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 Fore Jazz Initiative

40:20 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Welcome to the Academy of Influence

I’m Kian—a music producer, coach, and lifelong communication enthusiast who believes the world’s most powerful currency isn’t money or talent—it’s influence.

This podcast is where I explore the power of communication and how it shapes the way we live, work, and connect. I sit down with friends from all walks of life to ask: What makes your world pop? Because I truly believe everyone has something worth sharing—and everyone has the desire to make an impact.

Whether you’re here to build confidence, express yourself better, or create meaningful change—this is where influence begins.

The Power of Storytelling and Leadership with Coach Franklin Zheng

In this episode of the Academy of Influence Podcast, I sit down with Franklin Zheng, a public speaking coach and photographer, to discuss his journey from media aspirations to corporate coaching. We delve into the significance of storytelling, the importance of feedback, and the role of soft skills in effective leadership. Franklin shares his insights into how connection, passion, and coaching drive personal and professional growth, and he breaks down the essential qualities of effective leaders. We wrap up the conversation with a focus on the importance of human connection and the pivotal role of listening and feedback in leadership and coaching.

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 Personal Growth
16:24 The Role of Feedback in Leadership
18:23 Balancing Soft Skills and Hard Skills
20:15 Qualities of Effective Leaders
30:29 Journey to Becoming a Coach
34:45 The Essence of Coaching
37:18 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Welcome to the Academy of Influence

I’m Kian—a music producer, coach, and lifelong communication enthusiast who believes the world’s most powerful currency isn’t money or talent—it’s influence.

This podcast is where I explore the power of communication and how it shapes the way we live, work, and connect. I sit down with friends from all walks of life to ask: What makes your world pop? Because I truly believe everyone has something worth sharing—and everyone has the desire to make an impact.

Whether you’re here to build confidence, express yourself better, or create meaningful change—this is where influence begins.

Journey of a Music Prodigy: Simon Lee's Path to Influence

In this episode of the Academy of Influence podcast, I interview my old friend and music prodigy, Simon Lee. He shares his journey, from his early teaching beginnings to his experiences at Berklee College of Music, and his move to Xiamen, China to found SLYS Music. We discuss breaking out of introversion, dealing with social rejection, the importance of community, and Simon’s diverse career. This episode highlights Simon's philosophy on organic growth, focusing on shared passion and motivation to achieve success.

00:00 Introduction to the Academy of Influence
00:39 Meet Simon Lee: Music Prodigy and Educator
02:44 Simon Lee's Teaching Journey
11:31 Breaking Out of Introversion
19:23 Experiences at Berklee College of Music
29:56 Founding SLYS Music in Xiamen, China
33:02 Defining Success and Final Thoughts

Welcome to the Academy of Influence

I’m Kian—a music producer, coach, and lifelong communication enthusiast who believes the world’s most powerful currency isn’t money or talent—it’s influence.

This podcast is where I explore the power of communication and how it shapes the way we live, work, and connect. I sit down with friends from all walks of life to ask: What makes your world pop? Because I truly believe everyone has something worth sharing—and everyone has the desire to make an impact.

Whether you’re here to build confidence, express yourself better, or create meaningful change—this is where influence begins.

Navigating Career Transitions & Content Creation with Tim Ramak

In this episode of the Academy of Influence podcast, I interview Tim Ramak, an Australian health and wellness coach, entrepreneur, and content creator currently based in Shenzhen, China. We discuss Tim's diverse background, including his shift from project manager to fitness coach, and his eventual focus on content creation, especially in the context of COVID-19. Tim shares insights into his journey, the challenges of producing content, and the importance of passion and adaptability in career changes. He also touches upon his two YouTube channels, 'Destination Shenzhen' and 'Coach Tim Creations,' outlining his strategies for sustainable living and monetizing content. This episode offers valuable advice for aspiring content creators and those contemplating a career shift.

00:00 Introduction to the Academy of Influence
00:06 Meet Tim Ramak: From Project Manager to Content Creator
01:19 The Journey to Content Creation
02:59 Career Shifts and Personal Growth
06:41 Challenges and Advice for Career Changes
10:29 The Evolution of Work and Content Creation
14:08 Overcoming Content Creation Hurdles
19:27 Overcoming Barriers in Content Creation
20:03 The Importance of Networking and Adaptability
20:31 Dealing with Technical Challenges
21:31 The Journey of Successful Content Creators
23:03 Documenting the Process and Learning
23:37 Introducing Your Content Channels
25:33 Goals and Monetization Strategies
31:26 The Importance of Niching Down
32:30 Choosing the Right Platform
35:50 Measuring Success as a Content Creator
37:05 Final Thoughts and Channel Information

Welcome to the Academy of Influence

I’m Kian—a music producer, coach, and lifelong communication enthusiast who believes the world’s most powerful currency isn’t money or talent—it’s influence.

This podcast is where I explore the power of communication and how it shapes the way we live, work, and connect. I sit down with friends from all walks of life to ask: What makes your world pop? Because I truly believe everyone has something worth sharing—and everyone has the desire to make an impact.

Whether you’re here to build confidence, express yourself better, or create meaningful change—this is where influence begins.

Unlocking the Power of Mindset and Impactful Storytelling with Yifan Wang

In this episode of the Academy of Influence podcast, I talk with Yifan Wang, a global citizen and TEDx speaker. We discuss the importance of mindset, changes needed in education, and Yifan's journey to becoming an impactful storyteller. Yifan shares her personal experiences, the influence of her upbringing, and her relentless pursuit of dreams. We also touch on stepping out of comfort zones, cultivating drive, and enhancing soft skills. Join us for an inspiring conversation about growth, leadership, and the power of storytelling.

00:00 Introduction to the Academy of Influence
00:24 Meet Yifan Wang: A Global Citizen
02:05 The Power of Mindset and Early Influences
06:13 Cultivating Drive and Passion
11:47 The Role of Education in Career Planning
14:39 The Importance of Soft Skills
16:37 Toastmasters: A Platform for Growth
20:25 The Journey of a Speech Contestant
28:24 Final Thoughts and Inspirational Message

Welcome to the Academy of Influence

I’m Kian—a music producer, coach, and lifelong communication enthusiast who believes the world’s most powerful currency isn’t money or talent—it’s influence.

This podcast is where I explore the power of communication and how it shapes the way we live, work, and connect. I sit down with friends from all walks of life to ask: What makes your world pop? Because I truly believe everyone has something worth sharing—and everyone has the desire to make an impact.

Whether you’re here to build confidence, express yourself better, or create meaningful change—this is where influence begins.

Leadership Lessons from South Africa to China: A Conversation with Fabian

In this episode, I welcome Fabian, a charismatic leader and high school teacher from South Africa who has spent four and a half years in China. We dive into his journey into leadership and his experiences with Toastmasters. Fabian shares his evolving definition of leadership, emphasizing a 'people-first' approach. We also compare educational systems and discuss the importance of addressing student mental health and competitiveness. Fabian reflects on his future goals and leaves us with the empowering message to 'fake it till you make it.'

00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement
00:47 Meeting Fabian: From Law to Leadership
02:23 Defining Leadership in Toastmasters
05:49 Challenges in Leadership and Mentorship
08:47 The Importance of Mentorship Training
14:10 Educational Experiences in South Africa and China
24:36 Cultural Differences in Education
30:19 Addressing Mental Health in Education
36:26 Future Plans and Final Thoughts

Welcome to the Academy of Influence

I’m Kian—a music producer, coach, and lifelong communication enthusiast who believes the world’s most powerful currency isn’t money or talent—it’s influence.

This podcast is where I explore the power of communication and how it shapes the way we live, work, and connect. I sit down with friends from all walks of life to ask: What makes your world pop? Because I truly believe everyone has something worth sharing—and everyone has the desire to make an impact.

Whether you’re here to build confidence, express yourself better, or create meaningful change—this is where influence begins.

Mastering the Art of Communication: Insights with TEDx Speaker Akeel Alleyne

In the second episode of the Academy of Influence podcast, host Kian welcomes communication consultant and two-time TEDx speaker, Akeel Alleyne. They discuss the significance of clear communication, the cultural nuances between different communication styles, and Akeel's personal journey into the field of communication. Akeel shares valuable insights from his experiences with Toastmasters and his preparation process for delivering impactful TEDx talks. The episode also explores practical strategies for improving communication skills within individuals, teams, and larger organizations, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's audience and the continuous pursuit of improvement.

00:00 Welcome to the Academy of Influence
00:28 Introducing Our Esteemed Guest: Akeel Alleyne
01:40 Akeel's Journey into Communication
04:17 The Importance of Clarity in Communication
06:48 Cultural Differences in Communication
12:08 The Toastmasters Experience
16:48 Promoting Toastmasters to Organizations
22:00 Akeel's TEDx Talk Experience
36:01 The Role of a Communication Consultant
38:59 Conclusion and Farewell

Welcome to the Academy of Influence

I’m Kian—a music producer, coach, and lifelong communication enthusiast who believes the world’s most powerful currency isn’t money or talent—it’s influence.

This podcast is where I explore the power of communication and how it shapes the way we live, work, and connect. I sit down with friends from all walks of life to ask: What makes your world pop? Because I truly believe everyone has something worth sharing—and everyone has the desire to make an impact.

Whether you’re here to build confidence, express yourself better, or create meaningful change—this is where influence begins.

In the pilot episode of 'Voice of Influence,' hosts Kian and Fei Chen introduce the concept and transformative power of communication, leadership, and personal growth through their experiences with Toastmasters International. Kian and Fei discuss their journeys, the role of active learning, and the value of feedback in improving communication skills. They highlight the importance of both face-to-face and virtual communication, emphasizing how online platforms can broaden one's reach and impact. Fei shares her motivation behind starting a new online Toastmasters club, Cyber Five, aimed at enhancing virtual presence and connecting diverse cultures. The episode concludes with a reflection on the importance of self-awareness in conveying impactful messages.

00:00 Introduction 

00:35 Meet the Hosts: Kian and Fei Chen

01:19 Fei's Journey with Toastmasters

02:04 Discovering Toastmasters: First Impressions

05:27 The Value of Active Learning

07:58 Overcoming Communication Challenges

13:51 The Power of Feedback and Personal Growth

18:42 Starting a New Chapter: Cyber Five Toastmasters Club

25:13 The Future of Communication

27:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Welcome to the Academy of Influence

I’m Kian—a music producer, coach, and lifelong communication enthusiast who believes the world’s most powerful currency isn’t money or talent—it’s influence.

This podcast is where I explore the power of communication and how it shapes the way we live, work, and connect. I sit down with friends from all walks of life to ask: What makes your world pop? Because I truly believe everyone has something worth sharing—and everyone has the desire to make an impact.

Whether you’re here to build confidence, express yourself better, or create meaningful change—this is where influence begins.