Vast Lives Podcast: Episode 8 - Akung
In this episode 08 of the Vast Lives Podcast - host Steve Shooter & Guest: Akung.
I had the pleasure of sitting down with Akung, an extraordinary individual who has really become a pillar of support to his community in Seminyak Bali. The conversation was recorded in his beautiful backyard near Legian beach. Right from the start, I could tell that Akung is deeply appreciated by those around him, and he's committed to giving back to the community in some really inspiring and heartfelt ways.
Akung shared his story of how growing up in Bali, facing seemingly insurmountable odds and being unsupported by older peers were part of his childhood. Akung shared very well how such experiences had shaped him to have a drive to make the world a better place for the next generations to come.
Being born a quarter Dutch in a more local community, the calling of names and other discriminations, he managed to turn them into a driving force to rise above and help others. We discussed the harsh realities of his childhood, such as the absent father figure and the struggles his mother had to go through being a single parent. Akung shows resilience now, narrating how such experiences drive him to make sure his family receives the loving and supportive environment they deserve. He emphasized the importance of breaking the cycle of hardship and creating positive
memories for his daughter and wife.
The more Akung opened up about his early years of rebellion and mischief in this life full of youthful indiscretions, the more the level of camaraderie was strong with his friends. He said he did make mistakes; nevertheless, these experiences brought him to be the person he is now. Until it took him to a place of belonging and knowing, this introduction into the surfing world finally did for him.
Akung's entrepreneurial spirit then shone when he told of the beginning of his sandwich shop, Swich Sandwiches. He furthered that there was a market opportunity for quality sandwiches in Bali, not only from the growing tourist traffic but also from within the local market that was craving comfort food. His story is an example of how one with limited knowledge of the food business was able to develop it into a thriving enterprise dependent upon loyal, happy clientele. In fact, throughout the discussion, the balance between adherence to cultural traditions and successfully running a business was discussed. Akung stressed his commitment to supporting his employees during local ceremonies with great emphasis on community and family within his business
philosophy.
By the end of our time together, Akung shared his visions for how surfing could further develop in Indonesia. He was pretty optimistic with the upcoming generation of surfers and what the future development could look like for the local surf community. He even gave advice to young entrepreneurs; he told them not to be scared to take risks, learn from these experiences, and adapt when things get tough.
This is a story of resilience, community spirit, and giving back. Akung's story is one of those powerful reminders that our past does not define us, but rather our choices and actions that are taken in the present shape the story of our future.
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