We’re looking forward to introducing you to Derek Kwan. Check out our conversation below.
Derek, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
If you asked me this ten years ago, the answer would’ve been intelligence hands down. But now I realize the correct answer is integrity. Operating without integrity will be exposed sooner or later, and you will lose the trust and respect of family, friends, and anyone you want to do business with. And by always acting with integrity, you contribute to building a better society by setting an example for others.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I worked in tech for 20 years, for companies like Microsoft, Yahoo!, and AT&T, as well as startups. I had a “side gig” as a semi-professional poker player for most of that time, and I realized how much passion I had not only for the game, but for the industry, and I cared very much for the community. I recently started a YouTube channel called “10 Minute Poker Tips” where I bring guests on to review hands, give tips on mental game, diet and fitness, as well as industry experts to provide insight into their expertise. I feel that most people can tell a compelling story in under 15 minutes, and also I know I personally struggle with videos that are too long, so this channel seemed right up my alley. I still co-host the LA Poker Roundup with my partner in crime Ty Dobbertin, and we bring local poker news, analysis, and more to the LA poker community. I also post content on X and Instagram to give the community more ways to converse with each other as well as connect with me.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
I cared so much what other people thought of me when I was a kid, and perhaps my biggest goal was really just to fit in. As I got older and wiser, I realized that to achieve anything at the highest levels, you cannot over-index on what other people think, especially those that love to criticize but never build. You must be comfortable with thinking differently, and forging your own path. Definitely learn from other experts with good track records in your field, but ultimately, you will need to find your own way, and can only get dragged down by professional criticizers.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
I remember playing lots of sports as a kid, and there were times when my body would shut down, cramp up, or some lingering injury would flare up. I somehow learned to disassociate from that pain, and just focus on moving my arms and legs to just keep going. I would best describe it as having an out-of-body experience, where I was able to just shut off the pain and will my body forward. That same mechanism allowed me to not only overcome physical barricades, but also mental ones. Whenever anything felt too overwhelming, but I had a job to do, I would just disassociate from whatever was causing me pain, and just focus on what needed to be done. I suppose this is the secret to my extremely high resilience and grit. Being able to go through suffering and setbacks and still just get the job done has carried me through my entire life.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Mostly what you see is what you get. Authenticity is so important, so I believe my willingness to speak my mind, always be honest, but try not to be mean about it, is why I have been able to attract an audience. I don’t have different opinions than what I say publicly. If there is anything I wouldn’t be comfortable saying publicly, I just wouldn’t say anything about the topic at all. But I have to admit the one thing that might be a bit of a facade is how comfortable I am talking to large groups of people for an indefinite amount of time, as I am quite introverted. But I do like meeting people and learning about them, just in small doses 🙂
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What will you regret not doing?
Taking more risks when I was younger. Doubling down on things I am passionate about, instead of things that would make me the most money. Find a balance in succeeding professionally with spending more time and caring for family and friends, in the ways they want to be cared about. And don’t let my own goals consume me in a way that ruins my relationships.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kwansfull/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-kwan-00bbb21/
- Twitter: https://x.com/kwansfull
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@10MinutePokerTips
Image Credits
Kiero
