Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Robert Kuang. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Robert, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
I grew up in Beijing before immigrating to America at 9-years-old. I started taking piano lessons not long after, and found a space where I could cultivate my creative expression, talent, and sense of wonder. It helped me feel and stay connected to my world, even when there was a language barrier. As a child, I didn’t think too much about being a musician or artist professionally, except that it involved luck, being well-received, and lots of practice.
Both academically and personally, I am a musician and writer, but I’ve denied myself these labels many times. I had my degrees, training, talent, and aspirations, but for me, I didn’t pursue a creative/artistic path until after I had stepped away from playing the piano for well over a decade.
At the start of the pandemic and lockdown in 2020, I dusted off the keyboard I had bought many years ago and started taking piano lessons on Zoom. It was awkward getting used to taking lessons in this way, and things were very heightened due to COVID, but music and creative expression helped ground me during one of the most challenging periods of my life.
The contrast between the joy of embracing improv and composition and editing, and the loss, grief, and trauma that ultimately pushed me there, is what makes me an artist. I’m not an artist because of a declaration. I am an artist because nothing else will suffice.
Robert, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I (he/they) am a musician, coach, and content creator with a focus on creative expression, leadership development, and energy restoration.
As a coach, I work with individuals and teams to co-create resolutions with transformation through accountability. As an artist and intuitive, I work with clients to find tools and practices to support their creative, intuitive, and personal development. My offerings include one-on-one coaching, group facilitation, workshops and events. I frequently collaborate with creatives and coaches to offer experiences that are immersive yet facilitative in nature. For example, I am co-leading a writing workshop early next year for writers of all levels, called “Embracing the Multidisciplinary Writer: Lessons Across Genre & Form.”
In addition to my professional offerings, I am the creator of “Side by Side,” a podcast where I spotlight insights and services of other creatives, artists, healers, and warriors. It is a great way to connect with and learn from like-minded individuals and expand your network.
To learn more, please visit robertkuanghome.com.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
The Harvard Business Review published a journal article titled “Manage Your Energy, Not Your Time” in 2007. While the concept of energy work relative to productivity and personal well-being was not new at the time of publishing, writings like this is a great way to normalize conversations around it.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
I made the decision a few years into working as a coach to integrate creative practice and mindfulness into my offerings. It felt like a risk to “niche down” so early into my ICF-standardized training, and every coach and entrepreneur you talk to will have different opinions and advice. I’m glad I made this decision, because it provided more space for me to be—and model being—an artist, without feeling like I was depreciating my work to support clients and fellow creatives.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.robertkuanghome.com
- Instagram: @robertkuanghome
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/robert-kuang
- Other: “Side by Side” podcast website: https://sidebysidepodcast.podbean.com/
Image Credits
Chellise Michael Photography