Episode 92: Bernard Chong & Sam Walton: Made In America

Episode 92: Bernard Chong & Made In America: My Story by Sam Walton

Bernard's story is a mixture of the technical world and of people. He began his career working in and learning sales and customer service in the family business, then branching out in his education to the technical field of engineering.

That combination of mindsets is a bit unstoppable -- learning people along with the habit of analyzing the inner-workings of pretty much anything. That drive and curiosity is evidenced in Bernard's range of interests and business holdings, from animation (ASI Studios) and radio communications (Energy FM) to food and beverage (Tim Hortons/Kko Kko), entertainment (RKB Productions), and IT (Thirty One Digital), among others.

But all of his success is built on relationships -- family, friends, and other connections he chooses to learn from in his ongoing journey. It doesn't sound like he's ready to slow down any time soon.

What I hear in Bernard's story is a practice of curiosity, people, and trust. It's being curious about different industries, cultivating relationships with the right people, and understanding what trust in the right people can look like.

It's a reminder to the rest of us to explore what is out there beyond what we know in our industry. That diversity of mindset and learning is a form of exploration and discovery of what's possible.

CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS

• The power of trust in others.
• Understanding what someone is good at and getting out of their way.
• The importance of knowing one's blessings.
• Curiosity is key to understanding people
• What we can get from helping people with no expectations in return.
• Stepping away from work to relax.
• Needing to meet people with a colorful past.
• "We, as a leader, should really find every good person we can and try to get them and attract them and hopefully be aligned with them in how to go about business or shared dreams or shared projects."
• "When you meet a good employee, a good person, and you want to troubleshoot a different area, you just put the good person there and the value, the culture will suddenly change."

The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Bernard is, How open, curious, and prepared are you for the opportunities and people in both the world you see and what's beyond its borders?

MENTIONED OR APPLICABLE BOOKS

• Talking To Strangers: What We Should Know About the People We Don't Know by Malcolm Gladwell
• Conscious: The Power of Awareness in Business and Life by Bob Rosen
• No Excuses! The Power of Self-Discipline by Brian Tracy

MENTIONED OR APPLICABLE PAST EPISODES

• Episode 30 : Andrea Waltz & Go For No! Yes Is The Destination, No Is How You Get There
• Episode 52 : Chris Felton & Think & Grow You: How To Get Out Of Your Own Way And Level Up Your Life
• Episode 86 : Joseph Rockey Jr & His Book, Casino Sales Master: Proven System to Beat the Odds in Sales and Life

ABOUT BERNARD

Bernard stands at the helm of a billion-dollar investment empire, seamlessly navigating traditional businesses and cutting-edge tech startups alike. His diverse portfolio spans industries from retail, real estate, and entertainment to food and beverage. His interests range from animation (ASI Studios) and radio communications (Energy FM) to food and beverage (Tim Hortons/Kko Kko), entertainment (RKB Productions), and IT (Thirty One Digital), among others. A luminary in the esports industry, Bernard gained international acclaim for founding the award-winning Bren Esports (now APBren) in 2017. Bernard's philanthropic endeavors are as extensive as his business ventures. As the co-owner of Synergy88 Studios, the Philippines' first Microsoft-accredited art supplier specializing in mobile games and 2D character designs, he contributes to the flourishing creative industry. His upcoming ventures include the U.S. expansion of Mendo Coffee Company, a new mobile app platform, housing developments in Panama, the BrenNetwork investment fund, and the launch of the BrenSEED Foundation—a global education-focused non-profit. Beyond his entrepreneurial pursuits, Bernard is an avid Legos enthusiast, chess player, and comic book aficionado, with a particular fondness for Batman. Currently residing in Beverly Hills, CA, he is a devoted father and family man.

FIND BERNARD

• Website: linktr.ee/brenchong
• LinkedIn:?linkedin.com/in/iambrenchong

YOUTUBE TIME STAMP

• 00:47 - Introduction & Bio
• 02:45 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work?
• 04:21- How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now?
• 24:47 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child?
• 29:00 - What does leadership mean to you?
• 32:24- Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing?
• 36:41- What lessons have you taken away from the book?
• 37:04 - What are you up to these days? (A way for guests to share and market their projects and work.)

About The Book Leads

On?The Book Leads?podcast, I speak to specialists and experts across various industries and from varied backgrounds to learn about the book that made an impact and left an impression on their work, life, and leadership. In the course of my conversation I also learn about my guest's background, experience, and work they're carrying out today.?

This series has become my Masterclass In Humanity . I'd love for you to join me and see what you take away from these conversations.

Learn more about The Book Leads and listen to past episodes:

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• Read About The Book Leads?–?Blog Post

About Me

I'm a?Leadership Performance Coach and Consultant?at Coach It Out, LLC (www.coachitout.com ).?In addition to coaching, and as you can see above, I enjoy writing, podcasting, and speaking about leadership. Specifically, I work with clients to realize what they're all about when it comes to (1) new positions they've been hired or promoted into; and (2) rediscovering what they want out of their leadership, development, and career.

My signature talks include?Design Your Leadership! Nine Ways to Sharpen Your Leadership Brand In The Everyday, and?Platinum Networking: Designing A Unique Experience For Others In A World Of Disconnection.

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Reach out to me at?[email protected] .