Managing Director of Altos Ventures, Ho Nam, Hosted by Soon Yu

01/15/25 • 56 min

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

Previous Episode

CEO of Bain & Company, Manny Maceda, Hosted by Soon Yu

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

Next Episode

CEO of Rothy's, Jenny Ming, Hosted by Soon Yu

In this episode of The Aconic Podcast, host Soon Yu engages in an honest and candid conversation with Jenny Ming, a prominent Asian-American leader and the CEO of Rothy's, a fast growing fashion company endorsed by. Jenny shares her remarkable journey, from immigrating to the U.S. as a child to rising through the ranks to leadership roles at top fashion brands, including Co-Founder and First President of Old Navy and CEO of Charlotte Russe. She discusses the challenges and triumphs she faced (including the moments of failure) emphasizing the importance of resilience, admitting mistakes, and leveraging her immigrant background. They delve into her management philosophy, the significance of team dynamics, and the pivot points in her career. The episode also touches on Jenny's extensive work on various corporate boards and her continuous efforts to mentor and uplift the AAPI community. 04:23 Jenny Ming's Immigrant Journey
06:05 From Home Economics to Fashion Buying
14:51 Joining The Gap: A Career Defining Moment
23:17 Launching Old Navy: A New Venture
26:44 Reflecting on the Journey to Leadership
28:57 Cultural Influences and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
30:51 Leadership Philosophy and Team Dynamics
32:05 Challenges and Lessons of Failure from Charlotte Russe
40:16 Navigating Boards and Mentorship
47:48 Stepping into the Role at Rothy's