One in a Billion

If you are a parent, what does your child’s name say about you?

In America, most parents pick a name that reflects the femininity of a girl, the strength of a boy, or their own personality and individuality. 

In China, a child’s name often embodies the parents’ hopes and dreams. They are idealistic and aspirational. If you want your son to aim and fly high, name him “Ling!” That’s Richard Yan’s Chinese name.

His parents wanted him to follow in his father’s footstep to “fly across the Pacific Ocean” to America for higher education and a better life.

“Ever since I can remember, my parents have been telling me about the meaning of my name and stories about my dad while he was studying in the U.S. in the 1980s. We started learning English at a fairly young age as well, to prepare ourselves to go overseas to study. That has always been part of my identity and aspirations.”

Born in Wuhan and raised in Shenzhen, 31 year-old Richard has been living the “American Dream” as a Chinese dreamer. He has succeeded in getting financial aid and scholarship, graduating with degrees from Dartmouth and NYU (MBA) that would soon put him in high paying jobs on Wall Street.

But one day, he hit a roadblock. He quit. He decided to launch his own company at 30. What is it? Why?

Listen to "One in a Billion" my podcast interview with Richard in “Living Your Father's Dream?” Share your thoughts? Pitch me a story? 

"One in a Billion" is listening to #China, one person at a time.

Music Used: Lee Rosevere's Live the World Dave O'Brien's Busy Bees Mitch Hanley's The Dinghy, Bow Angel Lam's Eyes in the Sky 2