Welcoming the Year of the Fire Horse: A Season of Renewal, Movement, and Connection

 As we welcome the Year of the Fire Horse, our global village comes together to celebrate Lunar New Year — a moment for renewal, reflection, and bold forward momentum for #AllOfUs.


This year’s celebration is led by our Coupa Exceed Employee Resource Group, whose leadership continues to create space for cultural connection, shared learning, and deeper belonging across our communities. Through its programming and storytelling, Exceed ERG helps turn moments like this into meaningful global experiences for all Coupanians.


In the lunar zodiac, the Horse symbolizes energy, progress, and determination. The Fire element brings passion, visibility, and transformation. That spirit comes to life in how Exceed leads this celebration:


  • Moving with purpose
  • Amplifying voices and traditions
  • Bringing our global community closer together


From red envelopes and reunion dinners to travel, lanterns, and time with loved ones, Lunar New Year reminds us that while our backgrounds may be different, the values that connect us are shared.

Traditions That Keep Us Connected


Across regions and roles, Lunar New Year is carried by traditions centered on family, togetherness, hope, and new beginnings. For Gigi Rong on our Customer Success team, the season is about slowing down and being present. “During the New Year season, everything slows down just a little, and we focus on the family and being together.”


That value shows up in how she works every day.


“It reminds me that success is collective. It motivates me to be dependable, supportive, and invested in people — not just results.”


For Carol Chiu on our Product Management team, Lunar New Year’s Eve reunion dinner is the emotional center of the celebration. “It’s far more than a meal. It’s a symbol of togetherness. Every dish is chosen because its name represents prosperity, wealth, health, or joy.”


Foods like these can turn the table into a wish for the year ahead:


  • Black Moss (Fat Choy) → wealth
  • Dried Oysters (Ho Si) → good business
  • Whole Fish (Yu) → surplus and abundance
  • Shrimp (Ha) → laughter and happiness


A Year of Bold Movement — Powered by Community


The Fire Horse energy is already inspiring how our people think about the future. Gigi is focused on expanding her impact. “Beyond achieving goals, I want to uplift others, share knowledge openly, and help create an environment where everyone can thrive.”


Carol is channeling that same momentum into both innovation and personal growth. “This is a year of positive movement — building stronger foundations in my work and broadening my horizons through travel.” That forward motion reflects what makes Coupa special: progress powered by collaboration.


“I’m really proud of how our team came together to navigate challenges and deliver meaningful results,” Gigi shared. “Being part of that collaboration has been incredibly rewarding.”


Carol echoed the same cross-functional spirit.


“Working with four different teams to transform the supplier payment experience was an incredible learning journey.”

One Global Community, Many Stories


Lunar New Year is also a powerful reminder that belonging grows when we share who we are.


“Seeing colleagues share pieces of their culture makes our global community feel more human and connected,” Gigi said. “Our differences are something to celebrate and they make us stronger.”


For Carol, the traditions carry a message that extends far beyond the holiday.


“Every new year is a fresh start. We sweep away the old and welcome the new. It teaches resilience — there is always a tomorrow.”


That mindset of renewal, learning, and moving forward is at the heart of how we grow together as a company.


The Spirit of the Fire Horse at Coupa


This year calls us to:


  • Take bold steps
  • Lift each other up
  • Build across teams and regions
  • Create shared impact


“It makes the global part of Coupa feel more connected,” Carol shared.


“Seeing colleagues share who they are builds understanding and respect,” Gigi added.


A Fresh Start for #AllOfUs


Lunar New Year teaches us something we carry into our work:


  • We can begin again.
  • We can grow.
  • We can move forward, together.


This celebration becomes more than a cultural moment. It becomes a reflection of who we are as a company.


Every story adds to the strength of our global village. Let’s welcome the Year of the Fire Horse with energy, purpose, and progress for #AllOfUs.


Explore opportunities and learn more about Exceed at
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