Discerene Conversations

Hiroki Hasegawa interview with Soo Chuen Tan

In this interview, we discuss Hiroki’s singular journey from Japan to the US, by way of Continental Europe, the UK, and Ghana. Our wide-ranging conversation includes discussing why the real world is more interesting than make-believe ones, why limit cases can illuminate our understanding of more central ones, and what it means to “create a customer”!

Nitish Sachdeva interview with Soo Chuen Tan

Nitish Sachdeva is a key – indeed, the original – member of our team at Vision India. In this interview, we discuss why and how Nitish beat overwhelming odds to get to where he is today, and why and how he continues to break new ground and blaze a trail for others.

Max Seraita interview with Soo Chuen Tan

In this interview, we walk with Max as he retraces his journey – both personal and professional – of questioning, discovery, and “homecoming.”  We get a glimpse of Max’s old soul and a rare peek into what makes Max “Max”!

Ying Ying Tan interview with Soo Chuen Tan

Ying Ying Tan is founder of 7angram, which provides the Firm with valued research support. In this interview, we discuss Ying Ying’s “giver” approach to her relationships and how she’s now enjoying scaling the “Second Mountain” in her life quest!

Nayana Roychoudhury interview with Soo Chuen Tan

Nayana Roychoudhury is a key member of our team at Vision India, which provides the Firm with middle- and back-office support. In this interview, Nayana shares some of the peaks and valleys in her extraordinary personal journey, including reflective answers for what constitutes a “well lived life”!

Alaedine Belhouari interview with Soo Chuen Tan

In this interview, we travel alongside Alaedine through his intrepid jaunt across three continents over his young career. We observe how particular people and decisions can make such a huge difference, especially at forks-in-the-road moments in one’s life!

Justin Wallentin interview with Soo Chuen Tan

In this interview, we learn how Justin’s upbringing, family, sports, professional experiences in the aftermath of the global financial crisis, and entrepreneurial journey over the past decade have helped shape him into the person and professional that he is today. The discussion illustrates how doing hard things and pursuing big, hairy, audacious goals can be deeply rewarding – and fun!

Kyle Dattola-Harris interview with Soo Chuen Tan

In this interview, we discuss Kyle’s intrepid adventures, from growing up in a leafy Boston suburb to starting out as a young investment banker in NYC, living and working in Europe, and experiencing tech-startup land. The conversation was a rollicking and affecting visit to Kyle’s “island of one”!

Bowen Dai interview with Soo Chuen Tan

In this interview, we delved in Bowen’s singular personal and family biography and his experience coming of age in a country undergoing such historic growth and change. We learn how these inspire and ground him as he seeks to make his own dent in the universe!

Apostolos Apostolopoulos interview with Soo Chuen Tan

In this interview, we revisited lessons learned from Apostolos’ investing and business-building odyssey at Discerene and deconstruct his daring deeds. It was a fun trip down memory lane and a reminder of how much we have to be grateful for!