Say It Skillfully® OUR VOICES - William Hsiao - Life of Learning

Say It Skillfully® is a show that helps you to benefit from Molly Tschang’s expert guidance on the best possible ways to speak your mind at work in a positive and productive manner. Episode 142 is the 27th monthly feature of “Our Voices,” intended to accelerate social change that levels the playing field—helping everyone live to their full potential. The aim is for you to see a bit of yourself in these journeys, and embrace—we’re more similar than not. Molly is joined by Professor William Hsiao, who shares his unlikely journey, growing up in the U.S. not knowing English well and struggling with no parents around; he eventually became a Harvard professor and one of the world's foremost experts on healthcare, economics and financing... regularly advising government and non governmental organizations. Shortly after moving to America from China at the age of 12, Hsiao lost his father to a medical accident, and his mother developed stage 3 tuberculosis—spending 8 years in a sanitarium while he grew up. He opens up about his struggles with no anchor in his household. He explains what it was like being a first-generation immigrant: the racial discrimination he faced and how it affected him. Don’t miss his empowering message to people who may not speak English well! Hsiao talks about his first job as an actuary, and tells the story of when he had to fill in as Acting Chief Actuary of the United States and testify before Congress. He goes in depth about how his surplus of technical knowledge but lack of interconnection led him to a true understanding of knowledge being limitless. Then, he talks about his transition to the academic world and becoming a professor. Hear about how his desire to learn led to overcoming his self doubts about his ability to succeed. An expert in healthcare, Hsiao was invited by nine countries and societies to redesign their healthcare systems. Get an inside look at healthcare systems, the healthcare industry, and the politics at play that often stop good ideas from flourishing. Hear Hsiao’s thoughts on America’s healthcare system and how he believes it’s broken. Hsiao passes down wisdom learned throughout his life, including: 1. Life is unpredictable. 2. With patience, you can make big changes during your lifetime. 3. The world is so interesting and complex, there is no end to our learning. Molly’s thought for the week from Professor Bill: There is no limit to learning new knowledge; discover the joy of learning. Please be part of the solution—encourage you to help all voices be heard: https://bit.ly/2QJFIPT. All Molly’s #sayitskillfully resources for you here: https://sayitskillfully.com