Ordinary but Unique - a podcast about being a modern man

Ep. 4 | Hampton: The Quest for Legitimacy—On Family Legacy, Trust & Finding Your Own Path

Episode 4 — The Two Voices, Five Years of Trust, and Having the Courage to Forge Your Own Way with Hampton In this vulnerable and insightful conversation, Yenson sits down with Hampton, a third-generation family office member on his own quest for legitimacy. Hampton shares five years of earning trust while creating his own role—choosing crypto to "prove himself faster" while confronting the anxiety of tying self-worth to financial returns. He opens up about the transformation of his volatile relationship with his father (from heated arguments to mutual respect), and his "aha moment" realizing he'd been managing moneywhile neglecting the people. Most powerfully, Hampton reveals the two voices that shape him: his mother's expectation to "contribute to society, don't waste your resources," and his wife's fear that the family business would control rather than help him flourish. Whether you're navigating family expectations, wanting to make loved ones proud, or searching for your own version of legitimacy, this is a grounded, emotionally honest conversation about having the courage to be disliked and choosing your own path—even within inherited expectations.   Chapters 00:00 – 01:45 Intro & Episode Overview * Yenson introduces Hampton and the themes of family legacy, trust-building, and purposebeyond financial returns. 01:46 – 07:49 Creative Introduction & The Values Exercise * Hampton describes himself through places he'd be found. He shares a values cardexercise with his father revealing generational differences in defining "integrity." 07:50 – 14:27 The Five-Year Journey: Creating Your Own Role * Returning without a defined position, choosing crypto to "prove himself faster," and confronting anxiety about self-worth tied to financial returns. 14:28 – 23:54 Becoming a Better Investor * Building social capital, learning what's repeatable versus lucky, and why his family focuses on lessons learned rather than just returns. 23:55 – 31:07 The Two Voices: Mother & Wife * His mother's expectation for societal contribution and his wife's initialresistance, fearing he'd be controlled rather than flourish. 31:08 – 38:38 Foundation Work & Self-Evident Impact * Why the family foundation funds "unsexy" projects like nail-cutting servicesthat deliver immediate, visible relief to Hong Kong's elderly. 38:39 – 44:05 The Fifth Playbook: Managing Human Capital * The pivotal conference moment realizing governance and managing people matters asmuch as managing money. 44:06 – 48:24 Transformation with Father: From Arguments to Respect * Evolving from heated arguments rooted in insecurity to valuing relationship over beingright. 48:25 – 54:13 Faith, Marriage & Unconditional Love * How shared Christian faith grounds his marriage and his hope his mother will oneday share their faith: "connection comes before correction." 54:14 – 57:53 The Quest for Legitimacy & Advice for Next-Gens * Having courage to be disliked, hosting events for 20+ next-gens focused on equippingpeople, not just chasing returns. 57:54 – End (~58:47) Closing Reflection & Outro * Yenson's thanks and final reminder: be kind to yourself—we're all ordinary but unique.   Keywords family office, third generation, legacy, trust, crypto investing, family business, faith, Christian marriage, mother-son relationship, father-son dynamics, human capital, governance, philanthropy, Hong Kong, next-gen, legitimacy, unconditional love, respect, values, impact investing, self-worth   Follow Yenson: Instagram -  https://www.instagram.com/yensonshe/ [https://www.instagram.com/yensonshe/] Substack -  https://ordinarybutunique.substack.com/ [https://ordinarybutunique.substack.com/] Let's chat!  https://calendly.com/yenson-obu/30min [https://calendly.com/yenson-obu/30min] Music from #Uppbeat:  https://uppbeat.io/t/color-parade/eastward [https://uppbeat.io/t/color-parade/eastward]

Ep. 3 | Raúl López Petisco: From Madrid to London—On Job Hunting, Friendship & Redefining Success

In this thoughtful and honest conversation, Yenson sits down with Raúl López Petisco, a Cambridge MBA classmate originally from Madrid, now based in London. Raul shares his reflections on job hunting in a new city, navigating uncertainty, and resisting the pressure to measure worth through job titles and LinkedIn updates. They dive into the emotional toll of career transitions, why social media can distort our self-perception, and how cultural values—from Spanish hospitality to family expectations—shape the way we relate to success, masculinity, and each other. Raúl also reflects on the importance of slowing down, building authentic friendships, and the unexpected joy of teaching M&A at a Spanish university during his career break. Whether you’re in a moment of transition or simply rethinking what progress looks like, this is a grounded, warm, and resonant conversation about being kind to yourself, supporting others, and finding meaning beyond the resume.   Chapters (00:00) Intro & Episode Overview * Yenson introduces Raúl and outlines the themes of the conversation.   (01:53) Raúl’s Journey: From Madrid to London * Raúl shares his background, career in M&A, and the move to London to be with his partner.   (06:23) Job Hunting & Emotional Rollercoasters * The realities of today’s job market, emotional toll of job searching, rejection, and market cycles.   (16:23) Redefining Success & Slowing Down * Letting go of linear career expectations, teaching at a university, and embracing uncertainty.   (23:57) Cultural Identity & Modern Masculinity * Spanish family values, caregiving expectations, and how Raúl sees masculinity evolving.   (31:09) Friendship & Mental Well-being * How men build and maintain friendships, the role of hobbies, and emotional support.   (40:50) Fundraising & Purpose * Raúl’s involvement in the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride and why raising awareness matters.   (45:33) Turning Points & Self-Reflection * Corporate pressure, questioning traditional success, and making room for authenticity.   (52:40) Advice, Hobbies & Final Thoughts * On kindness, community, and why doing what you love—just for you—matters more than ever.   (58:41) Looking Ahead & Outro * Raúl’s hopes for the future, how to connect with him, and a closing reflection from Yenson.   Keywords career change, job hunting, masculinity, Spanish culture, self-worth, friendship, mental health,modern man, personal growth, social media   Follow Yenson:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/yensonshe/ [https://www.instagram.com/yensonshe/] Substack - https://ordinarybutunique.substack.com/ [https://ordinarybutunique.substack.com/] Let's chat! https://calendly.com/yenson-obu/30min [https://calendly.com/yenson-obu/30min] Music from #Uppbeat:https://uppbeat.io/t/color-parade/eastward [https://uppbeat.io/t/color-parade/eastward]

Ep. 2 | Marco Ip – HKer Becoming a Father in the UK (廣東話)

Episode Description In this heartfelt Cantonese conversation, Yenson chats with Marco Ip—a friend who relocated from Hong Kong to London and became a first-time father shortly after. Together, they reflect on the emotional labor and transformation that comes with parenting in a new country, with no nearby family or domestic help. Marco opens up about navigating culture shock, adjusting to UK life, and raising a daughter while job hunting. He shares what helped him and his wife survive the early chaos: trust, clear roles, and a baby who’s kind enough to nap. They also dive deep into what kind of values to pass on to the next generation—from rejecting blind obedience to nurturing self-awareness and resilience. Marco’s honesty, humor, and reflection offer a relatable glimpse into modern fatherhood and partnership. Whether you're navigating family life, moving abroad, or trying to be a more intentional parent or partner—this conversation reminds us we’re all figuring it out, one day at a time.   Chapters (00:01:45) 移居英國的決定與動機 | Deciding to Move to the UK • Why Marco and his wife left Hong Kong • Considering family life and environment for their child (00:07:40) 初到英國的挑戰與適應 | Early Challenges in the UK • Adapting to language, lifestyle, and fixing things yourself • Daily struggles like fixing a sink and managing a household (00:10:47) 在異地成為新手爸爸 | Becoming a First-time Dad in a New Country • Balancing job hunting with newborn care • "煮到埋嚟就食" — focusing on what’s needed in the moment (00:15:50) 育兒分工與情緒協調 | Parenting Partnership & Coping with Stress • Lucky to have an "angel baby" and strong couple dynamics • Taking turns with parenting and creating space to decompress (00:27:00) 作為父親的生活轉變 | Lifestyle Shift as a Father • From a socially active life to a family-centered one • Seeking balance while losing personal time (00:32:33) 支持太太重拾自我 | Encouraging Wife's Personal Growth • Supporting her to travel and reconnect with herself • Balancing identity as individuals and as parents (00:36:10) 原生家庭與育兒價值觀 | Upbringing Reflections & Parenting Values • How their own upbringing shapes parenting today • Teaching empathy, not obedience, and nurturing self-awareness (01:00:45) 英國教育與未來選擇 | Perspectives on UK Education & the Future • Navigating UK schooling and pressure around "top schools" • Empowering their child to choose her own path (01:10:15) 給過去的自己與女兒的話 | Advice to the Past Self & Hope for the NextGeneration • No regrets—everything happens for a reason • Parenting teaches flexibility and accepting imperfection   Keywords fatherhood, modern parenting, Cantonese, emotional labor, partnership, raising daughters, UK life, cultural values, domestic life, identity, self-awareness, empathy, personal growth, obedience vs resilience, moving abroad, mental health for dads   Follow Yenson Instagram – @yensonshe [https://www.instagram.com/yensonshe] Substack – ordinarybutunique.substack.com [https://ordinarybutunique.substack.com/]   Music from #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/color-parade/eastward [https://uppbeat.io/t/color-parade/eastward]

Ep. 1 | Xavier Tang: On Identity, Confidence & Fatherhood

In this conversation, Yenson sits down with Xavier Tang, a fellow Cambridge MBA classmate, global professional, and new father based in Toronto. Xavier shares his journey of navigating cultural identity as a first-generation immigrant, how becoming a father has reshaped his views on masculinity and success, and why emotional openness and presence matter more than ever. They dive into growing up in North America as an Asian male, struggling to fit into dominant stereotypes, and the unexpected confidence boost that came from their shared time at Cambridge. Xavier also opens up about parenting in a multicultural household, finding joy in simple family moments, and the balancing act between protecting his daughter and letting her grow. Whether you're a father, a partner, or just someone trying to figure out what it means to be a modern man today—this is a warm, reflective conversation you won’t want to miss. Chapters (00:00) Intro & Xavier’s Background * Xavier’s personal and cultural background, MBA journey, and family situation. (03:06) Early Fatherhood: Challenges & Emotional Surprises * How fatherhood began for him—mental preparation, decision-making, and unexpected emotional bonding. (08:20) Cultural Expression & Parenting * Asian upbringing, emotional shifts, and influence from Xavier’s multicultural marriage. (14:43) Immigrant Identity & Belonging * Struggles with fitting in and reconciling cultural heritage while growing up in North America. (19:19) Masculinity and Confidence * Stereotypes of Asian men and reflections on how self-worth and masculine identity are shaped. (22:33) Turning Point at Cambridge & Personal Growth * How the MBA experience dismantled insecurities and reshaped Xavier’s sense of self-worth. (26:01) Fatherhood: Values, Presence & Changing Perspectives * Aspirations for his daughter, presence over productivity, and evolving political views. (31:01) Protecting Children in a Digital & Global World * Thoughts on tech exposure, mental resilience, and building a family support system. (35:56) Opening Up & Finding Joy in the Ordinary * Men and emotional expression, building trust circles, and simple fatherhood joy. (41:06) Reflections, Advice & Final Thoughts * Advice to younger self, importance of letting go, and concluding thoughts on meaning and success. Keywords fatherhood, parenting, cultural influences, masculinity, emotional connection, confidence, modern man, digital future, conversations, personal growth Follow Yenson: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/yensonshe/ [https://www.instagram.com/yensonshe/] Substack - https://ordinarybutunique.substack.com/ [https://ordinarybutunique.substack.com/] Let's chat! https://calendly.com/yenson-obu/30min [https://calendly.com/yenson-obu/30min] Music from #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/color-parade/eastward

Why I Started a Podcast About Being a Modern Man

In the inaugural episode of 'Ordinary But Unique', host Yenson She delves into the complexities of modern masculinity, exploring personal growth, fatherhood, and emotional awareness. He shares his motivations for starting the podcast, the challenges he faced in defining what it means to be a modern man, and the gaps in societal conversations surrounding masculinity. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, Yenson aims to foster genuine discussions that resonate with listeners, encouraging them to embrace their unique journeys while recognizing their shared humanity. Chapters (0:07) Introduction to Ordinary But Unique (0:52) Q1. Why starting this podcast? (3:01) Q2. What does being a modern man mean to me? (4:09) Q3. Gaps in conversations about modern masculinity (5:55) Q4. What to expect from this podcast? (7:13) Q5. My struggle as a father (8:36) Q6. What it is called "Ordinary But Unique" ? (9:38) Wrapping Up: Share Your Story Keywords modern man, masculinity, personal growth, fatherhood, emotional awareness, podcast, self-reflection, cultural perspectives, vulnerability, societal expectations Follow Yenson: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/yensonshe/ [https://www.instagram.com/yensonshe/] Substack - https://ordinarybutunique.substack.com/ [https://ordinarybutunique.substack.com/] Let's chat! https://calendly.com/yenson-obu/30min [https://calendly.com/yenson-obu/30min] Music from #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/color-parade/eastward [https://click.pstmrk.it/3s/uppbeat.io%2Ft%2Fcolor-parade%2Feastward/vZub/Dg28AQ/AQ/e41fc4e3-35d5-49f4-a852-5fcbd1cb7fd9/4/hOfTt4DpxZ] License code: AE7OBHLPGK0UD8SO