Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Khai Batbayar. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Khai, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
My path to boosting my confidence and self-esteem has been quite a journey. It’s taken me some time to grasp that confidence isn’t a fixed destination; it’s a continuous process that evolves with us. I’ve learned this lesson over the years.
You know, at the heart of confidence lies the ability to stand by yourself even during those moments of self-doubt. We all have them – those times when we feel a bit low or uncertain. And it’s important to recognize that these moments are just as much a part of us as our strengths.
I want to be upfront about the fact that I also experience moments of self-doubt. Yet, in these moments, I’ve trained myself to turn them into opportunities for positive change. It might mean breaking a not-so-great habit, challenging my own negative thoughts, or even mending relationships that need some attention. These instances become turning points that push me forward.
This growing sense of confidence hasn’t just affected my mindset; it’s also reflected in my work. I’ve found that by embracing situations that are new and uncomfortable, I’m able to consistently step up my game. It’s like jumping into cold water – that initial shock and discomfort are there, but with time, they become familiar and less intimidating. It’s about pushing through that discomfort and finding the reward on the other side.
So, in summation, my journey toward confidence and self-esteem is ongoing. I’ve learned to use moments of self-doubt as catalysts for growth. This approach has not only made me more consistent in my work but has also given me the courage to tackle challenges head-on, just like getting used to the cold water until it becomes a revitalizing experience.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m a Vancouver native, a proud first-generation immigrant from a Mongolian family with a blend of European roots. My creative journey began early, as I started crafting poems and stories for my loved ones. These artistic endeavors often landed me in trouble at school, but I couldn’t resist the pull of creative expression – whether it was writing, music, acting, or anything related to the arts.
After a two-year gap year, I made a pivotal decision to enroll in the Arts and Entertainment Management diploma program at Capilano University. It was during this time that I realized the significance of the business side of the entertainment industry, a vital complement to artistic talent. One of the exciting aspects I delved into was sync licensing, exploring the intriguing connection between film and music industries. This exploration led me to my current role as a music coordinator at The SongRep, a music supervising company catering to platforms like Netflix, Hallmark, and Lifetime.
While pursuing my music ambitions, fate brought together my bandmates, and we birthed “The Jupiters” – an alternative pop, psychedelic rock project. Our music journey has taken us to local pubs, venues, and our latest track, “Plastic Fruit,” is set to drop on September 1st across major streaming platforms. If you’re a fan of Radiohead, Nirvana, the Pixies, or Fiona Apple, you might want to give it a listen!
In the dynamic world of the arts, versatility is key. I also had the wonderful opportunity to lead a musical comedy called “Disco Inferno.” It ran for six nights at The Russian Hall in East Vancouver, allowing me to wear the hats of a singer, dancer, and actor. The show was a hit, and I’m thrilled to announce that it’s likely returning next spring after its successful debut.
In a nutshell, my journey is a fusion of diverse cultural roots, creative passion, and a dedication to both the artistic and business aspects of the entertainment industry. From supervising music for streaming giants to rocking out with “The Jupiters” and leading a musical comedy, I’m embracing every exciting avenue that comes my way.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on my journey, three impactful qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge have shaped who I am as an artist. First, diving into diverse dance styles and earning my black belt in mixed martial arts has given me remarkable physical adaptability. This versatility lets me perform energetically with my band, excel in musicals with intricate choreography, and seamlessly embody characters in motion capture productions. The physical intuition I’ve developed allows me to absorb direction and choreography naturally on set.
Second, enrolling in dance and martial arts classes taught me the power of teamwork in creating a captivating performance. The persistent focus these arts demand has honed my mental discipline, which is invaluable in my current work that thrives on collaboration and compromise among diverse personalities and perspectives.
Third, approaching the entertainment industry from a business standpoint has empowered me to realize my artistic goals. Understanding an industry by studying its history and predicting future trends has proven invaluable. The classroom environment I experienced while learning this perspective mirrors the teamwork I engage in within the collaborative arts field.
Moreover, embracing the idea that one doesn’t need to limit themselves to a single occupation has boosted my self-confidence and self-reliance. In the past, I struggled with the notion that success demanded a singular focus, a message ingrained from my traditional East Asian upbringing. Yet, wearing multiple hats has been immensely rewarding, creating a dynamic revenue stream by embracing various job prospects.
So, my advice to those starting their journey is this: Nurture adaptability through physical pursuits, grasp the strength of teamwork, approach your field with a business mindset, and embrace the freedom of trying various paths. These insights, drawn from my personal experiences, have enriched my artistic voyage in ways I could have never imagined.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
There was a pivotal time during my school years, around grade 7 or 8, when my academic struggles were becoming a challenge. It was then that my sister gifted me a book that would shape my perspective – “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens” by Sean Covey. At that point, reading felt like a chore, but my sister’s faith in this book led me to give it a chance. Little did I know, it would become a guiding light.
This book revolved around seven powerful habits, ones that resonated deeply with me and continue to influence my life. Firstly, it taught me the importance of taking initiative and being proactive in shaping my path. Then came the lesson of beginning with the end in mind, emphasizing setting goals and having a clear vision. “Put first things first” highlighted prioritization and time management, while “think win-win” encouraged collaboration and mutual benefit. “Seek first to understand, then to be understood” instilled empathy and effective communication. “Synergize” showcased the beauty of teamwork and combined effort, and finally, “sharpen the saw” underscored self-care and continuous growth.
These invaluable lessons have transcended my academic struggles and accompanied me into adulthood. Recently, I delved into “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” recognizing its relevance to my current phase of life. These books are incredible as they offer wisdom that can be adapted and embraced by anyone. Their teachings have a universal applicability that truly touches the heart.
I wholeheartedly recommend these books to anyone seeking personal development and growth. They have been the compass guiding me through challenges, successes, and personal evolution, and I believe they hold the power to enrich the lives of countless others with their timeless wisdom.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mandukhaaii/
- Other: The Jupiters Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jupiterstheband/