She discusses the pressure of the Olympic stage, the meaning of representation, her work advocating against Asian hate, and how her foundation is transforming early childhood literacy in underserved communities. Kristi also shares the inspiration behind her children’s books and how perseverance over perfection, shaped her success.

Kristi also talks about her work with her foundation, Always Dream and its mission to ensure children have access to high-quality books in the home environment and extensive family engagement support.

This is an emotional, insightful conversation about legacy, resilience, and what it truly means to dream big.

In this deeply human conversation, host Soon Yu is joined by Abigail Hing Wen (author, filmmaker, and creator of The Veil) and Ashley Liao (actor, poet, and advocate) to explore creativity, identity, and mental health through the lens of what it means to stay human in an age increasingly shaped by AI.

The discussion begins with their groundbreaking work on Love in Taipei and expands into the importance of Asian American representation, coming-of-age stories, and choosing creative paths in industries that often reward conformity. Ashley shares candid reflections on mental health struggles, vulnerability, and learning to extend gentle love to herself. Abigail also opens up about rejection, power dynamics, and advocating for visibility in corporate and creative spaces.

The conversation then turns toward the future of storytelling and AI. Abigail discusses The Veil, a novel centered on clean AI, ethical creation, and the tension between innovation and humanity. Together, they examine how AI is changing Hollywood, authorship, and creative labor. We also dive into the associated risks of AI such as deep fakes, consent, and cultural erasure. Ashley explains why imperfection, empathy, and emotional presence remain uniquely human and irreplaceable.

This episode is a thoughtful exploration of resilience, leadership, creativity, and identity, offering insight for artists, technologists, leaders, and anyone navigating personal growth in a rapidly evolving world.

Despite extraordinary success, Jane shares the truth few leaders talk about: even after saving a million babies, she still felt like a failure.

In this powerful conversation, Jane opens up about resilience, leadership, mental health, and the hidden emotional toll of high achievement. She explores how cultural expectations, generational trauma, and self-criticism shaped her leadership—and why outward success alone cannot heal what’s broken inside.

Soon and Jane dive into:

-The difference between grit, endurance, and true resilience

-Why psychological safety in teams starts with inner psychological safety

-The pressure many Asian and AAPI leaders face around achievement and identity

-How Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy helped Jane heal

-Why self-respect must come before filial respect

-Letting go of beta blockers and fear around public speaking

This episode offers a deeply human perspective on resilience, authentic leadership, psychological safety, and self-acceptance. If you’re a founder, leader, creator, or anyone navigating personal growth, this conversation will change how you think about success.

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.

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.

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 Journey
07:35 Challenges in Healthcare Access
13:37 Importance of Screening and Early Detection
26:21 Impact on Dr. Lin's Perspective as a Physician
26:31 The Human Side of Medicine
30:28 The Role of Hope in Medicine
38:13 The Power of Storytelling
43:29 Letters to My Sons
52:17 Future Projects and Legacy

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 Background
4:15 Challenges and Sacrifices in Education and Career
12:29 Transition to the US and Tech Industry
20:19 The Birth of Zum: From Idea to Execution
27:08 Entrepreneurial Lessons from Stanford
31:25 Evaluating the Revenue Model and Lessons from Entrepreneurship
39:40 Pivoting to B2B
51:14 Rock Bottom Moments
57:30 Ritu’s Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

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 up
06:09 His First Side Hustle
08:58 From Friends to Co-Founders
11:36 Coming to the US
17:08 Early Days in Folsom and the Seed of an Idea
32:38 The Birth of Weee!
33:47 Early Challenges and Self-Funding
49:16 The Pivot to Grocery Delivery
59:51 Future Plans and Vision

02:15 – How Connie Chung Inspired Lisa's Career
09:30 – How Childhood Alienation Built Lisa's Deep Empathy
24:10 – Becoming a War Correspondent at 21 Years Old
37:00 – A Crushing Act of Racism Early in Lisa's Career
44:00 – Healing a Broken Relationship with Her Mother
1:04:00 – Leading the Effort to Free Her Sister from North Korea
1:12:00 – Lisa's Mission: Giving a Voice to the Invisible

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 & Firsts
2:49 The Power of Family & Heritage
5:00 Her Parents’ Love Story & Escape from China
8:17 Life on a Cargo Ship to America
19:40 Her Father Teaching Her English at Night
35:00 Championing the Asian American Museum
38:19 Overcoming Hardship & Public Criticism
44:00 Asian-American Superpower: Listening & Sensitivity
46:35 Meeting Mitch McConnell
52:00 Commemorating the Chinese Railroad Workers

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

01:07 Guy Kawasaki's Evangelism and Career Highlights
04:21 The Spirit of Aloha and Ohana
13:56 Educational Journey and Early Career
21:51 Transition to Apple and the Importance of Sales
26:45 Leaving Apple: The Real Story
33:57 The Return to Apple and Missed Opportunities
39:33 Remarkable People: Growth, Grit, and Grace
46:26 The Power of Grit and Overcoming Challenges
50:19 The Grace Mindset and Legacy

04:16 Aftab's Family Background and Heritage
07:28 The American Dream and Public Service
13:10 Early Political Aspirations and Challenges
21:23 Embracing Identity and Overcoming Barriers
28:58 Building Bridges in a Hostile Environment
31:03 Leadership and Vulnerability
33:14 Conflict Resolution and Setting Standards
40:40 Facing Public Defeat and Bouncing Back
41:56 The Accidental Mayor
47:50 The Importance of Running for Office

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

03:17 Yamini's Early Life
06:22 Dreams and Aspirations: Moving to the U.S.
13:21 First Steps in America
15:19 Transition to Berkeley and Career Beginnings
16:47 Challenges and Success in Sales
26:29 Embracing Authenticity in Personal and Professional Life
28:18 The Hero's Journey and Career Struggles
29:36 Rewriting the Playbook: From Individual Contributor to Leader
34:06 Unexpected Path to CEO: A Journey of Resilience
39:28 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Finding Purpose
42:44 Future Aspirations and Mentorship Goals

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

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

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

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

0:06 - Introduction

3:07 - Debby shares her family growing up in a humble way

5:30 - Sharing more about her father and coming to the US

8:57 - Debby's parents imparted their values to her.

11:22 - How her childhood impacted how she parents now?

13:20 - The expectations and demands on Asian children.

15:43 - How experiences at school affected Debby?

24:51 - Becoming more comfortable in her own skin.

28:57 - Debby shares her journey in getting to the C suite role.

37:47 - Debby's rock bottom moment

42:09 - There is value in all of our experiences- whether good or bad.