Leadership is no longer defined solely by profits and results. It’s about purpose, vision and impact. One leader who embodies this change is Angela Zeng, founder of Karviva Wellness Beverages. With a unique leadership approach that combines business acumen with mission-driven purpose, Through Karviva, she has built more than just a business – she has created a platform to promote wellness, sustainability and empowerment.
Angela Zeng’s story is one of vision, resilience, and a deep commitment to creating positive impact through her work.
Born and raised in China, Angela Zeng’s path was anything but conventional. Her fascination and deep appreciation for traditional Chinese medicine sparked the idea for Karviva, a wellness beverage brand based on whole plant ingredients and holistic health principles.
“When I founded Karviva, it wasn’t just about creating a product,” explains Zeng. “It was about creating something that could really improve people’s health and well-being. “That has always been the driving force of my work.”
Zeng’s scientific background gave him the expertise to develop nutrient-rich beverages that go beyond simple hydration. Each Karviva drink is crafted to offer functional benefits, whether for detoxification, immune support, mental clarity or increased energy. But it was not only her scientific knowledge that led her to success. Zeng’s ability to combine his passion for wellness with business strategy has made Karviva a prominent brand in the wellness industry.
Leading with Purpose: A Mission-Driven Approach
For Angela Zeng, leadership goes far beyond traditional business goals. While growth and financial stability are crucial, she believes true leadership involves creating something that contributes to the common good.
“I’ve always felt that business, at its core, should be about solving problems and making the world a better place,” Zeng says. “For me, Karviva is about addressing the market need for truly healthy whole plant drinks. But beyond that, it’s about raising awareness about wellness and encouraging people to take care of their bodies in a natural and sustainable way.”
This mission-driven approach is at the core of Zeng’s leadership style. Whether ensuring Karviva products are sustainably sourced or supporting local communities through initiatives such as donations to food banks, Zeng’s commitment to creating a positive impact is unwavering.
Redefining leadership for women
One of the key aspects of Angela Zeng’s leadership is her emphasis on empathy. She believes that leading with compassion and understanding is essential, not only to building a successful team but also to creating products that resonate with consumers.
explains Zeng. “It was about creating something that could really improve people’s health and well-being.”
This empathetic approach extends to the way Zeng runs his company. At Karviva, we foster a culture of collaboration, where the contribution of each team member is valued. She believes that by empowering her team, she creates a stronger, more innovative company.
Zeng is also keenly aware of the unique challenges that women entrepreneurs face, particularly when it comes to balancing business with personal responsibilities. She encourages young women to leverage their unique qualities and strengths, rather than conform to outdated definitions of leadership.
“Women naturally bring empathy, intuition and collaboration. These qualities are powerful in business,” says Zeng. “We don’t need to lead like men to be successful. In fact, I think we are seeing a shift where these so-called “feminine” traits are being recognized as essential leadership skills.”
For Zeng, redefining leadership means adopting these qualities while remaining true to one’s values and purposes.
An exciting project that became a business
Karviva began as a passion project for Angela Zeng, born from her love of natural wellness and her desire to make a meaningful difference. But with hard work, perseverance and a deep understanding of what consumers need, it has become a thriving business.
“The feedback we receive from our customers is one of the most rewarding aspects of my job,” Zeng shares. “When someone tells me that our drinks have made a real difference to their health or well-being, that’s when I know we’re on the right track.”
What is Angela’s perspective?
As someone who has successfully navigated the challenges of entrepreneurship, Angela Zeng is passionate about mentoring the next generation of women leaders. She believes young women need more role models who demonstrate that success does not have to come at the expense of purpose or personal fulfillment.
“My advice to aspiring businesswomen is to stay authentic,” Zeng says. “Don’t compromise your values or your vision just to fit into someone else’s idea of success. Your authenticity is your greatest strength.”
It also emphasizes the importance of building a strong support system. “No one can do it alone,” adds Zeng. “Surround yourself with people who believe in you and your vision. Whether it’s family, mentors, or a like-minded community, having that support is crucial to long-term success.”
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