My dad was a mathematician and worked for New York City as a statistician. My mom was an accountant and eventually started her own business in her mid-40s. She linked manufacturers in Taiwan to companies in the United States that needed those types of products.

The quote “My dad was a mathematician and worked for New York City as a statistician. My mom was an accountant and eventually started her own business in her mid-40s. She linked manufacturers in Taiwan to companies in the United States that needed those types of products” by Lisa Su offers a glimpse into her family background and the entrepreneurial spirit that helped shape her career. Lisa Su, the CEO of Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), is known for her leadership in the semiconductor industry and her transformative impact on AMD’s global success. This quote illustrates how her parents' careers influenced her values around education, discipline, and innovation.

Su’s mention of her father as a mathematician and statistician reflects a household grounded in analytical thinking and problem-solving. These traits are foundational in fields like engineering and technology, which Su herself pursued. Meanwhile, her mother’s role as an accountant turned entrepreneur highlights a journey of self-determination and resilience, starting a successful international business in her 40s—an age often associated with career stability rather than reinvention.

The significance of her mother’s business—linking manufacturers in Taiwan with American companies—is particularly telling, as it reveals a bridge between global supply chains and cross-cultural commerce. This kind of work requires strong negotiation, strategic thinking, and an understanding of both markets and relationships, all skills that Lisa Su would later harness in her own career as a high-profile executive leading international technology development.

Ultimately, this quote not only honors Su’s parents but also underscores the foundation of values—intellect, entrepreneurship, and perseverance—that influenced her rise in a highly competitive industry. Her reflection offers a personal context to her professional journey and reminds us that family influence can play a crucial role in shaping a leader’s mindset and ambition.