The Fine Print

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 leaders...

In this candid conversation, HART Director Lori Kahikina shares her unexpected journey into transit leadership—from her engineering roots to stepping into one of Hawaii’s most scrutinized public roles. We discuss the challenges of overseeing Honolulu’s rail project, including: Her personal & professional path to leading HART amid financial and logistical hurdles. The tough questions: How does...

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. Perso...

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...

What happens when a pre-med student takes a detour to India and discovers a passion for business? Meet Dr. Caroline Fry , Assistant Professor at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, whose career blends healthcare, economics, and policy in unexpected and exciting ways. In this episode, Caroline shares her journey from medicine to academia and business research—and why she’s passionate about empoweri...

In this episode, we unpack why Gen Z is rejecting the grind—from refusing unpaid overtime to calling out the myth of "hustle equals success." We debate what real productivity looks like in an era where AI generates art, writes essays, and even codes. Is outsourcing creativity to machines efficient… or just lazy? And when companies expect endless hustle for stagnant wages, who really benefits? Tune...

In this episode, we sit down with Joy Sakurai, Chief Deputy of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Korea , to explore the world of diplomacy and how her upbringing in Hawaii shaped her path to becoming a U.S. diplomat. She shares how her local roots influenced her global perspective and how young people from diverse backgrounds can pursue careers in international affairs. We discuss the realities of di...

In this episode, Dr. Sonia Ghumman shares her insights on international business, cross-cultural challenges, and what it takes to succeed in a global market. We discuss how cultural differences impact leadership, communication, and negotiation , as well as how major companies like Apple and McDonald's adapt worldwide. She also offers advice for young professionals entering the field and explores w...