K-Bridge Conversations

Brian Sanghee Lee works with global leaders to cultivate cross-cultural competencies and self-awareness.

In this episode, I ask Brian about his unusual Korean-American upbringing, his decision to attend boarding school at 13, and his experience living in 10+ different cities in Asia throughout his professional life.

As a polyglot, mentor coach, and facilitator, Brian has support global organizations like UNICEF, Nike, and Fidelity and many others.

Brian's Socials:
 https://www.instagram.com/briansanghee/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-s-lee/

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast
00:49 Guest Introduction: Brian Sanghee Lee
01:29 Brian's Early Life and Education
03:06 Cultural Identity and Assimilation
05:21 Boarding School Experience
17:19 Language Learning Journey
29:38 American Exceptionalism and Broader Perspectives
39:37 Podcasting in Korea: Cultural Differences
40:44 Korean Humility and Podcasting Challenges
42:41 Structured Conversations vs. Spontaneity
44:58 Cultural Adaptation and Personal Experiences
46:33 Korean Social Norms and Pressures
48:44 Multicultural Identities and Cambridge
01:02:04 Parental Influence and Career Choices
01:11:42 Future Plans and Aspirations

Jeong Cho (조정현) is the founder of Digital Nomads Korea (DNK) and Hoppers.

In this episode, Jeong and I talk about Jeong's entrepreneurial journey, the origins of Hoppers & DNK, highlights from recent projects held by Hoppers (including workation events in Busan and Jeju), and Jeong's plans for 2025.

Jeong's Socials:
https://www.digitalnomadskorea.com/
https://www.hoppers.kr/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeonghcho/
https://www.instagram.com/jeong.cho/

Joo-Seuk Maing and Jaewoo (Jay) Seo are Korean-German and French-Korean working professionals (and friends) living in Seoul.

In this episode, we talk about Joo-Seuk & Jay's Korean Diaspora stories, their efforts to maintain and promote Korean culture abroad, and their motivations for hosting a 'Bridgers' event in 2024.

Joo-Seuk Maing:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/joo-seuk-maing/
- https://www.instagram.com/joomaing/

Jaewoo Seo:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaewooseo/
- https://www.instagram.com/jaerginho/

Geonwoo Park is the owner of @koreans_in_india on Instagram and is a senior at Imperial College London majoring in computer science.

In this episode, we cover: Geonwoo's incurable Crohn's disease diagnoses, his experience discovering the untapped potential of the K-wave in India, his unique approach to bridging cultures via social media, and his conviction in the future of the creator economy.

Geonwoo's Socials:
- https://x.com/gnwoo_park
- https://www.instagram.com/parkgnwoo/
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/roypark337/
- https://www.instagram.com/koreans_in_india/

Sang Lee is a recovering investment banker using his background in finance for change. Artificial intelligence and blockchain are top of mind topics for Sang and he has spoken on these topics in international markets.

Sang is also the President of Korean Startups & Entrepreneurs, a non-profit working to empower new entrepreneurship and learning amongst the Korean and Korean-American Community.

Sang's Socials:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/leesh1200/
- https://new.koreanse.org/

In this K-Bridge Conversation, Jamie Shin shares insights from his personal story: moving from Korea to Canada, challenges navigating a foreign education system, and his passion for building community.

Jamie also shares his insights from hosting the Community ABROAD conference at the University of Toronto.

Jamie's Socials:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamnishin/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamie1664s/
- Community Abroad: https://www.globalepic.co.kr/view.php?ud=20240806103401879048439a4874_29

Lucas Chae is an app builder, video creator, and digital designer. He grew up in four different countries (US, UK, South Korea, and South Africa) and now resides in Seoul where he's pursuing a life of solopreneurship.

Lucas's Socials:

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lululucaschae
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lululucaschae/
• Twitter: https://x.com/lucas_chae
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucas-chae/ 

Izabella Spizick is an Analyst at New Electric Partners, a corporate finance advisory firm based in Australia and Korea that focuses on decarbonization and electrification initiatives. She's also the cofounder of the Korea Australia Young Professionals Association (KAYPA), a professional organization for Australians in Korea and Koreans interested in Australia.

Izabella's Socials:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/izabellaspizick/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/missbelle99/
• KAYPA: socials page 
• YouTube: https://youtu.be/9O04OGa08dc

Hyo Bin (Hannah) Lee is a project manager at EO Studio, a rapidly growing media startup based in Seoul, South Korea. At EO, Hannah is responsible for leading community building, events, and sales.

Links:

• Hannah's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-hyo-bin-lee-5b2146152/
• EO Studio: https://eostudio.io/
• K-Bridge Website: https://www.kbridgegroup.com/
• The Idea Exchange Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/09UWKAaKu3arcQV1TkklaW?si=f6a5712a18b34d06&nd=1