Full Episode Page (show notes, links, transcript): #2: Austyn Lee – Getting into Stanford, What Makes a Great Leader, and Navigating the Dating Space
Introduction
In the second episode of One Thousand Gurus, host J.R. sits down with his friend and guest, Austyn Lee, to delve into an enriching conversation about education, career, passion, leadership, and the intricacies of relationships. From leading a dance team at UCLA to working in health tech, Austyn shares his journey, revealing insights about authenticity and community along the way.
A Journey from Hawaii to Stanford
Austyn opens up about his formative years in Hawaii, where the cultural emphasis on education shaped his path to Stanford University. While Stanford wasn’t initially his dream school, financial aid and the opportunity to experience life beyond Hawaii played significant roles in his decision. This section traces Austyn’s background, highlighting his transition from a psychology enthusiast to a business analyst.
The Dance of Career and Passion
Having danced since high school, Austyn narrates how performing arts have always been a substantial part of his life. His transition from competitive dance teams to his current role in health tech symbolizes a balance between his career and passion. He candidly shares the internal conflict of pursuing psychology over performing arts and the fulfilling aspects of his current job in health tech.
Insights on Leadership and Longevity
As someone who naturally gravitates toward leadership roles, Austyn shares hard-earned lessons from co-leading the K-pop dance team, Choreos, at UCLA. He discusses the challenges and rewards of aligning people with a common goal, emphasizing the importance of community in sustaining an organization. The conversation offers valuable insights into fostering longevity in any group setting, whether in a workplace or hobbyist environment.
The Role of Authenticity in Relationships
Austyn dives into personal experiences with relationships, revealing that his early mistakes stem from not knowing himself fully. His advice for navigating the dating world is grounded in self-awareness and authenticity, emphasizing the importance of finding a partner who aligns with one’s true self. He also discusses the essence of maintaining relationships through companionship and mutual commitment.
Rapid-Fire Reflections
In a series of rapid-fire questions, Austyn reflects on various aspects of his life:
- Navigating Career: Drawing from past experiences helps in adapting to new roles, and feeling prepared to walk through unexpected doors is key to success.
- Advice for Aspiring Students: Explore authentically what calls to you instead of feeling pressured to have your entire career path planned out.
- Leadership Wisdom: Successful leadership involves listening, navigating varied interests, and rallying people around a shared goal.
Conclusion: Building Community through Authenticity
Closing out the interview, Austyn encourages readers to find and foster community, highlighting its role in his personal and professional life. His message is simple yet profound: build space for others to connect, and seek communities where you feel you belong. This blog post captures the essence of Austyn journey—a testament to the power of authenticity and community in achieving a fulfilled life. Whether navigating education, career, or relationships, Austyn story inspires us to embrace who we are and create spaces where others can do the same.
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