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 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 powerf...
31 Mar 2025
Command, Connect, Coach ft. Franklin Zheng | Ep 7
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 ...
31 Mar 2025
Navigating Life's Changes ft Tim Ramak | Ep 5
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 produc...
31 Mar 2025
From Introvert to Influencer ft Simon Lee | Ep 6
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 ...
28 Mar 2025
Ignite the Spark in You ft Yifan Wang | Ep 4
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 enha...
3 Jan 2025
Have a People's First Approach ft Fabian L. Pillay | Ep 3
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 com...
2 Jan 2025
It's About Your Audience ft. Akeel Alleyne | Ep 2
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...
1 Jan 2025
From Teaching to Leading ft. Fei Chen | Ep 1
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 impac...
20 May 2024
Int - #4 - Igniting The Spark In You - Yi Fan
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.
7 May 2024
Int - #3 - Have A People's First Approach - Fabian Pillay
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.
17 Apr 2024
INT - #2 - It's About Your Audience! - Akeel Alleyne
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.
Reach out to Akeel:
TEDx Speech: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95H4rVevt98&t=420s (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95H4rVevt98&t=420s)
Instagram: @coachakeel
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/coach_akeel
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akeelalleyne/
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.
8 Apr 2024
INT - #1 - From Teaching to Leading - Fei Chen
In the first episode of this podcast show, we feature the 2 people who envisioned this podcast to life: Kian(Myself and the 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.
Podcast Authority Score: 5 / 100
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