Dream Chasers：Ted Kwan: Keep Dreaming

Summary

In this inspiring narrative, Ted shares his journey of pursuing two key dreams: empowering the younger generation through financial education and creating a social enterprise to help at-risk youth. Starting in the real estate industry, Ted's life took a turn after realizing the emptiness of simply making money. His passion for social good led him to co-found a social enterprise aimed at helping young people reintegrate into society. Through challenges and triumphs, Ted's story emphasizes the importance of purpose-driven work, resilience, and creating meaningful change in the community.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ted started a company in 2007 to teach finance to young people, with the goal of helping the next generation.
• 😀 His second dream was to create a social enterprise that would address social issues, particularly by helping young people at risk.
• 😀 Ted believed in the power of social enterprise to make a positive impact, especially in helping disadvantaged groups reintegrate into society.
• 😀 Over 10 years, Ted’s social enterprise helped more than 100 young people, many of whom had criminal backgrounds or were referred by social workers.
• 😀 Ted chose to focus on young people, believing that helping them early in life would lead to a better future for them in the long term.
• 😀 In his early career, Ted worked in the real estate industry, but he became disillusioned with making money for others and wanted to do more meaningful work.
• 😀 Ted’s involvement in church and Christian teachings about loving labor led him to invest in and volunteer for a social enterprise, eventually leaving his lucrative job to pursue this path.
• 😀 One challenge Ted faced was working with young people who had been involved in gangs or criminal activities, as they were often difficult to manage and sometimes uncooperative.
• 😀 Ted experienced a life-changing moment when one of the young girls in his program, who had been involved in gangs and had served jail time, turned her life around after receiving a second chance.
• 😀 Ted stresses the importance of balancing financial management and social responsibility when running a social enterprise, highlighting the need for patience and understanding of the people being helped.
• 😀 For young people who want to make a difference in society, Ted advises them to identify their passions and consider volunteering with NGOs or joining social enterprises to gain experience and make a meaningful impact.

Q & A

What motivated Ted to transition from the real estate industry to social enterprise?

Ted was motivated by a growing sense of dissatisfaction with his work in real estate, where he felt that he was helping to make the rich richer without contributing to the well-being of society. His desire to live a more meaningful life and the messages of helping others he encountered at church pushed him to seek a more purpose-driven career in social enterprise.

What is the main focus of Ted's social enterprise?

Ted's social enterprise primarily focuses on helping at-risk youth, including those who have been incarcerated or face social challenges. His enterprise provides them with employment and skill development opportunities, particularly through a hair salon, allowing them to reintegrate into society and find stable employment.

How did Ted's experience with the young girl at the salon change his perspective on his work?

Ted’s experience with the young girl, who initially resisted the job and later reoffended, challenged his patience and understanding. When he gave her a second chance and witnessed her eventual transformation, Ted realized that his work was not just about business but about making a real, positive impact on people's lives, reinforcing the purpose behind his social enterprise.

How does Ted manage the challenges of running a social enterprise while balancing his personal life?

Ted divides his day into structured time slots, allocating time for his family, his social enterprise, and his part-time teaching job. This strict schedule allows him to maintain balance and focus, ensuring that each responsibility gets the attention it requires without overwhelming him.

What key challenges did Ted face when starting his social enterprise?

Ted faced two main challenges when starting his social enterprise: first, the need to learn the technical aspects of running a hair salon, an industry he was unfamiliar with; and second, the difficulty of working with youth at risk who often lacked discipline and commitment, requiring extra patience and understanding to help them overcome their challenges.

What advice does Ted give to young people who want to make a difference in society?

Ted advises young people to find their passion and get involved with social enterprises or NGOs. If they are interested in social enterprises, they can join societies that teach about managing such initiatives, or they can volunteer with NGOs to help those in need, such as the elderly. Gaining real-world experience is crucial to making a meaningful impact.

What was Ted's defining moment in realizing his dream of making Hong Kong a better society?

Ted's defining moment occurred when he saw a significant change in one of the young girls he was helping. Despite initial resistance and setbacks, the girl eventually turned her life around and became an active and motivated worker. This transformation reinforced Ted's belief that his dream of creating a better society through social enterprise was achievable.

How does Ted view the importance of second chances in his work with at-risk youth?

Ted strongly believes in the importance of second chances, especially when working with at-risk youth. He recognizes that these young people often face complex challenges and need time, patience, and support to change their behaviors. By offering second chances, Ted helps them to break free from negative cycles and find new opportunities.

What role did Ted's faith play in his decision to start a social enterprise?

Ted's faith, particularly the messages he received at church about loving others and helping those in need, played a crucial role in his decision to start a social enterprise. His religious beliefs inspired him to seek a career that not only provided financial success but also contributed to the greater good of society.

How did Ted's work in the real estate industry impact his view on wealth and success?

Ted's work in the real estate industry made him question the true meaning of success. While he was able to earn money and gain a successful career, he realized that helping others and contributing to societal well-being was far more fulfilling than simply increasing wealth for the already rich. This realization led him to pursue social entrepreneurship instead.