From Side Hustles to Direct Delivery: Larry Liu’s Journey to Building Weee!

In this episode of the Aconic Podcast, host Soon Yu sits down with Larry Liu, the CEO of Weee!, America's largest online Asian supermarket. Larry delves into his immigrant journey, the early challenges in America, and his relentless hustle from reselling backpacks to launching Weee!. They discuss Larry's initial struggles to secure funding and how, through sheer determination and community support, he pivoted Weee! from a group-buying model to a successful grocery delivery service. Larry's story underscores the importance of resilience, leveraging community networks, and the ability to pivot for entrepreneurial success. His journey is a testament to how recognizing and addressing the fundamental needs of underserved communities can lead to groundbreaking business opportunities.

01:57 Larry Liu Growing up
06:09 His First Side Hustle
08:58 From Friends to Co-Founders
11:36 Coming to the US
17:08 Early Days in Folsom and the Seed of an Idea
32:38 The Birth of Weee!
33:47 Early Challenges and Self-Funding
49:16 The Pivot to Grocery Delivery
59:51 Future Plans and Vision

Geoff Yang, co-founder of Redpoint Ventures : From Building Network Routers to Building a Network of Entrepreneurs, Hip Hop Artists and Olympians

In this episode of the Aconic Podcast, Soon Yu interviews venture capital titan and Redpoint Ventures co-founder Geoff Yang as he shares his extraordinary journey of building influential networks that extend far beyond Silicon Valley. From early bets on game-changing companies like Netflix, Uber, and Snowflake, Geoff's vision has shaped industries. Discover how he's leveraged his leadership as head of the US Olympic and Paralympic Foundation and forged connections with icons across sports, entertainment, and hip hop. Geoff delves into the leadership principles, resilience, and the art of cultivating meaningful relationships that have defined his success.

3:00 - Immigrant roots: Growing up in a Chinese family with strong educational values.
9:00 - The secret to success: Passion for the journey, not just financial gain.
14:00 - Geoff’s advice for entrepreneurs.
24:00 - The myth of “all or nothing” risk-taking: Why measured risk is key.
29:00 - Blending passions: How Geoff’s love for sports led to leadership roles in skiing, golf, and basketball.
39:00 - Creating Auron: Using science and technology to optimize health and longevity.

Lisa Ling, Emmy Award-Winning Journalist: How Family Sacrifice and a Hunger for Truth Shaped One of America’s Most Fearless Reporters

02:15 – How Connie Chung Inspired Lisa's Career
09:30 – How Childhood Alienation Built Lisa's Deep Empathy
24:10 – Becoming a War Correspondent at 21 Years Old
37:00 – A Crushing Act of Racism Early in Lisa's Career
44:00 – Healing a Broken Relationship with Her Mother
1:04:00 – Leading the Effort to Free Her Sister from North Korea
1:12:00 – Lisa's Mission: Giving a Voice to the Invisible

From Cargo Ship Passenger to Secretary of Transportation: The Trailblazing Legacy of Secretary Elaine Chao

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of The Aconic Podcast, host Soon Yu sits down with Secretary Elaine Chao to explore her remarkable journey—from arriving in America as a seasick 8-year-old on a 37-day cargo ship to becoming the first Asian American woman to serve in two U.S. presidential cabinets.

With grace and candor, Secretary Chao reflects on the incredible love story of her immigrant parents and the quiet strength, sacrifice, and resilience that shaped her path. She opens up about how their unwavering support and values laid the foundation for her identity, leadership, and sense of purpose.

In a rare personal moment, she also shares her experiences navigating love and dating as a first-generation Asian American woman—and how a chance encounter led to her relationship with Senator Mitch McConnell.

In this inspiring episode, Soon sits down with Secretary Elaine Chao to explore her remarkable journey - from arriving in America as a seasick 8-year-old on a 37-day cargo ship to becoming the first Asian American woman to serve in two U.S. presidential cabinets. With grace and candor, Secretary Chao reflects on the incredible love story of her immigrant parents and the quiet strength, sacrifice, and resilience that shaped her path. She opens up about how their unwavering support and values laid the foundation for her identity, leadership, and sense of purpose.

In a rare personal moment, she also shares her experiences navigating love and dating as a first-generation Asian American woman - and how a chance encounter led to her relationship with Senator Mitch McConnell.

Released in celebration of AAPI Heritage Month, this episode is a moving tribute to family, perseverance, and the enduring power of the American dream. Packed with wisdom, humor, and hard-won lessons, Secretary Chao's story is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration and guidance on leadership, legacy, and staying true to your roots.

1:00 Breaking Barriers & Firsts
2:49 The Power of Family & Heritage
5:00 Her Parents’ Love Story & Escape from China
8:17 Life on a Cargo Ship to America
19:40 Her Father Teaching Her English at Night
35:00 Championing the Asian American Museum
38:19 Overcoming Hardship & Public Criticism
44:00 Asian-American Superpower: Listening & Sensitivity
46:35 Meeting Mitch McConnell
52:00 Commemorating the Chinese Railroad Workers

Balancing Babies, Books, and Boardrooms: The Inspiring Journey of Sheila Lirio Marcelo

In this heartfelt episode of the Aconic Podcast, host Soon interviews Sheila Marcelo, the visionary entrepreneur behind Care.com and Ohai.ai. From navigating an unplanned pregnancy as a 20 year old sophomore in college to founding a company that became a lifeline for millions of families, Sheila’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Listen as Sheila reveals the trials and triumphs that shaped her career and life, how she balanced family demands with her undeniable ambition, and the emotional moments that reinforced her mission to make a societal impact. Discover the deeply personal story behind her drive to revolutionize the care industry and her latest venture in AI-driven personal assistance. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who believes in the power of resilience, love, and technological innovation to create meaningful change. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a devoted parent, or simply someone looking for a story to ignite your own passions, Sheila Marcelo’s incredible journey will leave you moved and motivated.

02:15 - Sheila’s Early Life and Struggles with Young Motherhood
10:45 - Founding Care.com and Its Impact on Millions of Families
22:30 - Balancing Family Life with the Demands of Entrepreneurship
33:15 - The Emotional Turning Points in Sheila’s Mission
47:00 - The Launch and Vision Behind Ohai.ai
55:30 - Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs and Innovators

Embracing Growth, Grit, and Grace with Guy Kawasaki. In this episode of The Aconic Podcast, host Soon Yu sits down with Guy Kawasaki, the renowned evangelist for Apple and Canva, author of 16 books, and the host of the 'Remarkable People' podcast. Guy expounds on his philosophy around the three G's: growth, grit, and grace, and how they've shaped his career and life. He shares personal anecdotes, from his early days in Honolulu, his time at Stanford, and his pivotal role at Apple, to his remarkable journey in tech and beyond. With humor and honesty, Guy talks about the challenges of starting new ventures, the importance of having a growth mindset, and the joy of lifelong learning. He also delves into the significance of community, kindness, and using technology to enhance human connectivity.

01:07 Guy Kawasaki's Evangelism and Career Highlights
04:21 The Spirit of Aloha and Ohana
13:56 Educational Journey and Early Career
21:51 Transition to Apple and the Importance of Sales
26:45 Leaving Apple: The Real Story
33:57 The Return to Apple and Missed Opportunities
39:33 Remarkable People: Growth, Grit, and Grace
46:26 The Power of Grit and Overcoming Challenges
50:19 The Grace Mindset and Legacy