How I made Forbes 30 Under 30 (why I applied, getting rejected, my *honest* thoughts)

Reclaim your privacy and make email yours with Fastmail. Sign up free for 30 days or 10% off your 1st year! www.fastmail.com/try-it-chloe/
happy international women’s day, unichlos!!
I got sooo many questions about how the forbes process works and how I made the list, so here’s the whole (unfiltered) story. if you’re just here for the process, it’s really:
1. submit your nomination form by sep 1-ish
2. submit final round application by end of september-ish
3. find out the morning they announce end of nov or dec 1st
i hope this video helps give you clarity and courage to go after the recognition you deserve. at the same time, it’s just a title. i could’ve very easily been in the alternate reality of not making the list (again), but that doesn’t change the things i’ve accomplished. i’m still super grateful for the honor and to represent! thanks for all the words of support and appreciation. now it’s your turn to shine!!
until next time,
chlo
PS. I tried a different format this time with me doing things throughout the day just to change things up a little. Idk if folks like it D: lmk!!
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▪️chapters
00:00 intro
1:13 how it started
2:10 my villain origin story
3:03 my real reason for wanting forbes
4:19 the forbes process
4:54 where i was at the time: facebook
5:21 going for forbes at tiktok
6:23 forbes results
6:55 the reason i'm making this video
7:59 how rejection affected me
8:50 talking to my manager
9:32 what's on the nomination form
9:44 how i approached my application
10:19 how the application process works
11:19 flashback to me applying
12:03 what's on the final application form
12:25 the day i found out
13:06 what happens after you get forbes
14:20 my honest thoughts
16:29 bloopers
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- about me -
I'm Chloe! I'm based in LA and this is where I post about my adulting diaries. You'll find topics around work life, personal finance, home life, relationships, mental health, productivity, and more.
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#chloeshih #adultingdiaries #forbes30under30

[@chloeshih]

shout-out to Fastmail for sponsoring today's video!! check them out and sign up!: www.fastmail.com/try-it-chloe/ they're giving us 30 days free or 10% the 1st year!

[@TechGalDiaries]

Congrats Chloe - the best revenge sometimes is just moving in silence! Good for you on using criticism / negativity as fuel to go towards your dreams :))

[@Swordyfiish]

Congrats Chloe!! You are doing amazing work and I really felt it with your journeys with your managers. I feel like you could always be giving your all but having a supportive manager just makes a world of a difference!

[@brief-partiality]

Thank you for always keeping us informed on how you navigate these otherwise inaccessible places! You're really helping us underrepresented girlies out!

[@sabbbzzz]

Chloe, thank you for continuing to show up and share your stories as an Asian American Woman! You continue to inspire me. Happy International Women’s Day to you and huge congrats on being recognized as Forbes 30 under 30! Continue to be a rebel girl💖

[@chloeshih]

aww anirbas! thank you!! i'm real glad this video resonates with ya. happy international women's day to you too

[@clarehsu7372]

Congratulations Chloe! Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us and being so transparent about it. You're so inspiring and so proud of you for pushing through

[@chloeshih]

aww thank you, clare!! glad you enjoyed today's story. thank u for your support!!

[@rhkilis]

Congratulations again, Chloe! Thank you for sharing with us your journey and all your emotions. Also, love this video style of talking while doing something else!

[@Megantuano]

Thank you so much for making this video as a woman in tech, I resonated a lot with what you said especially about being doubted here in there-even with friends. It was really insightful to hear about your journey and your overall thoughts about being on Forbes. Looking forward to your next video 🎉

[@nubuke]

This just popped up on my feed. And this is so beautiful ❤ congratulations Chloe. I wish you all the best with your future endeavours (lol that sounded so official). And I’m glad there’s faces like you up there! ❤️

[@wamyy5]

Love how real you are, Chloe. Great on you for proving those doubters wrong, but even more amazing that you know your value and success even if you didn’t get the official title!

[@chloeshih]

aw thanks amy! haha glad you enjoy these honest conversations~ yeah, i really had to try my best to stay grounded during this whole process. still grateful how things turned out!

[@minjykoo]

So proud of you, Chloe❤️ I love how you kept pursuing this and found out amazing mentor/manager to support you. Inspiring❤️

[@chloeshih]

aw thank you minjy!! i'm very thankful as well. sad that he's left the company now :( but we'll keep in touch!

[@FilmwColleen]

loved the structure of this vid Chloe. thanks for all the in depth details!

[@godwinhschan]

Really appreciated this candidness and transparency on the process Chloe! I'm turning 28 this year so I'm going to apply and see what happens 🙂

[@chloeshih]

ayyee lfg godwin!! make sure to ask your nominators early!!

[@LifeOfACre8tive]

Congratulations Chloe 🎊 Also needed to say you inspire me a lot to want to get into the PM role! I've been following for almost 2 years and I've finally decided to give it a shot!

[@chloeshih]

yasss!! so glad to hear it!! lmk how the journey is going!

[@dr.johnyoo]

!!!!!!!! you're crushing it!!! congratulations on the huge achievement Chloe

[@chloeshih]

OMG John!! Thank you! Appreciate it!! Super grateful for the award!

[@onomyco]

What an incredible accomplishment! We're so excited for you!

[@JanetMandu]

Congratulations Chloe! And good for you for not giving up 🙌🏼! Thank you for sharing your experience. I just came across your channel yesterday and so happy I did. You are awesome! 🥳💓

[@chloeshih]

aww thank you, janet!! woo glad you're here!! how did you find my channel? :o

[@JanetMandu]

@@chloeshih I did a search with “product managers” here on YT and you were about the third video in the search results.

[@DrBardDeMuse]

Loved this one! Fastmail looks really good, hadn't heard of them before. Also extremely glad you added that last interview story - what an incredible ending. The speaker unboxing blooper was also a fun addition.

[@chloeshih]

ayyee! glad you're looking into fastmail! and haha yes the interview story was wild. i was so stunned on the call o___o glad u liked the bloops!!

[@swatilekha_roy]

This is probably the most inspiring video I have seen in such a long time! ❤

[@denizasr]

i LIVE for your transparency!! you deserve the world

[@chloeshih]

haha thank you deniz!! the application process is actually really straight-forward, i def wanted to share the actual emotions that went behind every decision. glad you enjoyed!!

[@denizasr]

@@chloeshih yesss I actually meant the emotional side of the story. you're not hiding your vulnerability & it's so so so relatable. thank you!!!!

[@jeanchampion284]

What I like most about you, is that you're an achiever. Congratulations!

[@chloeshih]

aww thank you, jean! i appreciate your support 😊😊

[@aleee900]

So I'm starting to do a 20 min indoor walk daily and I'll do is to watch your videos because you pass me your beautiful and cheerful vibe and also you INSPIRE ME 😭❤️ I'm currently jumping in into a PM role so I found your content enlightenment! Keep doing these 🙌❤️ pura Vida! 🇨🇷

[@pamelamvaldez]

Thank you so much for this in depth video Chloe! This is one of my goals and I felt the same way you did when you said people doubted you and didn't believe you. Coming back to this video when I make the list

[@chloeshih]

wooo!! rooting for you, pamela!!

[@pamelamvaldez]

Coming back to my comment a year later. The 2025 North American list just opened! Applying and hoping to come back to this video with my acceptance next year. Wish me luck!

[@sanjanaudar1905]

Congratulations! 💪🌼 And thanks for sharing your story!

[@lorenajiang]

Congratz! I would love to see a series on this on periodic updates on how life has changed, what other things have happen (experiences) since you got the Forbes title. By the way, love the new hairstyle!

[@chloeshih]

hi lorena!! ah yes, I'm hoping to share more updates on life! my latest videos have been more life topics. lmk if those are what you mean! and thank u! the hair is def growing out and a lot to manage o_o i think the bangs era will end soon

[@hellopoulomi]

so proud of you! i remember how cool it felt to know that you had made it to the list. i sort of struggle with the same "elder sister syndrome" that you often talk about (as in, i had to give up a lot of dreams early on and push on for stability, constantly running the race). i remember telling my dad at 9 that i wanted to be a singer and i got shouted at. i'm still young so i really want to get back into my passion again but there's just sooooo much on my plate right now. uni and work are already a lot to handle. i'm really scared of being on stage too. how do you recommend navigating through this, multitasking and pursuing music (as a hobby) on the side?

[@chloeshih]

hi toki! wow, thank you so much for sharing about your situation. i'm glad some of my topics have resonated with you! i totally feel where you're at. i remember having very similar experiences with my parents and with pursuing music. i actually still have insane stage fright, but the trick is really to practice so much that i can't help but sing it right in any situation. it's mostly a lifestyle change. set systems+habits, not goals! i'm not sure what your entire situation is, but if i could go back and tell my college self how to navigate life, i'd tell her to not do everything that is "what you're supposed to do". there are a handful of life skills you just need at a baseline - like personal finance/budgeting and taxes. I took on way too much bc I thought I had to, but I really spent my college years drowning and never being fully present my natural flow, understanding my strengths, and knowing what i gravitate towards. but yes, less is more. focus on fewer things so you can go farther with them. also not every problem needs to be solved (like toxic friendships). there are things that are worth just walking away from that don't need your energy. wishing you all the best, toki!!

[@zoeunlimited]

Chloe you already know this but you’re an inspiration!!🫶🏻✨

[@chloeshih]

ZOE NO U!!! 🫶🫶🫶

[@sainarayanan3954]

Hey Chlo, Congratulations on Forbes! I was overjoyed to see you on the list this year. As a fellow PM girlie, I love your candor and will always root for you! Happy IWD!!!

[@chloeshih]

aw thank you, sai!! and yasss another PM girlie!! hope work is going well for you!! happy IWD!

[@kodeplay_untyped]

So encouraging ❤❤🎉🎉 well done Chloe!

[@jessgriffith2678]

Wow Chloe… thank you for being so honest 🙏🏽🙏🏽 you are lovely and so encouraging - keep doing you 💛💛✨

[@productgirl]

You deserve it Chlo!! 🎉

[@user-ry9se3hv7l]

Congrats Chloe! And thanks for sharing your honest stories as always. Love your story, and you're such an inspiring woman. Just out of curiosity, do you have a script before filming or improvise as you film?

[@ashleyrice3797]

Thank you for sharing Chloe! I love watching your videos. You always give wonderful life advice and also some good laughs! ☺️

[@chloeshih]

aw thank you, ashley!! i am so happy to hear you had some good giggles from this video haha. i try to make it more fun to watch for y'all!

[@justlovegreenapples]

I'm so proud of you!!

[@chloeshih]

thank you, bark!! 😊😊really grateful for this honor!

[@demzre]

Congratulations Chloe! This is inspirational.

[@chloeshih]

thank you, albert!! glad you enjoyed the video :)

[@Cryptoacee]

just came across your video and I'm glad I did. I love your honesty and detailed reaction in your experience. Congrats once more CHLOE 🎊

[@phuonglinhnguyen6815]

SO INSPIRING Chloe

[@joyfullencounters]

chloe this is inspiring me to set another big goal in my twenties :)

[@exquisiteintricacy]

Thank you so much for sharing your journey! Your perserverence really paid off, you are so inspiring ❤

[@chloeshih]

thank you, sarah!! it's been a lot of years getting here, but i'm so glad it happened!

[@tinagurung364]

I’m so happy for you! Woo! So inspired that girls who look like me can do it too! :’)

[@Maxi855]

Hellooo!! Congrats, what an inspiration!! You deserve everything good 😊

[@chloeshih]

aww thank you maxi!! appreciate the good vibes ~~

[@yee2minty]

Oh my congrats Chloe!! I'm so glad I found you and appreciate all the videos you put out!! With your guidance I got my dream salary and loving my job as well. :P

[@chloeshih]

omgoodness congrats!! love hearing that for you!! :D

[@nin1720]

Congratulations Chloe 🤍

[@justinwlin]

Damn thanks for sharing this story - honestly is so crazy to hear this grind-set. Also just been amazing to see you blow up and do it! And crazy how fate crosses over with you meeting your manager at discord and finally hitting that goal~ 🔥🔥🔥Also lol, i want a home karaoke machine and great bloopers 😆

[@chloeshih]

ayyee justin! you were there from the beginning man! endlessly grateful for your continued support from the east coast. :) and yes i'm really trying to make the at-home karaoke machine work. idt it's working very well, but will report back in a future video!!

[@aznpridebuhhd]

Thank you for sharing this! Def feel you on the part where people are like idk how I got on, I woke up like this. Whereas the journey is diff for others, so that “advice” really isn’t helpful.

[@chloeshih]

hey cynthia! aghh I know! I very much envy those people when things just happen for them. :< but it's okay - I learned a lot along the way!

[@mariahwisdom-peters6919]

This is so inspiring, I feel like I'm nobody right now but I'd really like to get on this list too, I'm currently 28 with a birthday in Feb, lets see how it goes!!

[@mydogisbailey]

congratulations!

[@HiPriscilla]

Hey Chlo, thank you for sharing your experience and journey with getting Forbes- and huge congrats!! I too mentally would put everyone on the list on a pedestal & teetered between wondering if it’s a goal I should intentionally shoot for, but I like how you framed it as getting recognition for your good work. How have you thought about going to start your own company vs really working hard as a PM for another company? Hope this opens up opportunities to do what you really want to in the future 🥰

[@chloeshih]

hi priscilla! yeah i definitely struggled a lot with this goal, so i really had to keep myself grounded in that it's just an accolade and i should keep doing my thing. i've already started my own company - it's this content and community business! it's a part-time thing, but i've been really fascinated by the process. i've come to realize that i don't think i want to be a traditional tech startup founder. the life isn't that suited for me esp since i'm gonna be in my 30s this year worrying about family things, but i do want to launch my own small business. i think that fits a lot more with the lifestyle i want to build for myself!

[@stephanieleyva_]

Very relatable! I went through the same thing twice and it feels shitty to not feel seen. It def felt like people who had bs positions were making the list just bc of who their circle is. I had so many people nominate me (even a very popular alumni who was on the cover) & still 😢 thanks for sharing your story!

[@nguyenlevietanh1320]

Hi Chole, i really love your content❤ I’m currently a high school student and planning to become a product manager in the future. I’m planning to take the “Sales Engineering and Product Management” degree at a university in Germany. Do you think this is a good path or should i go with “Industrial Engineering”?

[@kitty2894]

Love the villain origin story, LOVE it

[@chloeshih]

LOL i felt that was the most proper chapter title hahah

[@confidantduk]

so happy for you 🤗

[@chloeshih]

thank you bryce!! :D

[@harshpatel105]

hey yo chloe. Early gang!

[@chloeshih]

aye early gang!! :D good morning (from california)!

[@thebokchoyboy]

WOOOOOOO you deserve it!

[@chloeshih]

thank you bokchoy

[@jacquit.693]

Chloe you're such an admirable gal - TY for sharing this, and congratulations!!!, but I've also heard from some pretty influential ppl that Forbes is not that reliable, and that their lists are pretty rigged :(((

[@chloeshih]

hi jacqui!! thank you! and yes i've heard that too :( so far i've not met anyone who's paid to be on the list, so it's been a great community of people to meet!

[@nateeesantos]

Inspiring! ❤

[@chloeshih]

thank you, nate!!

[@chan90s]

I'm 28 male, came from underprivileged background. Tried startup in a foreign country, changed country again now. Down but not out. 28 now, not sure if I can get into Forbes

[@jameshizon4861]

Wow Chloe - I'm also from Bay & moving to LA. This the new tech trend?

[@mila3432]

You are that girl!

[@hannguyenngoc7269]

Do anyone know if BA can become PO? Btw congratsss my girl 🎉

[@jaakan]

Curious to know how you were under leveled at FB when you haven’t had much industry experience? FB is known for fast promo if you’re capable …

[@michaelbowen4275]

Great story

[@chloeshih]

haha glad you enjoyed, michael!

[@gloriagunning4088]

Forbes 30 under 30 is based on who you know

[@TomikaKelly]

I dont understand what she did that qualified her for the Forbes list though?

[@nitsoo]

Kinda like this style of vlog :)

[@chloeshih]

ayyee glad you do haha :)

[@pm-ua]

Where is the new video, huh? 😪

[@mariapuej]

Hi Chloe, thank you for uploading this video. Coming from a different field and country, the Forbes title does not seem impressing to me (as you said, it is just a tittle). However, I'm really impressed by the persistence and the work that you put into it. Because of this, big congratulations! You're an inspiring person ;)

[@TheMikster95]

I have a meeting in 5 Minutes and didn’t even brush my teeth yet! Omg me every day

[@chloeshih]

haha why are we in this vicious cycle lol

[@dashinarnie]

What a story

[@guhreenskittles]

Chloe you should connect with my friend! She won Forbes 30 under 30 Games in 2019

[@chloeshih]

oooh!! what's her name?? :o i'd love to meet her!

[@KasiaZ]

I am not a fan of forbes. How often you see a female on the cover? hardly ever. They put on covers people like Holmes and others who failed miserably. Hard to think of them as a credible source of truth. I am proud you made the list because I know how much effort and determination took, but I think you are worth so much more

[@chloeshih]

🥹🥹🥹 thank you, KasiaZ! on the edition that I made it on, they actually put megan thee stallion on the cover!! super cool!

[@KasiaZ]

@@chloeshih That is cool indeed! ❤️

[@lynninfinite]

NUHHHH UHHHH HE WAS TAKING A DOO DOO 😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@runayu2574]

The camera man is picking out from the back shadow hahahah

[@aidou97]

Don't most people on 30 under 30 pay for their selection?

[@chloeshih]

i'm not sure, but I wouldn't be surprised? I definitely did not pay for my selection and the people I know we got on also didn't pay. :/

[@NhiNguyen-tj4co]

…I wasn't sure why the list is full of scammers…Now I see…😅

[@JordanLynn]

Funny, sounds like your fb career, and Forbes, journeys were similar. A lot of expectations, then a turd dropping dropping in the toilet when it's all said and done 😂

[@chloeshih]

lmaooo yes the turd dropping was the pinnacle of it all 😂😂

[@HanhNguyen-vj1pb]

I want to be Rick

[@keanulewis1294]

Because you paid.

[@yougetaspear7799]

Who's that guy with my Asians cutie 🤔🤔

[@chiwukim6582]

U voice is so Sweat

[@thenippleboutique]

Elizabeth was never on forbes 30 under 30, a quick google search would have told you that. She was on the cover of forbes but never 30 under 30

[@NhiNguyen-tj4co]

Elizabeth was not. FTX’s SBF was, so did Nikola’s guy and the girl who tried to scam JPMorgan 😂

[@signaljobs7184]

It’s a bit late watching this video but I still wanted to say Congratulations!!! Yes🎉👏 this is just a reminder of the growing process to become great at anything. We help military veterans transition into tech jobs. The humble way you came to success is really inspiring! Thanks for sharing 🫶

[@hillsidess]

Congrats again and thanks for showing your journey!! you're such an inspiration and SO resilient - I admire how hard you work! :)

[@chloeshih]

aww thank you, bea!! it was quite the journey, but i hope these videos help make the path easier for others!