BUILDING BUSINESSES and the JOURNEY of BJJ Training with Yan Jiang | Q&A 296

Summary

In this engaging podcast episode, the host delves into the mindset of Yan Jang, a seasoned entrepreneur based in Singapore with a background in logistics and other businesses. Jang emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and asking questions to gain wisdom, drawing parallels to his experiences in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu where humility and the willingness to learn are key to success. The conversation touches on personal growth, the value of mentorship, and the realization of the need to slow down and reflect as one's life and business evolve.

Takeaways

• 🧠 The speaker emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and asking questions to gain wisdom from others.
• 🌟 Yan Jang, based in Singapore, is the founder of a logistics company and has been building businesses for 22 years.
• 🤼‍♂️ The speaker met Yan Jang through a martial arts class where they bonded over shared experiences and mutual respect.
• 💡 Yan's business coach encouraged him to ask questions and listen patiently, which is a key part of his business philosophy.
• 🤷‍♂️ Yan discusses the concept of 'acting dumb' as a way to absorb knowledge and learn from others without preconceived notions.
• 🏆 Yan's experience with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) parallels his business approach, where humility and learning from defeat are crucial.
• 👨‍👧‍👦 Yan's children's BJJ competition experiences taught him that overconfidence can lead to unexpected outcomes.
• 🔄 The speaker reflects on the need to adapt and change with age, recognizing when it's time to slow down and reassess priorities.
• 👥 The importance of friendship and the idea that people come into our lives for a reason, especially during times of change.
• 🔧 The speaker appreciates Yan's quality of actively wanting to help others and sees value in adopting a similar approach.
• 🎙️ The conversation highlights the value of deep and meaningful dialogues, as seen in the podcast format.

Q & A

What is Yan Jang's profession and where is he based?

Yan Jang runs a logistics company based in Singapore and is involved in a few other businesses as well.

How long has Yan Jang been building businesses?

Yan Jang has been building businesses for 22 years since he graduated from University.

What is the significance of the phrase 'ask questions change your life' to Yan Jang?

The phrase signifies the importance of continuous learning and curiosity, which has been a guiding principle for Yan Jang, as imparted by his mentor and business coach.

How did the speaker meet Yan Jang's wife, Susan?

The speaker met Susan through a martial arts class where they bonded over the shared experience of training together.

What does the speaker admire about Yan Jang's approach to learning?

The speaker admires Yan Jang's humility and willingness to learn from others, even when he is knowledgeable, which is reflected in his approach to asking questions and listening.

What is the connection between Yan Jang's approach to BJJ and his approach to learning?

Both approaches involve humility, the willingness to learn, and the understanding that overconfidence can lead to defeat, whether in BJJ or in seeking knowledge.

What personality traits does Yan Jang possess according to the speaker?

Yan Jang is described as assertive (choleric) and sanguine, which means he is very assertive and tends to think he is better, but life has taught him the value of humility.

How does Yan Jang's approach to BJJ reflect his approach to life?

Yan Jang's approach to BJJ, where he aims to learn and improve rather than just win, mirrors his approach to life, where he seeks to learn from everyone and not just assert his own knowledge.

What lesson does Yan Jang's experience with his kids in BJJ competitions teach him?

It teaches him that overconfidence can lead to unexpected outcomes and that it's important not to go into any situation thinking he is the best.

How does the speaker describe the evolution of Yan Jang's approach to life and business?

The speaker describes Yan Jang's evolution as moving from a high-energy, assertive approach to a more reflective and humble one, where he values the perspectives of others and the importance of friendship.