About the Episode:

In this deeply personal episode, Lindsay sits down with her husband Mike to talk about something that’s often overlooked in ambitious careers: rest.

Mike shares his journey from UCLA to management consulting, to London Business School, and eventually to a leadership role in real estate private equity—before making the courageous decision to step away for a six-month sabbatical.

Together, they explore how cultural expectations, family responsibilities, and relentless work habits shaped his views on success—and why choosing to pause became one ofthe bravest decisions of his life.

What You’ll Learn in this Episode:

· Why high achievers struggle with the idea of rest—and why it’s not a lack of ambition.

· How the regret minimization framework (from Jeff Bezos) helped Mike decide to take a sabbatical.

· The cultural influences (Asian, Western, corporate) that make rest feel like weakness—and how to reframe it.

· What surprised Mike most about stepping away from work for the first time in decades.

· Why redefining success means balancing ambition with family, health, and joy.

Episode Breakdown

01:26 Introducing Mike's Sabbatical

02:32 Mike's Career Journey

06:11 Balancing Work and Family

08:26 The Decision to Take a Sabbatical

11:21 Cultural Expectations and Work Ethic

17:08 Reflections on the Sabbatical

39:47 Advice for Young Parents

43:15 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

Connect with Mike Hu

IG: @mikehu_bruin

Connect with Courage Class on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube:

@courageclasspod

@drlindsaykwockhu

⁠⁠www.drlindsaykwockhu.com/podcast⁠⁠

Sign up for Courage Class Notes, a weekly newsletter:

⁠⁠https://dr-lindsay-kwock-hu.kit.com/980fac101a⁠⁠

Music Credit:

DayNigthMorning from Pixabay

invitation-no-copyright-music-388387

Disclaimer:

Courage Class with Dr. Lindsay Kwock Hu and content posted by Dr. Lindsay Kwock Hu is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website isat the user’s own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of aphysician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.