Faith Driven Entrepreneur

Episode 257 - Choosing Vulnerability When You Don’t Have To with Tom Hsieh

Jul 11, 2023

Tom Hsieh, founder and president of multiple airlines, discusses the importance of choosing vulnerability as an entrepreneur. He shares his journey of living with intentional vulnerability, running an airline, and taking thoughtful risks. He also explores his involvement in community building and the positive changes he has brought to the city of Pomona. Additionally, he addresses the challenges of starting an airline and finding encouragement in the entrepreneurial journey.

41:10

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Episode guests

Tom Hsieh

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Entrepreneurs in positions of power must choose vulnerability as a conscious decision.

Running an airline requires responsible decision-making and thoughtful risk-taking.

Deep dives

Choosing Vulnerability in Leadership Positions

Entrepreneurs in positions of power often struggle with vulnerability but must make a conscious decision to choose it. This is exemplified by Tom Shea, founder of multiple airlines, who prioritizes intentional vulnerability in his leadership. He emphasizes the importance of remaining grounded in one's identity in Christ rather than material wealth.

Introduction

2min

Importance of Faith-Driven Entrepreneurs

6min

From JPL to EarthLink: A Journey in Telecom

4min

Living on a Budget and Making Sacrifices

4min

Transforming a City: A Journey of Community Building

21min

Overcoming Challenges and Finding Encouragement in the Entrepreneurial Journey

4min

Entrepreneurs often find themselves in positions of relative power.

We’re leading teams, shaping cultures, and influencing others. And as those positions grow, it can get harder and harder to remain vulnerable, to lead with a limp as we like to say here. At some point, we have to make conscious decisions to choose vulnerability. That’s the story behind our guest: Tom Hsieh.

As the founder and president of multiple airlines, Tom could easily live a life of luxury and comfort. But he and his family have felt called to something different. He joins us to talk about his choice to live with intentional vulnerability, what it looks like to run an airline, and taking thoughtful risk.

Helpful links referenced in the show:

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/political-transformation-pomona-tom-hsieh/ (Dec 4, 2018)

https://www.dailybulletin.com/2018/05/12/pomona-faces-fiscal-cliff-according-to-the-first-10-year-forecast-its-ever-done/ (May 12, 2018)

https://www.dailybulletin.com/2023/03/22/pomona-could-see-8-5-million-surplus-by-end-of-june/

(May 22, 2023)