Meet Litas Li

We had the good fortune of connecting with Litas Li and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Litas, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
It’s straightforward: I wanted to be different and create a life that hasn’t been written yet. Let me explain further.

I grew up in China, where I was surrounded by a collectivist culture, but I was never interested in centralized values. From a young age, I always wanted to be myself and do something different. Whether it was the music I listened to or the clothes I wore, I sought uniqueness.

During middle school, I observed everyone striving for top rankings in quarterly exams. Those who didn’t perform well were often labeled as “bad” or “useless” students, their futures seemingly predetermined by these results. This sparked my desire to think differently about what I wanted in life.

I realized that the centralized values in Chinese society often meant that everyone followed a planned-out story: getting into a prestigious school, securing a good job, starting a family, and so on. This felt boring and unacceptable to me. I wanted something different.

One of my core philosophies is that when everyone believes a particular path will make money, it likely won’t. There are paths less traveled, ones the majority avoid, that can lead to true success. This belief drove my decision to start my own business. I wanted to create something unique, carve my own path, and prove that there are alternative ways to achieve success and fulfillment.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What excites me the most is the future and what I can create moving forward. A few years ago, I couldn’t have imagined running a fund that acquire&merge businesses or developing certain skills to the level I have now. I’ve become more confident and capable over time. I believe in the rocket theory: the initial journey from Earth to the atmosphere is challenging, but once you break through to outer space, it gets easier. I can predict future improvements in myself as I move closer to what I want to achieve and who I want to become. This vision excites me immensely.

How did I get to where I am today professionally? It was both easy and difficult. I’ve faced many tough lessons along the way—some enjoyable, others not so much. The unpleasant memories taught me great lessons about the kind of person I don’t want to be and what I don’t want to do. Graduating from a prestigious school, I never imagined I’d end up doing some of the tasks I did. It was more a mental training than physical. As a founder, I had to start with the basics, which wasn’t easy, but it helped me understand the structure of different industries and communicate with various people.

I’ve learned a lot and continue to learn every day, which excites me. The core lesson I’ve learned is the importance of working with the right people—those who share the same mindset, values, and morality. It’s crucial to work with people who possess dignity and kindness because alignment is key.

I don’t want to emphasize my business too much, but I want people to know that karma pays back. If you’re feeling down, it might be because you’re not in the right circumstances. Sometimes, your kindness may be seen as weakness in certain environments. Just like a rock can be a marvel or just a rock depending on its setting, it’s essential to maintain your values and morality. Believe in the laws of attraction. Lastly, embracing an anti-fragile mindset is crucial. We all go through tough times, but every challenge makes us stronger and wiser, and they are the steps toward success.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting, I’d make sure they have an unforgettable time. LA is a melting pot of cultures, and it’s such a privilege to live here and experience its diversity.

First, I’d take them to one of the many Jazz bars in Hollywood. My friends and I love spending nights there, enjoying great music and wine.

One of my secret spots to calm down is Grand Ave Park in Chino Hills. We can climb up the hill, lay down on the grass, and let the wind blow our worries away. It’s incredibly peaceful and a perfect escape from the city hustle.

Museums are also a must-visit. LA is rich in culture, and historical museums are the best way to immerse yourself. We’d visit places like LACMA and MoMA, where the latest contemporary art offers an exciting and thought-provoking experience.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First up is Greg Plitt, the OG fitness influencer who caught my eye back in high school when workout videos were as rare as a unicorn. Greg was more than just muscles; he was a master of self-discipline. One of his quotes stuck with me: “You are what you repeatedly do.” Thanks to him, I learned to turn discipline into a habit and a lifestyle.

Then there’s Robert Greene, the master of strategy and human nature. His books, “The 48 Laws of Power” and “Mastery,” were like a backstage pass to how the world really works. Robert taught me how to live a full life, a life worth living. His words pushed me to not just live life but to own it. I feel motivated to see more of life, to explore its depths and breadths, thanks to his insights.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sadsplendadaddy/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/litasli/

Other: My podcast: https://linktr.ee/travilformalism