Shawn Uehira joins us in this episode of "Above the Sides" to share about her experience integrating Hawaiian values into her relationships, life, work and education. Shawn was a former employee at Oʻahu Economic Development Board after graduating from college and in our discussion she highlights some of her experiences with Uncle Pono Shim and how she continues to weave his teachings into everyday decisions through finding lōkahi (harmony, unity, unbrokenness). As a graduate student at Chaminade University, Shawn also co-authored a book, Hawaiian Values for Future Leaders, which focuses on leadership development for island organizations. Enjoy! 

Welcome to the Above the Sides podcast! Join us on our journey to uncover what it means to think, act, and live aloha. The inspiration for this podcast is the late Pono Shim, former President and CEO of the Oʻahu Economic Development Board. His stories capture the essence of what it means to live aloha. He made it known that aloha is a lifestyle. It is not a solution to problems, a marketing brand or to be used as an advantage over anyone else. Aloha is to be honored and practiced.

The name of this podcast is in reverence of Hawaiʻi's Queen Liliʻuokalani, who wrote: "To gain the kingdom of heaven is to hear what is not said, to see what cannot be seen, and to know the unknowable – that is Aloha. All things in this world are two; in heaven there is but One.” Through these episodes, we seek to find that singular perspective, the one that is "above the sides" as we strive for universal peace.

We welcome you to pause with us as we share the stories and voices of Hawai’i business leaders, educators and community members who have chosen to be lifelong students of aloha. Mahalo nui loa for listening.