In this episode of The Urban Income Show, Yong Kim, the of CEO Wonolo, a company driving the future of work, shares his background, journey, and advice for job seekers. He discusses his unexpected path to entrepreneurship and the challenges he faced as a teenager trying to find work in a new country. Yong emphasizes the importance of mentorship and perseverance, highlighting the impact of a teacher who gave him a second chance. He offers advice for job seekers, stressing the need for effective self-presentation and research on companies and individuals. Yong also shares insights on job searching, fundraising, leadership, decision-making, sleep, and managing money.
Yong Kim, the CEO of Wonolo, a company that is revolutionizing the way we work, shares his personal story, experiences, and valuable advice for those seeking employment. Kim is an immigrant from South Korea, who launched two companies before turning 40 and advises C7 Ventures and Sequoia Capital. He began his career at Analyst Group and later Deutsche Bank, holding degrees from the University of Chicago and Harvard Business School. Following success in investment banking, he joined Coca-Cola's Startup Accelerator in 2013, sparking his journey with Wonolo. Since its 2014 inception, Yong has served as CEO, and the company now boasts over 300 employees, one million workers, and thousands of partner companies. He's secured over $200M in venture capital for Wonolo's growth. At home, Yong finds humility, gratitude, and happiness, inspired by his wife and three daughters. Here are a few of the topics we’ll discuss on this episode of The Urban Income Show:
- Yong Kim's background and journey as an accidental entrepreneur
- Challenges faced by Yong Kim as a teenager trying to find work in a new country
- The impact of mentorship and the importance of words and actions in shaping someone's life
- Advice for job seekers, including effective self-presentation and research on companies and individuals
- Advice on increasing success rates in job searching and fundraising, such as targeting specific companies and following up multiple times
- The importance of persistence and follow-up in the sales process for entrepreneurs
- What makes a good CEO and leader, including self-awareness, skills in managing teams and resolving conflicts, and personal style
- Insights on decision-making and the importance of sleep
- Regrets and lessons learned regarding money management
- Advice for his younger self, including focusing on personal growth and challenging situations rather than money or prestige.
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Connecting with Yong Kim:
Connecting with Lavall Chichester:
What is The Urban Income Show?
Welcome to the Urban Income Show, a financial education podcast that highlights the accomplishments of minority leaders in various industries. Join us as we interview CEOs, CMOs, CTOs, founders, and other executives to discuss their journeys to success.
In each episode of Urban Income, we delve into the personal stories and insights of our featured guests, exploring the strategies and tactics they have used to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. We discuss their perspectives on topics such as entrepreneurship, leadership, personal finance, and career development, providing listeners with actionable advice and inspiration to fuel their own journeys.
Through our conversations with these accomplished minority leaders, we aim to showcase the power of diversity in the business world, and demonstrate how anyone can leverage their unique perspectives and experiences to thrive in their chosen field. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or an established professional, Urban Income is here to inspire, educate, and empower you to take control of your financial future.