CNBC Reporter/Correspondent Based in Seoul (2010-2014)

Highlights include:

  • Reported morning news headlines on blue chip stocks i.e., Samsung Electronics, Hyundai Motors to 385M global viewers on air.

  • Secured the first TV interview with Warren Buffett in South Korea to cover Berkshire Hathaway’s investment in Korean steelmaker (secret sauce: hairdresser connections).

  • Clinched numerous exclusive interviews with key opinion leaders like Christine Lagarde, Mark Mobius, MNC CEOs and sports stars/celebrities.

  • Hosted Cutting Edge on CNBC’s Korea Report and identified and featured 40+ new technologies and trends in manufacturing, mobile, robotics, healthcare, hospitality, services, and entertainment.

Celebrating Jirani Children’s Choir from Kenya. “Hakuna Matata” has always been my go-to mantra on sulky days ever since this pleasant encounter.

Mark Mobius, the “Father of Emerging Markets” takes banters with reporters seriously and tries to convince why he continues to bet where he does.

Warren Buffett, the Oracle of Omaha, asks a rookie reporter about investable stocks in the KOSPI and gives her a secret tip about life.

The “Great Walking Wall”, Yao Ming, a retired NBA legend talks about his second career in being a real estate mogul and his passion for saving wildlife.

South Korea has been long hailed as a global innovation leader and a technology juggernaut. It was no different 15 years ago and Seoul was already equipped with big data technology for its public transportation system.

My favorite part about being a reporter was doing assignments in the field seeing all the actions first-hand and talking to those on the frontlines. ESG was not a thing back then but Kumho Petrochemical is aiming for carbon-neutral growth from 2050.

Director of MIT Global Entrepreneurship Bootcamp, Seoul

(2015-2016)

Highlights include:

  • Took MIT’s Global Entrepreneurship Bootcamp overseas for the first time, which accumulated into 1,200+ alumni network and 100+ new ventures that raised a total $70M.

  • Brought a truly global experience with 80+ students from from 35 countries including Syria and Afghanistan.

  • Partnered with the South Korean government and leading startup incubators/VCs such as Softbank and Altos Ventures, which provided 30+ startups with pitching opportunities.

  • Participants included the founding member and CTO of Pinkfong, the company behind the YouTube hitsong, BabyShark.

  • Drove Public Relations resulting in coverage by South Korea’s Google, NHN and media in Japan, China, Hong Kong and Thailand.

Victory shake with Prof. Bill Aulet, the author of Disciplined Entrepreneurship.

The inventor behind Roomba of Rethink Robotics (former), Rodney Brooks, talks about golden timing of a product launch.

First day at D-Camp, a startup accelerator in Gangnam, as we build and hustle true Gangnam Style!

Final pitch day. Team makes a killer presentation after no sleep for 32 hours.

Co-Founder & COO of LifeCanvas Technologies Inc.

(2016-2024)

Highlights include:

  • Co-founded and built an MIT deep tech startup transforming biological studies with 3D bio-imaging and AI analysis tools.

  • The venture became sustainably profitable by year 3.

  • Raised over $17M from angel investors, VCs, and SBIR from the NIH.

  • Identified global investors, built long-term relationships, educated generalists on solutions and market, oversaw due diligence and harnessed follow-on investments.

  • Hired and led a cross-functional team spanning Cancer, Neuroscience, Mechanical Engineering, AI/ML, Finance, Sales, HR and Marketing personnel.

  • Owned P&L and drove annual budgeting in line with milestones.