EPISODE · Oct 7, 2025 · 49 MIN
Rest is Not the Opposite of Ambition: Lessons from a 6-month Sabbatical
from Courage Class with Dr. Lindsay Kwock Hu · host Dr. Lindsay Kwock Hu
Episode Overview:In this deeply personal episode, Lindsay sits down with her husband Mike to talk about something that’s often overlooked in ambitious careers: rest. Mike shares his journey from UCLA to management consulting, to London Business School, and eventually to a leadership role in real estate private equity—before making the courageous decision to step away for a six-month sabbatical.Together, they explore how cultural expectations, family responsibilities, and relentless work habits shaped his views on success—and why choosing to pause became one ofthe bravest decisions of his life.What You’ll Learn:· Why high achievers struggle with the idea of rest—and why it’s not a lack of ambition.· How the regret minimization framework (from Jeff Bezos) helped Mike decide to take a sabbatical.· The cultural influences (Asian, Western, corporate) that make rest feel like weakness—and how to reframe it.· What surprised Mike most about stepping away from work for the first time in decades.· Why redefining success means balancing ambition with family, health, and joy.Episode Breakdown01:26 Introducing Mike's Sabbatical02:32 Mike's Career Journey06:11 Balancing Work and Family08:26 The Decision to Take a Sabbatical11:21 Cultural Expectations and Work Ethic17:08 Reflections on the Sabbatical39:47 Advice for Young Parents43:15 Final Thoughts and Gratitude Connect with Mike HuIG: @mikehu_bruinConnect with Courage Class on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube:@courageclasspod@drlindsaykwockhuwww.drlindsaykwockhu.com/podcastSign up for Courage Class Notes, a weekly newsletter:https://dr-lindsay-kwock-hu.kit.com/980fac101aMusic Credit: DayNigthMorning from Pixabayinvitation-no-copyright-music-388387Disclaimer: Courage Class with Dr. Lindsay Kwock Hu and content posted by Dr. Lindsay Kwock Hu is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website isat the user’s own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of aphysician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.
What this episode covers
Episode Overview:In this deeply personal episode, Lindsay sits down with her husband Mike to talk about something that’s often overlooked in ambitious careers: rest. Mike shares his journey from UCLA to management consulting, to London Business School, and eventually to a leadership role in real estate private equity—before making the courageous decision to step away for a six-month sabbatical.Together, they explore how cultural expectations, family responsibilities, and relentless work habits shaped his views on success—and why choosing to pause became one ofthe bravest decisions of his life.What You’ll Learn:· Why high achievers struggle with the idea of rest—and why it’s not a lack of ambition.· How the regret minimization framework (from Jeff Bezos) helped Mike decide to take a sabbatical.· The cultural influences (Asian, Western, corporate) that make rest feel like weakness—and how to reframe it.· What surprised Mike most about stepping away from work for the first time in decades.· Why redefining success means balancing ambition with family, health, and joy.Episode Breakdown01:26 Introducing Mike's Sabbatical02:32 Mike's Career Journey06:11 Balancing Work and Family08:26 The Decision to Take a Sabbatical11:21 Cultural Expectations and Work Ethic17:08 Reflections on the Sabbatical39:47 Advice for Young Parents43:15 Final Thoughts and Gratitude Connect with Mike HuIG: @mikehu_bruinConnect with Courage Class on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube:@courageclasspod@drlindsaykwockhuwww.drlindsaykwockhu.com/podcastSign up for Courage Class Notes, a weekly newsletter:https://dr-lindsay-kwock-hu.kit.com/980fac101aMusic Credit: DayNigthMorning from Pixabayinvitation-no-copyright-music-388387Disclaimer: Courage Class with Dr. Lindsay Kwock Hu and content posted by Dr. Lindsay Kwock Hu is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website isat the user’s own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of aphysician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.
NOW PLAYING
Rest is Not the Opposite of Ambition: Lessons from a 6-month Sabbatical
No transcript for this episode yet
Similar Episodes
No similar episodes found.
Similar Podcasts
No similar podcasts found.