Evolving a Generation of Leader-Mentors
In retrospect, folks recall Ryan Leong as curious and inquisitive to a fault in his childhood – glued to comics, LEGO blocks and the oddest of materials. Encouragement to build a habit of reading only fueled Ryan’s imagination further. He later planned out interactive treasure hunts and games for his siblings, cousins and friends in the schoolyard, leading them to learn in the most fun ways possible.
Unfortunately, Ryan’s world was shaken when he was diagnosed with cancer at age 12. During recovery out of school, he pondered on how he would get back up and live the rest of his life moving forward. This sparked his journey of creativity and self-leadership, to design a lifestyle he could proudly own.
“Be the leader of yourself foremost. The stories you tell about yourself will shape your reality and your legacy.” Ryan advises. He says that if it is difficult for one to start their journey toward greater success, they be inspired by how resilient figures across history have overcome their share of impossible odds.
Upon returning to school, Ryan noticed his creative energies attracting attention as a productive problem-solver, which he used to help his peers. Their rewarding praise motivated him to take on higher leadership and mentorship roles, to guide his juniors towards greater success.
“After much work, I noticed universal patterns in how we educate ourselves and develop others.” Ryan explains. “Basically, life skills that outshine the glow of academic success. I began documenting and improving how-to guides on key topics – accelerating one’s learning, mastering a subject, etc.”
I then flocked towards like-minded mentors, who informed me of a VUCA world ahead, filled with jobs and education crises. Believing an evolving education model will help cure this cancer, I developed my business as a youth coach, to shape the next generation of career-ready problem-solvers!”
Ryan notes that life as a young solopreneur, while exciting, can also be a stressful and lonely journey, given financial concerns and evolving trends that shift market demand. Maintaining a resilient focus on his goals, as well as learning extensively from people who’ve walked the path before, has been key to him. He then applies and showcases said newfound wisdom online, so that his followers can improve moving forward, in both their professional and personal lives.
Ultimately, Ryan believes that entrepreneurship and business are strong vehicles of self-expression, that can amplify the values and impact that he yearns to seed in the world. It also enables him to achieve independence in decision-making and time freedom – life’s most precious currencies that are desired by millions. These reasons, alongside a belief that entrepreneurship can be more fun and less intimidating, motivates Ryan to build his own business as an enjoyable lifelong journey.
Behind Ryan’s goals lies his driving passion – bringing quality education to others in the form of career-readiness. “Seeing others, especially younger folk, who are confident in their own skin and eager to improve their quality of life, brightens the mood of any environment!” Ryan observes. “It creates a ripple effect of inspiration that excites me to join in as a encouraging mentor, and inspire them to do the same for their juniors!”
Leading by example, Ryan translates dreams into focused action. As a start, he has developed methods to reduce the chances of forgetting information, misinterpreting it, or getting distracted by other goals. These acts compound toward a recipe for productivity.
“Discover more about how you educate yourself and bring your best thinking to any table. If you make mistakes, use them as set-ups to improve towards eventual success.”
Alongside this, integrating wisdom from his experiences and from multiple perspectives of successful people helps him create more holistic solutions overall. Finally, to make the learning process fun, he conveys the wisdom and solutions in an edutaining way, which ensures retention and ease of application.
These skills enabled him to shift from role-model superstar-employee to business creator. Ryan has also been trusted by award-winning enterprises to deliver high-quality education solutions, empowering others to be creative problem-solvers and confident designers of their own lives.
Amongst numerous accomplishments and awards, Ryan’s journey has been featured by the local news in his home country of Singapore, overseas business news, promotional videos, podcasts and articles from a diverse host of educational institutions, social enterprises and interest groups. His proudest achievement thus far has been clinching the grand prize for his business model plans, at a business development program that imparts futureproof, innovative and cutting-edge strategies to business leaders. It was organised by GeniusU, the world’s #1 platform for entrepreneur education.
Additionally, being selected for the coveted title of Men Leaders to Look Up To 2022 encouragingly affirms that he is delivering holistic value to youth, who then will pay it forward and better, creating a virtuous generational cycle. “Future-wise, I aim to nurture a culture that celebrates human value and strengths beyond academic assessment!”
Finally, Ryan shares that taking small actions helps. He recommends joining the GENIUS Generation Youth Coaching Telegram Chanel, which compiles resources to accelerate learning for an enjoyable and successful career life! He also looks forward to guiding youth eager to evolve themselves, personalise and stretch their career dreams through his signature program, built upon years of feedback and field-research.
“Above all, take some time out and think about how you truly want to live your life in this world. This can save you a lifetime of regrets, and transform you into a person everyone can be proud of. Especially yourself.”
