#55. Quinntessential Questions with Steven Okun: From Clinton to Asia’s ESG Pioneer: On Public Policy, UPS & KKR
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In this episode of The Quinntessential Questions Podcast, Paul Quinn sits down with Steven Okun, a seasoned public affairs and ESG expert who has spent 23 years at the intersection of business, government, and sustainability in Asia. From working on Bill Clinton's presidential campaign to opening up China for UPS and Fedex, to pioneering ESG at KKR, Steven shares his remarkable journey of reinvention and resilience.
Steven discusses his transition from the White House to corporate Asia, building public affairs teams from the ground up, and how he became the first global private equity person to do ESG in Asia—despite having to Google what ESG meant. He opens up about the decision to refuse returning to Washington, his "no dickhead policy" in business, and why brutal honesty has been his secret weapon in building trust across borders.
From handling presidential-level aviation cases to advising Henry Kravis, Steven's career proves that making yourself unique and betting on yourself can open doors you never imagined. He also shares powerful lessons on taking chances, getting those experiences while you're young, and why the money will come if you follow your purpose.
Whether you're navigating a career pivot, considering an expat move, or building your own firm, this conversation is a masterclass in resilience, strategic positioning, and the power of saying "I don't think so" when the path forward doesn't feel right.
💡 Key Takeaways:
▶️ How to make yourself irreplaceable by being unique
▶️ Why honesty—even delivering bad news—builds lasting relationships
▶️ The story behind winning the biggest aviation case in U.S. history
▶️ What it takes to pioneer a new field (ESG) in a new region (Asia)
▶️ How to bet on yourself when everyone expects you to play it safe
▶️ The importance of getting life experiences over chasing money early in your career
This conversation is a masterclass in career reinvention, cross-cultural business strategy, and the courage to choose your own path—from someone who has operated at the highest levels of government and private equity across Asia for over two decades.
Guest Bio
Steven Okun, Founder and CEO of APAC Advisors has more than 25 years experience across government, public affairs, and communications and has lived and worked in Asia since 2003.
Driving the company's financial services sustainability consultancy, Steve's hands-on approach ensures client-centric service at the most senior level.
Minutes
(02:50) Introduction
(04:05) Deciding to Study Law
(05:48) Being Part of the Clinton Administration
(07:57) Presidents You Admire
(09:02) Finding Your Calling
(10:10) Getting Into Business
(12:10) Transitioning from the Public to Private Sector
(13:45) Coming to Singapore
(18:45) Working at KKR
(29:03) Courage to Pivot Careers
(30:39) Most Interesting Projects
(40:10) Keys to Victory
(46:33) Starting APAC Advisers
(51:25) Health & Fitness Routine
(53:10) ESG & Sustainability
(57:47) Advice for New & Emerging CEOs
(01:12:15) Rapid Fire QuestionsBehind-The-Scenes
