Aconic

In her most recent role as President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (the organization behind the Oscars), Janet Yang helped move AAPI stories from the margins to the mainstream, reshaping how Hollywood sees and celebrates Asian voices. A quiet insider turned cultural trailblazer, Janet reflects on her journey from being the only Asian kid in her Long Island neighborhood to producing The Joy Luck Club and Empire of the Sun, and on helping make the Oscars more inclusive than ever. She shares how moments of exclusion fueled her lifelong mission to bridge East and West, the lessons she learned from mentors like Steven Spielberg and Oliver Stone, and how a painful incident at the 2016 Oscars ignited a movement for representation that led to Gold House and beyond. This episode offers a powerful look at how one woman’s persistence turned isolation into influence and changed Hollywood forever.

Just days before announcing his retirement, Jeremy Lin sat down with the Aconic Podcast for his final interview as an active player. In this candid conversation, Jeremy opens up about the decision to step away from basketball, the questions he wrestled with, and what might come next. He shares raw reflections on purpose, impact, and faith, asking himself, “Am I really living up to who I said I wanted to be?” Jeremy discusses whether his greatest contribution now lies off the court, using the resources and platform he’s built to serve others, especially marginalized youth through his Foundation. For the first time, Jeremy reveals how he struggled to balance on court demands with being fully present for his off-court mission, and why he believes “mental health is more important than Kumon.” This exclusive conversation offers an unfiltered look into the mindset behind one of the most impactful decisions of his life and the possibilities for his future beyond the game. Subscribe for more exclusive interviews with leaders and icons.

When the Doctor Becomes the Patient: Dr. Bryant Lin’s Journey In this episode, Soon Yu interviews Dr. Bryant Lin, a primary care physician at Stanford, who shares his compelling journey from doctor to patient. The discussion begins with Dr. Lin's professional background, including his pivotal role in founding the Center for Asian Health Research and Education (CARE) and his focus on lung cancer in the Asian community. The irony unfolds as Dr. Lin, who has been advocating for lung cancer research among non-smokers, particularly in the Asian population, is diagnosed with stage four non-small cell lung cancer himself. Despite the devastating diagnosis, Dr. Lin's story is one of resilience and hope. He emphasizes the importance of human connection in medicine, the impact of storytelling, and the role of hope in patient care. Dr. Lin also discusses his ongoing efforts to raise awareness and funding for early-stage lung cancer research and broader health initiatives in the Asian community. This episode is a powerful narrative of facing adversity with purpose, driving change, and finding serendipity in the most challenging circumstances. 03:59 Dr. Lin's Diagnosis Journey07:35 Challenges in Healthcare Access13:37 Importance of Screening and Early Detection26:21 Impact on Dr. Lin's Perspective as a Physician26:31 The Human Side of Medicine30:28 The Role of Hope in Medicine38:13 The Power of Storytelling43:29 Letters to My Sons52:17 Future Projects and Legacy  

One Mother's Sacrifice Inspires Daughter's Mission to Move Families Forward. In this episode, host Soon Yu interviews Ritu Narayan, the CEO of Zum, a company revolutionizing the school transportation system. Ritu shares her journey from India to becoming a tech leader in Silicon Valley, discusses her family's influence and the challenges she faced while building Zum. The conversation delves into Zum’s transition from serving individual parents to securing large school district contracts, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the pivotal moments that shaped the company. Ritu emphasizes the importance of staying passionate and making daily progress for aspiring entrepreneurs. This episode provides insights into scaling a technology-driven business and innovating within a traditionally stagnant industry. 2:24 Ritu's Family Inspiration and Background4:15 Challenges and Sacrifices in Education and Career12:29 Transition to the US and Tech Industry20:19 The Birth of Zum: From Idea to Execution27:08 Entrepreneurial Lessons from Stanford31:25 Evaluating the Revenue Model and Lessons from Entrepreneurship39:40 Pivoting to B2B51:14 Rock Bottom Moments57:30 Ritu’s Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs  

From Side Hustles to Direct Delivery: Larry Liu’s Journey to Building Weee! In this episode of the Aconic Podcast, host Soon Yu sits down with Larry Liu, the CEO of Weee!, America's largest online Asian supermarket. Larry delves into his immigrant journey, the early challenges in America, and his relentless hustle from reselling backpacks to launching Weee!. They discuss Larry's initial struggles to secure funding and how, through sheer determination and community support, he pivoted Weee! from a group-buying model to a successful grocery delivery service. Larry's story underscores the importance of resilience, leveraging community networks, and the ability to pivot for entrepreneurial success. His journey is a testament to how recognizing and addressing the fundamental needs of underserved communities can lead to groundbreaking business opportunities. 01:57 Larry Liu Growing up06:09 His First Side Hustle08:58 From Friends to Co-Founders11:36 Coming to the US17:08 Early Days in Folsom and the Seed of an Idea32:38 The Birth of Weee!33:47 Early Challenges and Self-Funding49:16 The Pivot to Grocery Delivery59:51 Future Plans and Vision

ACONIC Rising: Stanford, Robots, and a Tiara: The Unconventional Reign of Tiffany ChangThis episode is part of our new series ACONIC Rising, which features younger guests on their journey to becoming Aconic. In this episode, Miss Asia USA Tiffany Chang shares her journey from an introverted knitter to a Stanford student, nonprofit founder, and pageant titleholder defying stereotypes. She opens up about overcoming discrimination, embracing her Taiwanese heritage, and proving that leadership and advocacy belong in the pageant world. She also speaks about her various accomplishments, including founding a nonprofit, Mad Hatter Knits, and her ongoing journey of self-discovery and empowerment.    1:55 Tiffany's Accomplishments and Overcoming Bias 4:07 Growing Up Taiwanese American 7:50 Finding Confidence and Voice 15:01 Mad Hatter Knits: A Nonprofit Journey 18:44 The Influence of Strong Female Role Models 21:30 The Pageantry Experience: Miss Taiwanese American 33:52 Advice for the Next Generation    

Geoff Yang, co-founder of Redpoint Ventures : From Building Network Routers to Building a Network of Entrepreneurs, Hip Hop Artists and OlympiansIn this episode of the Aconic Podcast, Soon Yu interviews venture capital titan and Redpoint Ventures co-founder Geoff Yang as he shares his extraordinary journey of building influential networks that extend far beyond Silicon Valley. From early bets on game-changing companies like Netflix, Uber, and Snowflake, Geoff's vision has shaped industries. Discover how he's leveraged his leadership as head of the US Olympic and Paralympic Foundation and forged connections with icons across sports, entertainment, and hip hop. Geoff delves into the leadership principles, resilience, and the art of cultivating meaningful relationships that have defined his success.3:00 - Immigrant roots: Growing up in a Chinese family with strong educational values.9:00 - The secret to success: Passion for the journey, not just financial gain.14:00 - Geoff’s advice for entrepreneurs.24:00 - The myth of “all or nothing” risk-taking: Why measured risk is key.29:00 - Blending passions: How Geoff’s love for sports led to leadership roles in skiing, golf, and basketball.39:00 - Creating Auron: Using science and technology to optimize health and longevity. 49:00 - 10 Personal Values Geoff Lives By: A blueprint for a meaningful life.

Lisa Ling, Emmy Award-Winning Journalist: How Family Sacrifice and a Hunger for Truth Shaped One of America’s Most Fearless Reporters Join host, Soon Yu on the Aconic Podcast for a deeply reflective conversation with journalist Lisa Ling. In this episode, Lisa opens up about the forces that have shaped her remarkable journey: grappling with identity as an outsider, confronting early career racism, and the poignant experience of reconnecting with her mother. Discover how these personal crossroads ignited her powerful commitment to amplifying the voices often unheard, and how her relentless curiosity and empathy have shifted perspectives across America. From her courageous early reporting in Afghanistan to the determined effort to bring her sister home from North Korea, Lisa shares the human stories that underpin her impactful career.     02:15 – How Connie Chung Inspired Lisa's Career09:30 – How Childhood Alienation Built Lisa's Deep Empathy24:10 – Becoming a War Correspondent at 21 Years Old37:00 – A Crushing Act of Racism Early in Lisa's Career44:00 – Healing a Broken Relationship with Her Mother1:04:00 – Leading the Effort to Free Her Sister from North Korea1:12:00 – Lisa's Mission: Giving a Voice to the Invisible

From Cargo Ship Passenger to Secretary of Transportation: The Trailblazing Legacy of Secretary Elaine Chao In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of The Aconic Podcast, host Soon Yu sits down with Secretary Elaine Chao to explore her remarkable journey—from arriving in America as a seasick 8-year-old on a 37-day cargo ship to becoming the first Asian American woman to serve in two U.S. presidential cabinets. With grace and candor, Secretary Chao reflects on the incredible love story of her immigrant parents and the quiet strength, sacrifice, and resilience that shaped her path. She opens up about how their unwavering support and values laid the foundation for her identity, leadership, and sense of purpose. In a rare personal moment, she also shares her experiences navigating love and dating as a first-generation Asian American woman—and how a chance encounter led to her relationship with Senator Mitch McConnell. In this inspiring episode, Soon sits down with Secretary Elaine Chao to explore her remarkable journey - from arriving in America as a seasick 8-year-old on a 37-day cargo ship to becoming the first Asian American woman to serve in two U.S. presidential cabinets. With grace and candor, Secretary Chao reflects on the incredible love story of her immigrant parents and the quiet strength, sacrifice, and resilience that shaped her path. She opens up about how their unwavering support and values laid the foundation for her identity, leadership, and sense of purpose.In a rare personal moment, she also shares her experiences navigating love and dating as a first-generation Asian American woman - and how a chance encounter led to her relationship with Senator Mitch McConnell.Released in celebration of AAPI Heritage Month, this episode is a moving tribute to family, perseverance, and the enduring power of the American dream. Packed with wisdom, humor, and hard-won lessons, Secretary Chao's story is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration and guidance on leadership, legacy, and staying true to your roots. 1:00 Breaking Barriers & Firsts2:49 The Power of Family & Heritage5:00 Her Parents’ Love Story & Escape from China8:17 Life on a Cargo Ship to America19:40 Her Father Teaching Her English at Night35:00 Championing the Asian American Museum38:19 Overcoming Hardship & Public Criticism44:00 Asian-American Superpower: Listening & Sensitivity46:35 Meeting Mitch McConnell52:00 Commemorating the Chinese Railroad Workers

Balancing Babies, Books, and Boardrooms: The Inspiring Journey of Sheila Lirio Marcelo In this heartfelt episode of the Aconic Podcast, host Soon interviews Sheila Marcelo, the visionary entrepreneur behind Care.com and Ohai.ai. From navigating an unplanned pregnancy as a 20 year old sophomore in college to founding a company that became a lifeline for millions of families, Sheila’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Listen as Sheila reveals the trials and triumphs that shaped her career and life, how she balanced family demands with her undeniable ambition, and the emotional moments that reinforced her mission to make a societal impact. Discover the deeply personal story behind her drive to revolutionize the care industry and her latest venture in AI-driven personal assistance. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who believes in the power of resilience, love, and technological innovation to create meaningful change. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a devoted parent, or simply someone looking for a story to ignite your own passions, Sheila Marcelo’s incredible journey will leave you moved and motivated.   02:15 - Sheila’s Early Life and Struggles with Young Motherhood 10:45 - Founding Care.com and Its Impact on Millions of Families 22:30 - Balancing Family Life with the Demands of Entrepreneurship 33:15 - The Emotional Turning Points in Sheila’s Mission 47:00 - The Launch and Vision Behind Ohai.ai 55:30 - Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs and Innovators

The Future Will Be Bought: How Bing Chen is Funding the Way In this episode, Soon welcomes Bing Chen, the visionary founder of Gold House, a cultural ecosystem championing Asian creativity. The discussion covers Bing's remarkable journey, his influences, and the transformative work of Gold House. From his beginnings, the impact of losing his father, to his pivotal role at YouTube in shaping the creator economy, Bing's story is one of resilience and innovation. The episode dives into the intricacies of cultural representation, the economic impact of Gold Open, and a sneak peek into his upcoming creative franchise. Join us to explore how Bing is redefining mainstream culture and empowering the next generation of creators. 00:39 Bing Chen's Background and Achievements07:48 Gold House and Asian Representation17:38 The Creator Economy and YouTube26:10 Leaving YouTube and Future Plans29:28 A Failed Startup Experience44:33 The Birth of Gold House47:34 Upcoming Creative Projects

Embracing Growth, Grit, and Grace with Guy Kawasaki. In this episode of The Aconic Podcast, host Soon Yu sits down with Guy Kawasaki, the renowned evangelist for Apple and Canva, author of 16 books, and the host of the 'Remarkable People' podcast. Guy expounds on his philosophy around the three G's: growth, grit, and grace, and how they've shaped his career and life. He shares personal anecdotes, from his early days in Honolulu, his time at Stanford, and his pivotal role at Apple, to his remarkable journey in tech and beyond. With humor and honesty, Guy talks about the challenges of starting new ventures, the importance of having a growth mindset, and the joy of lifelong learning. He also delves into the significance of community, kindness, and using technology to enhance human connectivity. 01:07 Guy Kawasaki's Evangelism and Career Highlights04:21 The Spirit of Aloha and Ohana13:56 Educational Journey and Early Career21:51 Transition to Apple and the Importance of Sales26:45 Leaving Apple: The Real Story33:57 The Return to Apple and Missed Opportunities39:33 Remarkable People: Growth, Grit, and Grace46:26 The Power of Grit and Overcoming Challenges50:19 The Grace Mindset and Legacy

Intentional Leadership with Mayor Aftab Pureval. In this episode, host Soon Yu interviews Aftab Pureval, the mayor of Cincinnati, who shares his inspiring journey from his immigrant family's experiences to his leadership in public office. Pureval discusses his career trajectory, starting from his early days in student government to his role as clerk of courts, where he tackled systemic challenges head-on. He opens up about the hardships and public scrutiny he faced, particularly after losing a congressional race and the lessons learned in balancing personal convictions and public service. Pureval also highlights the importance of intentional leadership, community service, and conflict resolution. He offers a powerful call to action for more AAPI individuals to engage in public service, emphasizing the transformative impact and fulfillment that comes with making a difference in the community. 04:16 Aftab's Family Background and Heritage07:28 The American Dream and Public Service13:10 Early Political Aspirations and Challenges21:23 Embracing Identity and Overcoming Barriers28:58 Building Bridges in a Hostile Environment31:03 Leadership and Vulnerability33:14 Conflict Resolution and Setting Standards40:40 Facing Public Defeat and Bouncing Back41:56 The Accidental Mayor47:50 The Importance of Running for Office

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 Aspirations13:59 Transition to Law and Continued Passion for Writing32:05 Facing Career Uncertainty35:51 Creating Interior Chinatown39:32 Addressing Asian American Experiences49:41 Reflecting on Success and Future Plans

Yamini Rangan: From Small Town Dreams to Leading HubSpot. In this episode of Aconic Podcast, host Soon Yu, along with co-host Tina Shah Paikeday, interviews Yamini Rangan, CEO of HubSpot. The conversation covers Yamini's inspiring journey from a small town in India, to leading a prominent software company. Yamini shares personal anecdotes about overcoming gender biases in engineering school, adapting to a new life in the U.S., and transitioning from engineering to sales. She discusses the significance of authentic leadership, the importance of embracing feedback, and her vision for supporting more women into C-suite roles. The episode highlights her approach to customer-centricity, learning from challenges, and the empowering impact of dreaming big. 03:17 Yamini's Early Life06:22 Dreams and Aspirations: Moving to the U.S.13:21 First Steps in America15:19 Transition to Berkeley and Career Beginnings16:47 Challenges and Success in Sales26:29 Embracing Authenticity in Personal and Professional Life28:18 The Hero's Journey and Career Struggles29:36 Rewriting the Playbook: From Individual Contributor to Leader34:06 Unexpected Path to CEO: A Journey of Resilience39:28 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Finding Purpose42:44 Future Aspirations and Mentorship Goals

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 Journey06:05 From Home Economics to Fashion Buying14:51 Joining The Gap: A Career Defining Moment23:17 Launching Old Navy: A New Venture26:44 Reflecting on the Journey to Leadership28:57 Cultural Influences and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome30:51 Leadership Philosophy and Team Dynamics32:05 Challenges and Lessons of Failure from Charlotte Russe40:16 Navigating Boards and Mentorship47:48 Stepping into the Role at Rothy's

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 Bonds21:58 The Early Struggles of Altos Ventures30:48 Facing Potential Pullout and Fundraising Struggles37:53 The Hedgehog Strategy: Investing in Founders46:20 Personal Struggles and Seeking Help59:21 Looking Forward: The Next Generation of Investors

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 Philippines7:31 - Manny's family getting exiled12:41 - Gratitude and Positivity as a Life Philosophy16:58 - Facing Rejection and Moving Forward24:24 - Manny’s Personal Mission Statement28:23 - Evolving the Mission of Bain and Company34:01 - Navigating Disappointment and Reassessing Purpose45:01 - 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

On this episode of the Aconic Podcast with Soon Yu, we speak with Deb Liu, CEO of Ancestry, a senior executive in Silicon Valley. Deb shares her story of overcoming the challenges she faced as an Asian-American woman, reflecting on her upbringing in South Carolina and the discrimination she encountered. She delves into her mission of being a creator, connector, and problem solver. Highlighting her professional milestones, including founding Women in Product, Deb discusses her evolution from 'version 1.0' to 'version 2.0'. She emphasizes the importance of interpersonal skills, adaptability, and continuous learning in achieving long-term success. We also touch on the significance of mentorship, personal growth, and finding fulfillment in the present moment.01:13 Overcoming Challenges and Breaking Barriers03:39 Personal Mission and Faith06:05 Growing Up Asian09:58 The Power of Adaptation and Growth13:49 Learning Interpersonal Skills17:28 Embracing Extroversion at Work20:40 The Power of a Learning Mindset23:42 Finding New Motivations25:09 The Importance of Mentorship28:00 Learning to Love Yourself33:23 Turning Setbacks into Opportunities37:22 Embracing the Present