Congressman Andy Kim serves as a U.S. representative for the Third Congressional District of New Jersey. In today’s episode, Congressman Kim delves into his journey from serving in various government roles, including at the Pentagon and in Afghanistan, to campaigning for the United States Senate. 

As a career public servant and the first Democratic member of Congress of Korean descent, Congressman Kim emphasizes the importance of integrity, bipartisanship, and advocacy for democracy. He discusses his legal battle against New Jersey's 'county line' ballot system to promote fairness in elections. He also reflects on the personal and professional challenges faced when taking a stand against party norms. Highlighting the profound impact of his efforts to maintain the Capitol's dignity post-January 6th, Congressman Kim stresses the significance of authenticity and connecting with constituents through storytelling. 

He also delves into the critical need for leadership that embraces risk, engages with diverse perspectives, and is rooted in a commitment to public service and democratic values. Congressman Kim emphasizes the power of showing up, engaging earnestly in both digital and physical spaces, and maintaining a commitment to service above self.

Takeaways:

• Leaders should always remember they are part of something larger than themselves. Engaging in public service or contributing to communal goals can guide decisions and actions, fostering a holistic approach to leadership.
• In today's digital age, leaders need to be physically present and authentically engage through digital platforms. Direct access to social media allows leaders to showcase their genuine selves, building trust and rapport with their audience.
• A key characteristic of influential leaders is their ability to take calculated risks after considering all available information. This willingness to step into the unknown while being informed can lead to monumental changes and growth.
• Through storytelling, leaders can connect deeper, sharing personal motivations and beliefs. This cultivates a stronger, more personal connection with the audience, allowing leaders to communicate and inspire action effectively.
• Creating an environment where honest and diverse opinions are valued is crucial for leaders. This ensures a well-rounded understanding of situations and fosters a culture of openness and trust.
• Leaders must learn to be comfortable with discomfort to cultivate resilience and adaptability. This ability allows them to navigate challenges more effectively and take bold steps when needed.
• By recognizing and valuing the contributions of others, leaders can foster teamwork and collective success. Leadership is not about individual accolades but about collaboratively working towards common goals.

Quote of the Show:

• “If you're only having comfortable conversations in life, it means you're not talking to everyone you should be talking to.” - Congressman Andy Kim

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-kim-511969  
• Andy Kim for New Jersey (Website): https://www.andykim.com 
• US Congress - Andy Kim: https://clerk.house.gov/members/K000394 

Shout Outs:

• The Pentagon: https://www.defense.gov 
• The U.S. Department of State: https://www.state.gov 
• The White House National Security Council: https://www.whitehouse.gov/nsc 
• The U.S. Military: https://www.usa.gov/us-military 
• Behind the viral photo of Rep. Andy Kim: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/behind-viral-photo-rep-andy-kim-cleaning-midnight-after-riots-n1253519 
• President Barack Obama on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barackobama 
• Susan Rice on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amb-susan-rice 
• General David H. Petraeus on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidpetraeus 
• General John R. Allen: https://www.defense.gov/About/Biographies/Biography/Article/602794