Alan Baker is a successful martial arts expert based in the United States. In this interview, we covered topics that revolved around discipline, weakness, and taking challenges as they come. As a professional, Alan has had many experiences with various kinds of people. Alan shared his insights on how to get along with people you may not be similar with and how to build those people skills. The main focus of this episode was on attitude and human interaction.
If you could leave the youth with one piece of advice, what would it be?
You don’t realize your potential yet.
“As a person, you should be adaptable and flexible.”
Angelita Teo is the Director at the Olympic Foundation for Culture and Heritage. Her work in the arts and culture sector started at University where she decided to change her major and chose to pursue what she truly wanted. Originally from Singapore, Angelita worked in various locations in the island city that then helped her to grow in her career.
Quick Summary
What is the importance of museums?
Angelita believes that there are two different types of museums, those that deliver to the local community and those that are used as locations for tourism. Angelita says that both have their own functions and purpose however, smaller scale museums are vital for shining light on new and young talent as they will have the opportunity to be showcased there. Larger museums are great for showcasing historical pieces and those that have a name to them.
How should the younger generation approach the issue of parents being against arts?
Angelita mentioned that she faced this issue herself when she first switched her major. In fact, she did not want to disappoint her family so she decided to keep it a secret and not tell them about her switch. She believes that the arts have always had a reputation of being good for a selected few, however, it is much broader than people imagine. She said that the best way to approach the situation is for younger parents to be more open minded and listen to their children.
If you could leave the youth with one piece of advice, what would it be?
Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.
“As a person, you should be adaptable and flexible.”
Molina Asthana is the Vice President at the Law Institute of Victoria, Australia. Molina is on the board of Directors at Gymnastics Victoria and Good Shepard. Molina is also part of a lot of different leadership roles in Australia.
Quick Summary
What was your journey like?
Molina came to Australia after practicing law back in India. Her goal was to work in the top tier Law firms. After obtaining a Masters at the University of Melbourne, Molina started to look for a job. Along the way she was faced with many problems that had to do with equality and cultural acceptance in Australia. Many people told her that she would not be able to obtain a position in top tier firms, however, after networking and finding people she could contact, she found herself working in those big firms. Now Molina is on the board of Directors for various different companies. She works with initiatives that help fight inequality amongst cultural backgrounds in Australia, women in sport as well as equality in justice.
Why should people look into studying law?
Molina believes that law is a very multifaceted area of study. Having a law degree or at the very least, having a basic understanding of the concepts, helps an individual pave the way into various different fields of work. From management to sport, the qualities that are obtained are valuable for people of any background.
Question from our guest student, Ella Mercurio, a Law student at Durham University
Why is it important to have judicial diversity?
Molina stated that it is important in order to understand different cultural differences when it comes to serving justice to an individual. She pointed out that there are certain characteristics and upbringings when it comes to individuals and therefore, some of those unique differences can be seen as a barrier to justice if not understood. Molina said that there are many initiatives that are taking place in order to combat this inequality. From quotas to unconscious bias training, governments are trying to make judicial systems much more diverse.
If you could leave the youth with one piece of advice, what would it be?
Own your heritage.
“When there is no role model, it motivates me more to be the first and do something that hasn’t been done yet.”–
Tim Davis is the author of TRIPOLAR: The Story of a Bipolar Triathlete, which chronicles his journey from childhood trauma into multiple addictions until finally recovering and discovering triathlons and ultrarunning as important tools to help him stay sober and in recovery. He is a high school science teacher and coach in Los Angeles, CA. He’s happily married with 3 amazing children. He has been competing and coaching in triathlons and endurance races for over two decades. He has completed 12 Ironman triathlons, seven 100-mile endurance runs, 1 double-ironman triathlon, and several 24 hour races. He is a strong and proud advocate for mental health and mental health awareness.You can follow Tim on his website at www.ultratimdavis.com
Quick Summary
To begin, what Inspired you to write Tripolar? Was there perhaps a specific moment in your journey that set you on this path to writing this book?
My biggest inspiration to write Tripolar, was to share my own message of hope and inspiration with others, and especially with those who are struggling or have struggled with the issues that I have – which include childhood abuse and trauma, alcoholism, addictions, bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression, and being overweight. I used to weigh 250 lbs eleven years ago, and I’m only 5’9” tall. I managed to lose 60 lbs in 6 months in 2009 and have stayed around 185 lbs ever since my “weight loss crusade”.
In your book Tripolar, you refer back to a point in your life where you felt as though you were at your lowest. It’s very common for students to feel as though they are in this same relative position. Whether it’s getting rejected by their dream university or falling into a cycle of bad habits, what advice do you have for students on how to move forward from this ‘lowest point’?
Great question! My advice would be to never give up and keep moving forward. I have several mantras which I’ve picked up from others along the way and that I still use regularly, such as:
Dream big or go home!
Never give Up
If your dreams don’t scare you, your not dreaming big enough!
Easy does it
First things first
Take baby steps
If at first you don’t succeed…(you know the rest, right?) try, try again!
I would also remind them that one locked or closed door ultimately leads to another opportunity. Too often we get so focused on only one way or solution to achieving a goal we have set for ourselves. As a kid, I always did well in school and almost always got straight As. I dreamed of going to Ivy League schools, but when the time came around – I didn’t even apply to them, because I was afraid I wouldn’t get in because I only got a 1430 on my SAT. I don’t let past regrets rule my life anymore, but if I could go back in the past and talk to my 16-17 year old self, I would have made sure to convince him to apply to those schools too. You’ll never reach the sky if you don’t aim for the stars. So apply to all your dream schools, but be sure to apply to other schools too – and be prepared to accept wherever the chips may fall as they say.
As for bad habits, I would definitely say take baby steps again and/or set SMART goals. For me personally, I had several bad habits of drinking, smoking, overeating, and doing drugs for over 20 years. I finally embraced 12 step support groups to get the help I needed to overcome them one day at a time. So I would also tell them to not be afraid to ask for help and seek out therapy or support groups if they are having trouble dropping bad habits. You don’t have to do these things alone.
As someone who is an avid runner and athlete, how would you say the qualities you have developed taking part in events such as Iron mans and Ultramarathons helped you in other aspects of life? What are the cross applicable skills associated with these activities?
In order for me to become a successful Ironman triathlete and ultrarunner, I had to do research, planning, and networking. I went to the library and bought many books written by others who had done ironman triathlons and ultramarathons; and I talked to friends I made and networked with them to pick their brains for advice and tips that helped them become successful at events like those. I used the knowledge gained to design and plan training plans to prepare me for my big races. I joined the California Triathlon Club and met many other triathletes there. I joined several Facebook groups for triathletes and ultrarunners there, where you can post any question you have about training and racing that other experienced veterans respond to and share their experiences with everyone there.
It also takes hard work, grit, and determination of course!
If you could leave the youth with one piece of advice, what would it be?
Don’t be afraid to dream big and shoot for the stars!
“Don’t be afraid to dream big and shoot for the stars”
Insights with Experts 