Dr. Jim Yong Kim, Partner and Vice Chairman of Global Infrastructure Partners, shares his path to extraordinary change agent—what shaped his identity as an Asian American and how as educator, medical expert and global leader he made change happen at G20 summits and in remote, rural villages alike. Born in South Korea to parents uncharacteristically NOT urging “just fit in,” Dr. Jim reveals his early years in America—feelings as an outsider, often stared at, and struggles with what being Korean means.
His Father, tough and unashamed of his roots, guided his son to complete medical school before other studies, so he’d “have a skill that no one can take away from you.” Unlike Asian stereotypes, Dr. Jim divulges his nature as a fighter and shares fondly his exhilarating, formative time at Brown University’s “Third World Center” and feeling closest to his fellow people of color. He may surprise you, noting studying anthropology was largely a way to resolve his identity crisis. And rather than “service” it is fighting for justice that’s his raison d'être, compelling his fearlessness to “speak truth to justice” on uncomfortable topics to the world’s most powerful political leaders and respected experts.
Hear him talk of his difficulty with tough conversations, his “no cry zone” at Partners in Health, “fighting for things worth fighting for” and many insights from his roles around the world: * Global action is extremely difficult—the personalities matter a lot. * Leadership is critical; democracy, fickle. * Optimism is a moral choice: you can’t take on intractable problems without it—per Italian philosopher Antonio Gramsci, “Pessimism of the intellect, optimism of the will.” He shares his hope in the amazing movements of young people tackling tough ESG issues, and sees Asians waking up to “things not being fine” as a good thing. “People knowing how it feels to be Asian can create greater awareness for ALL underrepresented groups and a powerful sense of solidarity. With the awakening of BLM and The Asian American Foundation—there’s a sense it is possible to be respectful of all people and their choices.” Molly’s thought for the week, honoring family friend Dr. Lee Shiu, who passed peacefully at 92: “Enjoy life to the fullest. Sing, dance, laugh, be happy, and don’t worry too much.”
Tune in to learn from Dr. Jim’s remarkable life journey, inspiring us to know no boundaries and to commit to taking action so that all can be safe, seen and heard, and our true and best selves. bendingthearcfilm.com
*Correction: His leadership in 2014 was critical to frontline Ebola response in WEST Africa.
