E142: Everything Changes When You Learn to Observe | Valerie Won Lee

Most of us think we're observing reality. In reality, we're observing our own assumptions. In this episode of **Perception Paradox**, Zivile sit down with **Valerie Won Lee** to explore why observation may be one of the most valuable skills for founders, leaders, and anyone trying to navigate an increasingly complex world. Growing up across cultures and studying human behavior, Valerie shares how curiosity, cultural intelligence, and deep observation can completely change the way we make decisions, communicate, and build relationships. We discuss: • Why observation beats judgment • How culture shapes our perception • Identity and belonging • Why curiosity is becoming a competitive advantage • The lessons founders can learn from anthropology • How to become a better observer-in business and in life Sometimes the biggest shift isn't changing the world around you. It's changing the way you see it. Connect with Valerie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-won-lee/ Website: valeriewonlee.com Hosted by Zivile Einikyte: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zivileeinikyte/  Chapters: 00:00 Navigating Cultural Identity 03:58 The Journey of Self-Discovery 06:25 Resilience Through Curiosity 08:36 Experiencing Different Cultures 13:29 Lessons from the Pacific Islands 20:56 Observing Cultural Dynamics 25:49 The Impact of Technology on Collective Wisdom 30:48 Building a Better Future 39:13 Final Thoughts and Reflections