Shows
The Fine PrintMana in Motion: How Meli James Is Redefining Success for Hawaiʻi’s WomenIn 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 opportunitiesKey Themes:How Hawaiʻi’s culture shapes leadership and innovationOvercoming the feeling of being “stuck” after collegeEmpowering the next generation of women in businessThe importance of creating global impact from a local foundationWhether you’re a student in the islands or a young woma...
2025-10-1230 min
The Fine PrintLori Kahikina on Leading HART: Rail Realities & Community ImpactIn 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 she justify taxpayer costs and disruptions to communities?Addressing frustrations, like blocked ocean views and construction impacts—does the long-term benefit outweigh the short-term pain?Transparency & trust—can the rail project regain public confidence?Kahikina doesn’t shy away from controv...
2025-08-0141 min
The Fine PrintDoes Money Buy Happiness: Food for ThoughtIn 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 con...
2025-06-2330 min
The Fine PrintThe Data Doesn’t Lie: Jing Ai on Saving Businesses (Before It’s Too Late)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 financeThe biggest financial risks companies and policymakers are overlooking todayReal-world examples of resilience in crisis (and what leaders can learn from...
2025-06-0830 min
The Fine PrintMedicine and Business: The Intersection Abroad with Caroline FryWhat 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 empowering the next generation of women to explore unconventional career paths. We discuss:How her time in India reshaped her career trajectoryWhy business and policy skills are game-changers in healthcareAdvice for young women...
2025-05-1220 min
The Fine PrintIs Gen Z Losing the Ability to Work Hard: Food for ThoughtIn 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 for: Hot takes on "quiet quitting" and the death of corporate loyalty. The AI dilemma: Is it killing creativity or just changing the game? Why "acting your wage" isn’t rebell...
2025-04-2025 min
The Fine PrintFrom Hawaii to Korea: Diplomacy in Action with Joy SakuraiIn 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 diplomacy, from managing U.S.-Korea relations to navigating high-level meetings with dignitaries. Joy offers insight into how diplomacy varies across countries, the challenges of representing the U...
2025-04-0325 min
The Fine PrintWhat Americans Get Wrong: Global Business with Sonia Ghumman 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 whether remote work is breaking down or reinforcing cultural barriers. If you're interested in global business and cultural intelligence, this episode is a must-listen!
2025-03-1430 min