Aconic

In this episode of The Aconic Podcast, host Soon Yu speaks with Charles Yu, award-winning novelist and executive producer of Hulu's 'Interior Chinatown'. They dive into Charles' journey from a career in law to becoming a celebrated writer, focusing on his struggles and breakthroughs.

The discussion covers the moment when he almost gave up on writing 'Interior Chinatown' and how he overcame it. They also touch on navigating life as a 'B' player, the impact of living on the margins, and balancing traditional expectations with creative aspirations.

Charles shares insights into the innovative narrative techniques in 'Interior Chinatown', his Hollywood experiences, and the influences of his immigrant background.

06:42 Balancing Traditional Expectations with Creative Aspirations
13:59 Transition to Law and Continued Passion for Writing
32:05 Facing Career Uncertainty
35:51 Creating Interior Chinatown
39:32 Addressing Asian American Experiences
49:41 Reflecting on Success and Future Plans

In this episode, host Soon Yu interviews Andrew Yang, entrepreneur, founder of the Forward Party, and former 2020 presidential candidate. They discuss Yang’s stereotypical upbringing as the son of Taiwanese immigrants, his struggles with identity, and the challenges he faced in his early career. Yang shares his journey from a scrawny, picked-on geek to a resilient, transformative leader, emphasizing his experiences in startups, teaching, and running for president. The conversation delves into the systemic issues in U.S. politics and Yang's advocacy for universal basic income and political reforms like ranked-choice voting. They also touch on the importance of personal growth, resilience, and contributing to society. Throughout the discussion, they highlight the significance of overcoming failure, building empathy, and the need for more diverse representations of success within the Asian American community.

00:59 Andrew Yang's Early Life and Challenges
05:39 Fighting Stereotypes and Physical Fights
09:43 Career Beginnings and Law Firm Experience
16:07 Entrepreneurial Journey and Early Failures
34:33 The Decision to Run for President
37:14 The Process vs. Outcome Mindset
40:22 Financial Struggles and Entrepreneurial Journey
48:01 Asian American Representation in Politics
52:20 Advice for Aspiring Leaders
56:04 Championing Universal Basic Income and Political Reform
01:01:29 Reflections on Failure and Success
01:08:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Manny Maceda: From Exile to Acclaim. In this episode, Soon Yu speaks with Manny Maceda, former CEO/Worldwide Managing Partner of Bain & Company, about his remarkable journey from a privileged childhood in Manila to becoming a global leader in consulting. Manny shares how political turmoil reshaped his family’s life, leading to their exile in the U.S. and inspiring him to pursue higher education and a career in consulting. He reflects on the importance of resilience, gratitude, and aligning personal mission with professional goals. Manny discusses his role in shaping Bain’s culture, emphasizing the firm's core value of prioritizing people over profits. He also shares lessons from his experiences, including the impact of shadowing Jack Welch at GE and his personal growth through setbacks. Finally, Manny highlights the significance of Asian American and Pacific Islander identity as a source of strength.

3:14 - Manny’s Early Life in the Philippines
7:31 - Manny's family getting exiled
12:41 - Gratitude and Positivity as a Life Philosophy
16:58 - Facing Rejection and Moving Forward
24:24 - Manny’s Personal Mission Statement
28:23 - Evolving the Mission of Bain and Company
34:01 - Navigating Disappointment and Reassessing Purpose
45:01 - Celebrating AAPI Identity and Broadening Horizons

In this episode of the Aconic Podcast, hosted by Soon Yu, we welcome Joe Bae, CEO of KKR. Joe shares his journey from immigrating to the U.S. at a young age, growing up in a predominantly white community, and developing a passion for music which later transitioned to finance. He speaks about his rapid career progression, starting at Goldman Sachs and joining KKR. Joe discusses his significant contributions to Asian markets, his approach to inclusive and localized business strategies, and breaking the 'bamboo ceiling'. He also elaborates on his role in founding the Asian American Foundation (TAAF) amidst the rise of anti-Asian hate during COVID, focusing on education, representation, and resource allocation for the AAPI community. This episode highlights Joe’s dedication, adaptability, and his ongoing impact on the AAPI community. (Please note, this episode was originally recorded in May 2024 and some numbers are out of date at the time of the episode premiere).

02:44 Joe Bae's Humble Beginnings and Family Background

03:52 Growing Up as a Minority in America

06:25 Joe Bae's Passion for Music

10:48 The Importance of Adaptability and Dedication

12:38 Joining KKR and Early Mentorship

16:11 Expanding KKR's Business in Asia

18:32 The Formation of The Asian American Foundation (TAAF)

29:00 TAAF's Mission and Achievements

38:14 Future Goals and Personal Reflections

Ho Nam: Resilience and Reinvention. In this episode, host Soon Yu interviews Ho Nam, Managing Director of Altos Ventures. The conversation delves into Ho's upbringing in Korea, his family's immigration journey to the U.S., and the socio-economic challenges they faced. Ho shares insights into the founding and evolution of Altos Ventures over three decades, highlighting the shift from a feeder fund model to a value-focused investment strategy inspired by Warren Buffett. He opens up about personal struggles, particularly during the firm's challenging second decade, and emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, resilience, and individual relationships. The episode underscores the significance of personal growth, mentorship, and the transformative power of community support.

02:09 A Journey from Korea to the U.S.
12:46 Rodney King Riots: A Test of Community Bonds
21:58 The Early Struggles of Altos Ventures
30:48 Facing Potential Pullout and Fundraising Struggles
37:53 The Hedgehog Strategy: Investing in Founders
46:20 Personal Struggles and Seeking Help
59:21 Looking Forward: The Next Generation of Investors