In my podcast conversations with authors, anthropologists, creatives, and change-makers, we often delve into their personal stories, encompassing their triumphs and setbacks, as well as their spiritual practices and strategies for leading a more fulfilling life.
However, today’s conversation is a bit different from the norm.
Today, I’m privileged to engage in conversation with Sun Yi, a distinguished personal branding expert and the visionary founder of Night Owls, an acclaimed digital agency catering to esteemed clients like Mel Robbins, Jay Shetty, Marc Randolph, and Gabby Bernstein.
Despite Sun’s professional collaborations with prominent figures in the self-transformation space, he boldly admits his disinterest in practices such as yoga, mantras, or the ritual of smudging his home. Yet, his online presence, characterized by candid insights, thought-provoking slogans, and astute business counsel, immediately captivated my attention, resonating deeply with me as both an occasional social media gawker and a prospective client.
Upon delving further into Sun Yi’s work, I eagerly enrolled in his three-month marketing mentorship program. Through this journey, I gained invaluable lessons on branding, marketing tactics, the art of storytelling, authenticity, and the significance of prioritizing both customer service and personal fulfillment.
Sun Yi’s multifaceted expertise extends beyond his role as an entrepreneur and storyteller; he’s also a TEDx speaker and the driving force behind Night Owls and Night Owl Nation. With over 20 years of experience in digital branding, Sun has helped brands go from virtual zero revenue to $1 billion. He is passionate about teaching and has taught over 22,000+ students through his online course, The Art of Storytelling for Freelancers and Creators. In 2022, he started Night Owl Nation, a global community of entrepreneurs and creators who practice storytelling together.
During our conversation, Sun Yi candidly reflects on his upbringing in Korea and subsequent immigration to the United States at the age of 10, where he endured years of bullying. These experiences shaped his resilience, reinforcing his sense of self while occasionally challenging his capacity for humility.
Through the highs and lows of his professional journey, including almost losing his marriage to the love of his life Gigi, Sun Yi arrived at a profound realization: true success hinges upon establishing authentic human connections with customers. He highlights the importance of active listening, genuine care, and a service-oriented approach as the most potent tools in the realm of marketing and branding.
Sun Yi’s authenticity, humor, and candid anecdotes will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression, offering not just marketing and branding insights but also a sense of camaraderie amidst life’s ebbs and flows. His message is clear: by embracing the present moment, we unlock the fullest potential of our lives.
Love,
Molly
Learn more about Sun Yi and his work here
Follow Sun Yi on LinkedIn, Facebook, X (Twitter), & Instagram
A Special Message from Molly:
In November 2023, I started feeling that I needed to do some deeper reflecting and reevaluating of my work, specifically regarding my passion for the Cracking Open podcast and coaching program.
I also knew that to look at it from every angle – financially, emotionally, spiritually, and practically – I needed to take a pause and drop out of my daily world of work, being a mom to two kids, my everyday responsibilities, and get out of my home and comfort zone. So I headed to the desert for a week in solitude and spent the time writing, reading, and thinking about my 30 years in education and mental health.
I have been a therapist, published author, Ted speaker, and coach. I have lost both of my parents as well as many friends. I struggled with postpartum depression after having my babies, and have had various struggles in my life as we all have.
Through all that I’ve experienced thus far in life, I found myself in the desert asking these two questions:
What does humanity need right now?
What is missing in our world to help people have agency over their own lives and not be so stuck in their old stories, traumas bad habits, and behaviors?
And boy did I get the answers!!
I have already started developing two new programs centered around action steps, deep reflection, accountability, and exercises that will change your life forever. To find out more about these programs go to my website molly-carroll.com and sign up for my newsletter to hear my exciting big announcement coming in March!