Episode 11. Aftab Pureval : Mayor of Cincinnati

Intentional Leadership with Mayor Aftab Pureval
In this episode, host Soon Yu interviews Aftab Pureval, the mayor of Cincinnati, who shares his inspiring journey from his immigrant family's experiences to his leadership in public office. Pureval discusses his career trajectory, starting from his early days in student government to his role as clerk of courts, where he tackled systemic challenges head-on. He opens up about the hardships and public scrutiny he faced, particularly after losing a congressional race and the lessons learned in balancing personal convictions and public service. Pureval also highlights the importance of intentional leadership, community service, and conflict resolution. He offers a powerful call to action for more AAPI individuals to engage in public service, emphasizing the transformative impact and fulfillment that comes with making a difference in the community.

04:16 Aftab's Family Background and Heritage
07:28 The American Dream and Public Service
13:10 Early Political Aspirations and Challenges
21:23 Embracing Identity and Overcoming Barriers
28:58 Building Bridges in a Hostile Environment
31:03 Leadership and Vulnerability
33:14 Conflict Resolution and Setting Standards
 40:40 Facing Public Defeat and Bouncing Back
41:56 The Accidental Mayor
47:50 The Importance of Running for Office