Filmmaker and actor Nate Parker shares his powerful journey from humble beginnings in Virginia to the world of film. He reflects on how early life experiences, unexpected opportunities, and a shift in purpose led him to pursue storytelling through cinema. Nate discusses the realities of acting, the importance of creating your own work, and the deeper meaning behind his projects. He also talks about the Nate Parker Foundation and his mission to empower the next generation of filmmakers to drive cultural change. This episode is a must-listen for young people exploring creative careers and seeking inspiration to follow their calling.

In this episode, former CFO of Slickdeals, Stephen Loh speaks about his unique journey through the business world - from PwC in Hong Kong to startups and e-commerce. He reflects on childhood influences, early jobs, and lessons learned in navigating career challenges. Packed with practical insights and advice, this episode is perfect for students exploring paths in business and beyond.

Deloitte's Global Deputy CEO Stacy Janiak reflects on how her childhood experiences and personal values shaped her path toward a career in business. From navigating personal experiences to discovering her passion for business in college, Janiak shares that one of her professional hurdles was managing the expectations she placed on herself. But despite life's uncertainties, she encourages listeners to "be comfortable with the uncomfortable."

Executive coach and former investment banker Sandy Li recounts her early student experiences, from starting a career services club in high school, exploring Shakespearean poetry in college, and ultimately delving into the world of finance and entrepreneurship. Li explains that although not all of her activities directly aligned with her eventual career as an adult, they all proved to be a large factor in her later success. Listen to Li narrate how both her career interests and her character evolved, as she urges her audience to “be an asset wherever you go.”

Take a look at Li's recommendation: the book Monkey Business: Swinging Through the Wall Street Jungle by John Rolfe and Peter Troob.

Caltech professor of Materials Science, Mechanics and Medical Engineering, Dr. Julia Greer recounts her journey moving from Russia to America. In addition to her passion for science, Dr. Greer also enjoyed playing piano. Although she faced many obstacles along the way that would have deterred others, she was determined to pursue her path in science, always reminding herself to never give up.

Culminating as Senior investment partner at hedge fund Canyon Partners, Soon Pho has had a long career that began in investment banking. As an immigrant, Mr. Pho’s childhood experiences had an impact on his career decision toward investments. Explore the importance of capital over labor and the notion of investing in yourself before capital.

Take a look at Mr. Pho’s recommendations, including The Snowball, a book by Alice Schroeder; “Becoming Warren Buffett”, an HBO documentary; and Warren Buffett’s reports on Berkshire Hathaway:
https://www.amazon.com/Snowball-Warren-Buffett-Business-Life/dp/0553384619https://www.hbo.com/movies/becoming-warren-buffett-2017https://www.berkshirehathaway.com/reports.html

Founder and Chairman of Dan Modern Chinese, James Kim recalls selling goods to his classmates in elementary school. It proved to be a very prescient activity in his journey to becoming an entrepreneur. Kim saw several different options for the future - filmmaking, law, medicine - but he found that his true passion was in business.  Despite ups and downs from starting his first endeavors to overseeing his restaurants today, Kim persists and perseveres, reminding himself to “just do it!”

San Marino Mayor, Steven Huang never realized as a child that he would take on such an important role. From dentistry to politics, listen to this episode as Mayor Huang details his journey through childhood, college, and beyond.

Dr. Margaret Loh, a radiologist, tells her tale about her ambitious path in the medical field, persevering in the face of any obstacle.  Being a doctor not only requires you to be absolutely determined, but you also need to enjoy helping others.  Listen to her story from when she was helping doctors who were clients in her family business to becoming a doctor herself.

Victor Zhang, Chief Investment Officer and Senior Vice President of American Century Investments recounts his career experience since immigrating to America. He gives an introduction to investments and describes fundamental principles that everyone’s career journey should be built upon.