In this episode of the Academy of Influence Podcast, host Kian welcomes special guest XingYu, a jazz music therapist and Berklee alumna. Discover how XingYu blends the spontaneity of jazz with the therapeutic benefits of music therapy to improve lives. They discuss debunking music therapy myths, the story behind XingYu's initiative 'FOREJAZZX,' and how her rhythmic roots influenced her unique career path. Tune in for an insightful conversation on how personalized music therapy can be a powerful tool for healing and personal growth. 00:00 Introduction to the Academy of Influence Podcast 00:35 Meet XingYu: Jazz Music Therapist 01:20 The Philosophy and Lifestyle of Jazz 06:05 Journey to Music Therapy 09:16 Understanding Music Therapy 15:15 Personalized Music Therapy in Practice 31:52 Becoming a Music Therapist 36:15 ForeJazzx Initiative 40:20 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The latest episode of 'The Academy of Influence Podcast' features a conversation with Franklin Zheng, a public speaking coach and photographer, who shares his journey from media aspirations to corporate coaching. The discussion delves into the power of storytelling, the value of feedback, and the role of soft skills in leadership. Zheng also emphasizes the importance of connection, passion, and the right mindset in coaching, underlining that anyone can become a coach with attentive listening skills. The conversation also explores the qualities of effective leaders and the significance of maintaining a balance between hard and soft skills. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview 00:37 First Impressions and the Power of Storytelling 03:25 The Importance of Storytelling in Communication 07:57 Toastmasters and the Journey to Public Speaking 16:26 The Role of Feedback in Personal Growth 18:23 Balancing Soft Skills and Hard Skills 20:15 Qualities of Effective Leaders 30:29 Becoming a Coach: A Personal Journey 37:18 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode, I had a chat with Simon Lee, a longtime friend, Berklee College of Music alum, and founder of SLYS Music in Xiamen, China. Simon shares his journey from his teaching beginnings and experiences at Berklee to establishing his music school. We dive deep into his insights on battling introversion, handling social rejection, and the significance of community and organic growth for success. This episode is packed with inspiring stories, practical advice, and valuable life lessons. Don't miss out! 00:00 Introduction to the Academy of Influence 00:39 Meet Simon Lee: Music Prodigy and Educator 02:44 Simon Lee's Journey: From Malaysia to China 11:36 Breaking Out of Introversion and Embracing Challenges 19:23 Experiences at Berklee College of Music 29:52 Founding SLYS Music in Xiamen, China 33:02 Defining Success and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Academy of Influence podcast, we sit down with Tim Ramak, a health and wellness coach from Australia who transitioned into content creation while living in Shenzhen, China. Tim shares his journey from a project manager to a fitness coach, and now a full-time content creator. We discuss the challenges of career shifts, navigating through uncertainties, and his strategies for creating impactful content. Tim also provides insights into his channels, 'Destination Shenzhen' and 'Coach Tim Creations,' offering valuable advice for aspiring content creators and expats. Join us for an inspiring conversation about finding your voice and pursuing your passions. 00:00 Introduction to the Academy of Influence 00:06 Meet Tim Ramak: From Project Manager to Content Creator 00:33 The Nine-Month Delay and Catching Up 01:13 Tim's Journey: From Fitness Coach to Content Creator 02:59 Career Shifts and Personal Growth 06:41 The Importance of Passion and Risk in Career Changes 10:29 Adapting to the Modern Job Market 12:16 Challenges and Mindsets of Young People Today 14:08 Overcoming Perfectionism in Content Creation 15:00 Starting Out as a Content Creator 19:27 Overcoming Barriers in Content Creation 21:31 The Journey of Successful Content Creators 23:37 Exploring Shenzhen Through Content 25:33 Monetizing Content Creation 27:10 Strategies for Sustainable Content Creation 32:30 Choosing the Right Platform 35:50 Defining Success as a Content Creator 37:05 Final Thoughts and Channel Information

In this fourth episode we invited YiFan Wang, a Digital & Tech PMO in the healthcare MNC, she's describes herself as a global citizen, curious explorer, impact elevator, on the way to be an impact-driven speaker and coach. In this episode, we spoke about the power of mindset, the changes needed in the current education system and her motivation on why she wants to become an influential figure. Academy of Influence is a platform where we talk about the power of communication and how it can reshape our personal and professional lives. Join us as we share tips on communication to improve our confidence and make a positive impact in our communities Academy of Influence is a platform where we talk about the power of communication and how it can reshape our personal and professional lives. Join us as we share tips on communication to improve our confidence and make a positive impact in our communities.

In this third episode we invited Fabian Lemuel Pillay, a South African native of Indian Decent currently a high school teacher in Shanghai, with a background in law. We spoke about how his experiences in leadership evolved from South Africa to China, Law to Education, his lessons learnt along the way and how he came to the conclusion that having a people's first approach might be an effective leadership trait. Academy of Influence is a platform where we talk about the power of communication and how it can reshape our personal and professional lives. Join us as we share tips on communication to improve our confidence and make a positive impact in our communities.

In this second episode we invited Akeel Alleyne, a communications consultant and a public speaking coach to talk about why he got into this field, his best practices when dealing with people and his experience delivering a TEDx Speech. Akeel is originally from the United States and currently resides in Shanghai, China. He is a member of Toastmasters International and has participated in speech contest and held leadership positions within the organization. Academy of Influence is a platform where we talk about the power of communication and how it can reshape our personal and professional lives. Join us as we share tips on communication to improve our confidence and make a positive impact in our communities.

In the first episode of this podcast show, we feature the 2 people who envisioned this podcast to life: Kian(Host) and Fei Chen, a passionate communicator, teacher and inspiring leader. Fei, a previous international school teacher in Shanghai, China who is currently an early childhood educator in Christchurch, New Zealand shares how she stumbled into the world of Toastmasters, changing her life. Academy of Influence is a platform where we talk about the power of communication and how it can reshape our personal and professional lives. Join us as we share tips on communication to improve our confidence and make a positive impact in our communities