In this conversation with Jason Shen, an executive coach and author of "Weirdly Brilliant," listeners are treated to insights on embracing one's individuality as an outlier. Jason shares his journey from tech entrepreneur to coaching, discussing challenges like racism and ADHD. He explores the rising popularity of coaching in today’s culture and redefines success through personal fulfillment. With reflections on urban identities and community engagement, Jason emphasizes the importance of storytelling and redefining ambition in the pursuit of unique paths.
Jason Shen's journey as an immigrant with ADHD illustrates how outlier experiences can shape identity and ambition in life.
Understanding the balance between providing value and self-exploitation is crucial for cultivating authentic engagement in professional relationships.
Deep dives
The Journey of an Outlier
Jason Chen's book, 'Weirdly Brilliant,' dives into the concept of being an outlier, exploring how individuals with unique backgrounds and different ways of thinking can thrive. He shares his personal journey as an immigrant from China and a child diagnosed with ADHD, experiences that have influenced his perspective on feeling like an outsider. Chen emphasizes the importance of understanding how these experiences shape one's identity and ambition in life. His work encourages readers to recognize their own outlier status and use it as a source of strength rather than a limitation.
Lessons from Gymnastics
Chen reflects on his extensive experience in gymnastics as a formative influence on his life and personal development. Through gymnastics, he learned valuable lessons about resilience, persistence, and the significance of individual performance in a largely solo endeavor. He categorizes sports into four types and discusses how different sports can teach unique life lessons, particularly the balance between competition and personal growth. This experience not only helped him cope with challenges but also nurtured his sense of ambition, proving that identity can be shaped, not constrained, by one’s circumstances.
Redefining Value and Exploitation
A key theme in Chen's discussions revolves around the fine line between providing value and self-exploitation, especially in professional contexts. He highlights that recognizing one's strengths and contributions is vital for healthy relationships, whether in coaching or other aspects of life. The distinction is made between doing something purely for financial gain and engaging in activities that resonate with personal passions and values. By aligning personal fulfillment with professional contributions, individuals can avoid the pitfalls of self-exploitation and instead focus on authentic engagement with their communities.
Finding One's Place in a Digital Age
Chen offers insights on how individuals can find their place in both physical and digital spaces by understanding their strengths and the surrounding communities. He discusses the advantages of urban environments, where diverse individuals can converge, fostering opportunities for specialization and mutual acceptance. By actively connecting with people who appreciate one’s unique contributions, individuals can cultivate a supportive network. Additionally, Chen underscores the importance of exploration and adaptability—advising people to travel and experience different cultures to broaden their perspectives and fuel personal growth.
In this episode, Jason Shen and Ravi Joseph about Jason's new book, Weirdly Brilliant, and his upcoming salon series. We discuss Jason's journey from tech entrepreneur to executive coach, what it means to be an outlier, fostering your own sense of ambition, and how to find your place in the modern world.
Jason's salon series: https://interintellect.com/series/the-outlier-series-with-jason-shen/
Find Jason on X: https://x.com/JasonShen
Find Ravi on X: https://x.com/rjkarmayogi
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