The 'O' Word

Stephanie Lin

You work hard. You aim high. And you’re always pushing yourself to grow. The ‘O Word’, hosted by 2x Emmy Award–winning journalist Stephanie Lin, is a podcast for Overachievers, by Overachievers—exploring ambition, resilience, and the mindset behind extraordinary success. Each episode features conversations with authors, entrepreneurs, creators, and thought leaders about the habits, challenges, and defining moments that shape high achievers—and how to channel ambition into a meaningful, fulfilling life. Subscribe to be notified when new episodes drop. Follow on social media @OWordPodcast.

Episodes

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    Choosing Passion over Prestige

    In this episode, award-winning chef, restaurateur, television personality, and entrepreneur Kathy Fang shares the story behind building her own legacy while honoring one of San Francisco’s most iconic culinary institutions. Growing up inside House of Nanking, the legendary restaurant founded by her parents, Kathy was immersed in the intensity and creativity of restaurant life from an early age. But stepping into the family business was far from a straightforward path. After pursuing a corporate career, Kathy made the courageous decision to walk away from prestige and stability to follow her passion for food. Today, Kathy is the chef and co-owner of Fang Restaurant, a respected voice in the food world, and a television personality known for appearances on shows such as Chopped and Chef Dynasty: House of Fang. Through cookbooks, media appearances, and creative ventures, she carved out her own identity in a competitive industry—while remaining a trusted partner to her father and continuing the legacy they built together. In this conversation, Kathy reflects on the pressure of immigrant family expectations, what it took to step out of her father’s shadow, and why choosing passion over prestige ultimately led her to redefine success on her own terms. In this episode you will learn: How Kathy navigated the pressure of growing up in a high-achieving immigrant family.Why she chose passion over prestige.The early lessons she learned growing up inside San Francisco’s iconic House of Nanking.What it took to step out of her father’s shadow while still honoring their partnership.How Kathy built her own personal brand and culinary voice in a highly competitive industry.The mindset required to transform tradition into innovation.The importance of balancing ambition, creativity, family, and personal well-being. Want more? Follow along @owordpodcast.

    32 min

About

You work hard. You aim high. And you’re always pushing yourself to grow. The ‘O Word’, hosted by 2x Emmy Award–winning journalist Stephanie Lin, is a podcast for Overachievers, by Overachievers—exploring ambition, resilience, and the mindset behind extraordinary success. Each episode features conversations with authors, entrepreneurs, creators, and thought leaders about the habits, challenges, and defining moments that shape high achievers—and how to channel ambition into a meaningful, fulfilling life. Subscribe to be notified when new episodes drop. Follow on social media @OWordPodcast.