Life, Justice & The Pursuit of Art | Lawrence Kao | Talks at Google

TL;DR

Lawrence Kao discusses his journey in the entertainment industry, the value of embracing the arts, and the importance of staying true to one's passion in finding happiness.

Transcript

[APPLAUSE] SPEAKER 1: So we are kicking off 2020 with Lawrence visiting Google. So I wanted to hear, Lawrence, how is your 2020 going? How's the new year. LAWRENCE KAO: It's been good so far. I got to explore the Google campus. It's pretty amazing. It's huge. Google Cloud is awesome. Yeah, no complaints. Chinese New Year was great. Got to celebrate... Read More

Key Insights

• 🥰 Lawrence Kao emphasizes the importance of exploring and pursuing one's passion for the arts, regardless of cultural expectations or potential challenges.
• 🧑‍🎨 He believes that artists have a responsibility to create empathy and challenge societal perceptions.
• 🤙 Lawrence highlights the need for more diverse and inclusive representation in the entertainment industry, calling on Asian-American filmmakers to tell stories beyond stereotypes.
• 😘 He shares his belief in the power of acceptance and embracing all emotions, recognizing that the highs and lows are temporary and contribute to personal growth.
• 🥶 Lawrence emphasizes the value of physical activity and maintaining a clutter-free environment to fuel creativity and energy.
• 🤗 He emphasizes the significance of mentors in shaping one's career and the importance of being open to continuous learning and growth.

Questions & Answers

Q: What inspired Lawrence Kao to embark on a career in the arts?

Lawrence's interest in the arts began with playing the piano and feeling a strong emotional connection to music. This led him to explore other art forms and discover a passion for acting.

Q: How does Lawrence Kao view the connection between different art forms and the power of artistic expression?

Lawrence believes that all art forms can be a powerful means of emotional expression and self-discovery. Whether it's through dance, music, or acting, he sees the potential for a deep connection with oneself and others.

Q: How did Lawrence Kao's family react to his decision to pursue a career in the arts?

Lawrence shares that his mother initially had reservations about his decision but ultimately supported him. He credits her for introducing him to the arts and acknowledges that Asian parents often have their own inner struggles and aspirations.

Q: How did Lawrence Kao's experience of being wrongfully accused and spending time in jail impact his career choice?

Lawrence reflects on how his time in jail and the uncertainty about his future reinforced his conviction to pursue acting. The experience made him realize that he wanted to dedicate his life to something he felt passionate about.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Lawrence Kao shares his experience visiting Google and exploring the Google campus.

• He talks about his recent celebration of Chinese New Year with his family and future in-laws.

• Lawrence discusses how his journey in the arts started with playing the piano and how it led him to discover his passion for acting and other art forms.