In this episode, we sit down with Meli James, cofounder of Mana Up and president of the Hawaiʻi Venture Capital Association, to discuss a unique perspective on community, creativity, and resilience. We talk about growing up in Hawai'i, navigating post-college uncertainty, discovering entrepreneurship, and returning home to build local opportunities

Key Themes:

• How Hawaiʻi’s culture shapes leadership and innovation
• Overcoming the feeling of being “stuck” after college
• Empowering the next generation of women in business
• The importance of creating global impact from a local foundation

Whether you’re a student in the islands or a young woman chasing your first big idea, Meli’s story is a reminder that success doesn’t mean leaving home—it can start right where your roots are.

In this thought-provoking episode, we tackle the age-old question: Does money actually buy happiness? We dive into the pressures students—especially Asian students—face when choosing "high-status" careers like medicine, law, or engineering, often driven by financial security rather than passion.

We explore:

• The cultural & familial expectations that push students toward lucrative careers.
• Personal stories—do we really want to chase big paychecks, or are we happier with simpler lives?
• Research & perspectives on income vs. life satisfaction—where’s the tipping point?
• Alternative paths—can passion careers compete with traditional "money-making" ones?

Join us for a candid conversation about success, sacrifice, and whether wealth truly equals fulfillment.

In this episode, we sit down with Professor Jing Ai, a finance expert whose journey from growing up in China to shaping global business perspectives offers unique insights into risk management, financial strategy, and cross-cultural leadership. She shares personal stories—from unexpected career lessons to pivotal failures—and discusses how businesses and governments can navigate an unpredictable world.

We explore:

• How her upbringing in China and career in the U.S. influenced her views on global finance
• The biggest financial risks companies and policymakers are overlooking today
• Real-world examples of resilience in crisis (and what leaders can learn from them)
• Her advice for the next generation of leaders bridging business, policy, and impact

Whether you're in finance, entrepreneurship, or policy—or just curious about the forces shaping our economy—this conversation is packed with actionable wisdom.