beyond GM's walls. With stories about his entrepreneurial father and insights from supplier development, he emphasized thinking differently and never ceasing to learn. Whether in dry cleaning or automotive, innovation plus collaboration yield resilience.
Inside GM, Chopin heads the Asian Connections resource group—a vibrant force born from the unity of previously fragmented ethnic teams. “Together, we accomplish more,” he said, highlighting the group’s impact through education, outreach, and bringing visibility to Asian stories, especially during challenging times for the community.
The Courage to Lead and Speak Up
Asked for advice to the AAPI community during uncertain times, Chopin beamed: “Build upon your strengths—even if others define them for you. But also, be willing to engage and speak up. You might just be the spark for someone else.”
His closing story—a neighbor finally mustering the courage to reach out to an Asian family down the street—reminds us that daily acts of inclusion matter. Sometimes, all it takes is walking across the street.
A Lasting Legacy
Chopin Aramouni’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, connection, and authentic leadership. His story is a rallying call, not just for Asian Americans but for anyone navigating the interplay between heritage and aspiration in today’s world.
“If you’re not willing to engage, all your experiences have no value,” he shared—words that ring true long after the credits roll.
#diversityandinclusion #aapivoice #gm #detv #leadership
敢于跨越与包容并举：GM国际总裁Chopin Aramouni的成长启示
什么是多元与机会的交集？又如何在包容的力量中激发不一样的未来？在最近一期《AAPI Voice》节目中，观众们见证了General Motors（通用汽车）国际总裁Chopin Aramouni的真情讲述。他的故事，不只是闪耀的职场履历，更是一段跨越文化、突破自我的成长旅程。
移民家庭的温暖与挑战
Chopin出身印度移民家庭，父母满怀梦想远渡重洋从零开始。“我父亲当年身无分文来到美国，只为读书”，家中常常挤满新来亲友，但正是这样温暖团结的氛围，成为他坚韧和包容的起点。
从密歇根州立大学一路攻读机械工程、职场初入GM前沿技术小组，到步步高升管理国际市场，Chopin打破了“技术型亚裔只能做工程师”的刻板印象，总是勇敢迈出去，探索新的领域。
穿梭于两种文化之间
Chopin回忆童年时，“我们社区几乎没有亚洲人，甚至买不到亚洲食品”，在私立天主教学校，作为唯一的亚裔印度教学生常常格格不入。不过幸运的是，他遇到一群有爱心的老师和朋友，给了他归属感与力量。他不避讳谈及从自卑、回避到自信、融入的过程：“现在我真切体会到什么是包容，也明白了缺少包容时的孤独。”
打破天花板，激发多元共鸣
面对“亚裔很难从技术岗位晋升为管理者”的现状，他坦言，关键是“要找准自己的独特技能，敢于迈出舒适区”，更要借助导师网络，勇敢尝试。即使失败，也是在成长路上的财富。
他倡导不要被头衔和功能所限制，而应做真正的领导者，“把团队成员的潜力激发出来”。他始终相信，“只要尝试、只要有勇气，身边的人也会被激励起来”。
带动社区，言传身教
除了企业内部包容，他也为AAPI创业者支招：不断学习、善用多元合作和创新思维。回忆父亲的创业故事，Chopin用“高效整合、善用变化”激励创业者要敢于突破，找到属于自己的差异化竞争力。
在GM内部，他领导的Asian Connections员工资源组融合了多个族裔小组，强化了亚裔在企业中的凝聚力。通过进社区、进校园、跨族群交流，将包容的精神真正落到实处。
勇敢发声，每一天都能是转折点
临近节目的尾声，Chopin给社区送上了饱含温度的寄语：“发挥你的优势，主动发声！你的每一句想法，可能都是点燃他人的火花。” 他分享了邻里互动的温馨故事：只需鼓起勇气走出那一步，彼此间的距离就消失了。
多元是动力，成长是答案
Chopin Aramouni的人生告诉我们，每一个克服障碍、敢于开口的人，正在为更包容的未来铺路。无论在公司还是社区，每一次主动、每一个微小的善意，都可能开启不一样的故事。
“如果你不参与、不交流，再丰富的经历也毫无价值。”——这句话，值得每个人收藏。
#多元包容 #AAPI #DETroit #detv #职场成长