Welcome!

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What is this?
Shooting it RAW is a podcast created and hosted by me, Ran Elfassy. The point is to keep finding fascinating people who can share a little about how they see the world and what makes them tick. Each conversation is framed around four images the guest wants to use as a window into their world.

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Why Shooting it RAW?
A RAW file is the unprocessed image information coming from a digital camera's image sensor. Although the phrase is from photography, the show isn't really about how to make beautiful pictures. Since most people have a smartphone and can make amazing photos really easily, it's more interesting to share what people are doing and how they see the world – with their photos, in life, everything!

 

So this is to get RAW with guests?
Sure! We start with a photo, have an open conversation, and then who knows where we end up?

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Where did this come from?

Basically, I've always been very curious about the world and people. Ever since I was a kid, I've been like this. For example, my 15 years of working with Po Chung is one example of how I thrive by connecting with people around big ideas. 

 

For the podcast, it can be traced back to when Sony held a contest on the NatGeo channel. Sony picked me for a feature in a commercial based on my 350-week-long performance, called 350 Rans.

 

To watch a 5-minute YouTube clip of the 350 Rans photo series, click here (or the screenshot, below).



 

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What's so special about you, anyway?

Probably nothing. Maybe something. Then again, probably nothing... The point of the podcast is to share what my guests have to say!

 

I was born in Jerusalem but from age one I grew up in Montréal. I was mute until three and once I started talking I didn't really stop. Fast-forward to 2003 when my wife and I decided to move to Hong Kong.

 

I laugh easily and I'm on the brash or blunt side of things. Impulsive, sensitive, irreverent, thoughtful... And fun. In Hebrew, my name means joy, and what a GREAT name to set the tone of my life! I can be a prick like an Israeli but considerate like a Canadian.*

I don't take myself too seriously but sureasshit take my work seriously. Like Shark Rescue, which I did between 2009-2016, or the work I've done since 2006 on Service-Network Leadership with Po Chung:
 

• In my 20s, I was free-climbing with Dr. P when he slipped and fell about 15 meters off the cliff. I revived him and got a rescue team to haul ass to the hospital. Lucky him, he only has a horseshoe-shaped scar on his head as a souvenir.
  This one has a You ontology.
   

• A few months after that, I was waiting at an intersection when a car careened onto the sidewalk. Three brain hemorrhages and a coma later, I awoke to months of paralysis, amnesia, and the need for rehab after some serious brain injury. Lucky me – I completely recovered!
  This one has an I ontology.
   

• In 2003, my wife and I moved from Montreal to Hong Kong. Within a few days, I was hired as a senior editor on medical, HR and legal magazines. This was added to the 30+ different jobs I've had in my life. Oh, if you ever hear it's bad to have lots and lots of jobs on your resume, call bullshit. You're a Renaissance soul – embrace it!
  
  If you've never been to Hong Kong and are curious, here's my gallery of HK's fauna... Be amazed!
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   

• In 2004, Delian and I were learning to surf in Sri Lanka when we were caught in the Boxing Day tsunami. Incredibly – luckily, randomly – we survived. You can read about that experience here.
  This has a We ontology.
   

• In 2006, I met and began my apprenticeship with Po Chung, co-founder of DHL International. DHL... Yes, the DHL that's a global powerhouse that people around the world trust and depend on. Po's the real deal and I've helped him develop programs in Leadership Consulting, Service-Network Leadership, and much more. Many of the insights I've picked up over the years are woven into each episode.

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Yeah, but what's the point?

Exactly! What is the point... About anything?
 

I want to entertain, inspire, reveal, share, and get deep into the idea that every second is a gift. The world is amazing and we have much to be thankful for.

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If you would like to see how I'm helping companies thrive and do well, visit Service Detox Consulting.

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Thank you.

*For example, I could tell you to go fuck your mother, but it's like with all due respect, OK?  Sorry.