Digital Social Hour: Sara Jane Ho – From Harvard to Hustle: Insights for Modern Entrepreneurs | DSH #1455

Release Date: July 19, 2025

Introduction

In episode #1455 of Digital Social Hour, host Sean Kelly engages in a captivating conversation with Sara Jane Ho, a renowned etiquette expert, entrepreneur, and author. Sara Jane delves into her journey from prestigious educational institutions to establishing influential businesses in China, shedding light on cultural nuances, generational shifts, and the intertwining of traditional practices with modern entrepreneurship.

Early Life and Education

Sara Jane Ho's formative years were marked by a blend of Eastern and Western education. At 14, she left the bustling cityscape of Hong Kong to attend Exeter, New Hampshire for boarding school. This transition laid the foundation for her future academic pursuits.

[05:00] Sara Jane Ho: "I initially thought of myself as an East Coast girl because when I was 14, I moved to Exeter, New Hampshire, for boarding school, followed by Georgetown and Harvard Business School."

Her academic prowess led her to Georgetown University for her undergraduate studies and later to Harvard Business School (HBS) for her MBA. The rigorous environment at HBS not only honed her business acumen but also provided her with a space for personal and spiritual growth.

[21:24] Sara Jane Ho: "I remember once I got in, my dad hosted a big family dinner in Hong Kong before I went to HBS. He raised a glass saying, 'I don't have high expectations of my daughter at Harvard Business School. I just wish that she doesn't fail.' I was like, 'Dad, you kidding me? I'm a straight-A student at Georgetown; I'm not gonna fail.'"

Etiquette and Cultural Differences

Sara Jane's passion for etiquette blossomed when she opened her first etiquette school in China, drawing inspiration from Swiss finishing schools. She emphasizes the pivotal role of mothers in instilling etiquette from an early age.

[00:55] Sara Jane Ho: "Etiquette begins from the mother. The mother is the single most important figure in a kid's life, showing her kid the ways of the world."

The discussion delves into the contrasts between Chinese and American etiquette norms. Sara Jane highlights how directness in Chinese culture, such as openly commenting on someone's weight, is perceived differently compared to the more sensitive approach in America.

[12:10] Sara Jane Ho: "In China, if you tell someone that they're fat, it's considered polite and flattering because it shows engagement."

Generational Perspectives

Sara Jane and Sean explore the characteristics of different generations, particularly focusing on Gen Z. They discuss the perceived softness of younger generations, attributing it to overprotective parenting and the pervasive influence of social media.

[13:28] Sean Kelly: "Gen Z are too soft. What's causing them to be so soft?"

[14:17] Sara Jane Ho: "Their parents overcoddling. They have empathy for the planet but lack grit in personal interactions."

The conversation touches upon the challenges educators face today, with teachers often living in fear of being "canceled" by students via social media.

Education Systems Comparison

A significant portion of the dialogue contrasts the Chinese and American education systems, particularly focusing on the intense pressure of the Gaokao exam in China, which dictates a student's future prospects.

[16:04] Sara Jane Ho: "In China, your whole life depends on one exam called Gaokao. It determines your university and essentially your entire life trajectory."

In contrast, the American system's multifaceted evaluation methods, including interviews and extracurriculars, are discussed as both a strength and a source of anxiety.

[17:00] Sara Jane Ho: "While the SAT is just a portion, the American system includes interviews, sports, and portfolios, offering a more holistic evaluation."

Feng Shui and Personal Experiences

Sara Jane shares a poignant personal story about her family's experiences with Feng Shui, intertwining traditional beliefs with real-life events. She recounts how a Feng Shui master inaccurately predicted her mother's retirement and subsequent diagnosis with terminal liver cancer.

[32:14] Sara Jane Ho: "My mother was diagnosed with terminal liver cancer, and it's tied back to the Feng Shui predictions made by the master."

This narrative underscores the deep-rooted cultural beliefs in fate and destiny prevalent in Chinese society, and how they interplay with personal lives.

Entrepreneurship and Business Ventures

Transitioning from education to entrepreneurship, Sara Jane discusses her venture into opening etiquette schools in China, bridging Western etiquette with Eastern cultural norms. Her entrepreneurial journey is a testament to blending traditional values with modern business strategies.

[24:22] Sara Jane Ho: "Harvard Business School provided me a platform not just for career growth but personal reflection, leading to my business idea of opening etiquette schools in Beijing."

Additionally, Sara Jane introduces her latest venture, Antivorta, a feminine care brand rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The brand focuses on external feminine hygiene products, addressing issues like vaginal dryness and promoting holistic wellness.

[41:00] Sara Jane Ho: "Antivorta means 'goddess of the future.' We developed products based on TCM to cater to women's external health needs."

Personal Life and Podcasting

Balancing her professional endeavors, Sara Jane shares insights into her personal life, including her marriage to a non-English speaking husband residing in China. They navigate a cross-cultural relationship, emphasizing the importance of communication and mutual respect.

[25:10] Sara Jane Ho: "My husband doesn't speak English. Sometimes, I have to use Google Translate, but he's amazing, and I'm lucky to have found him."

Furthermore, Sara Jane reflects on her venture into podcasting, "Mind Your Manners," which serves as both a platform for authentic dialogue and personal therapy.

[39:10] Sara Jane Ho: "Podcasting has been transformative for me, allowing reflection on how I apply etiquette and my experiences to my personal life."

Health and Wellness Practices

The episode delves into various health and wellness practices rooted in TCM, such as acupuncture and yoni steaming. Sara Jane explains how these practices contribute to overall well-being and hormonal regulation.

[43:16] Sara Jane Ho: "Acupuncture helps regulate my period by targeting specific sacral points in my back, ensuring hormonal balance after long-haul flights."

She also touches upon the rising trend of parasite cleanses in Eastern cultures, highlighting the differences in health awareness and practices between the East and West.

[46:31] Sean Kelly: "Parasite cleanses are common in Eastern cultures, but not widely known here until later in life."

Conclusion

Sara Jane Ho's journey from Harvard Business School to becoming a leading etiquette expert and entrepreneur in China offers a unique perspective on blending traditional cultural practices with modern business acumen. Her experiences underscore the importance of cultural sensitivity, the impact of generational shifts, and the role of holistic wellness in today's fast-paced world. Through Digital Social Hour, listeners gain invaluable insights into navigating the complexities of cross-cultural entrepreneurship and personal growth.

Notable Quotes:

• Sara Jane Ho [00:55]: "Etiquette begins from the mother. The mother is the single most important figure in a kid's life, showing her kid the ways of the world."

• Sara Jane Ho [12:10]: "In China, if you tell someone that they're fat, it's considered polite and flattering because it shows engagement."

• Sara Jane Ho [21:24]: "I was like, dad, you kidding me? I'm a straight-A student at Georgetown; I'm not gonna fail."

• Sara Jane Ho [24:22]: "Harvard Business School provided me a platform not just for career growth but personal reflection, leading to my business idea of opening etiquette schools in Beijing."

• Sara Jane Ho [41:00]: "Antivorta means 'goddess of the future.' We developed products based on TCM to cater to women's external health needs."

For more insights from Sara Jane Ho and to explore her ventures, visit the Digital Social Hour website and follow the links to her Netflix show, book, and Mind Your Manners podcast.