Drink Coffee. Do Cool Stuff.

From Risk to Purpose: Radical Transparency as a Leadership Test

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In this episode of Drink Coffee. Do Cool Stuff., I sit down with James Pham — entrepreneur, risk-taker, and co-founder / CEO of Opisin.

James’s story is one of bold leaps: leaving med school in Vietnam, moving across countries on faith alone, and turning down safe jobs to chase uncertain opportunities. At the core of his journey is radical transparency: a leadership style built on honesty, trust, and clarity instead of politics or hidden agendas.

But what really defines James isn’t just risk or entrepreneurship. It’s how he uses both as a path to something greater: purpose.

We explore:

  • How risk becomes the crucible that shapes leadership Why radical transparency builds trust even through hard pivots
  • How time as the only true currency reshapes the way you lead and live
  • Why chasing goals without meaning leaves leaders empty — and how purpose fills the gap

    • 💡 Reflection for Leaders: Where are you spending your time currency — and is it aligned with your true purpose?

    👉 If last week was about why silence is surrender, this week is about how risk, transparency, and purpose combine to create leadership that lasts.

    James Pham - LInkedIn

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    Drink Coffee. Do Cool Stuff.By Jason Elrod