We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kien Vuu a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Kien , thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
Resilience is not something we’re born with; it’s something we develop through life’s experiences. My resilience has been built from a string of challenges and obstacles that have spanned across my entire life. It began when I was an infant boat refugee, the sole survivor of my group – a stark encounter with the harsh realities of life at an age where most experience safety and comfort.
Throughout my childhood, I was often teased and bullied for being different, for my distinct features and heritage. The words ‘chinky’ were used as a weapon to belittle me, yet they unwittingly fortified my resilience. The adversity continued into my academic years, with bullying even extending into my time at medical school. The unrelenting stresses of this, coupled with the demanding responsibilities of being a doctor, tested my resolve at every step.
One particularly tough period was when I hired someone who ended up causing a substantial financial loss amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars. It was devastating, but it also provided an invaluable lesson on trust, judgement and recovery.
Each of these experiences, as painful as they were, have contributed to shaping the person I am today. They’ve honed my resilience, allowing me to weather any storm that life throws at me. Remember, it’s not the absence of adversity that defines us, but how we respond to it. Resilience is our response to adversity, it’s the testament of our strength, and it’s the beacon that guides us through life’s toughest moments.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Certainly, I’d be thrilled to share more about my journey and my current endeavors. As an individual, I’m a triple board-certified physician, a best-selling author, and a passionate advocate for the transformative power of optimizing our health and happiness to unlock our fullest potential. Professionally, I navigate multiple fields – from medicine to media, education to community engagement, all with one core mission: to uplift and empower individuals and organizations to their pinnacle of performance, productivity, and prosperity.
The most exciting part about my work is the opportunity to directly impact people’s lives and see the tangible transformation they undergo. Whether it’s helping patients regain their health or organizations enhance their productivity, it’s an incredible feeling to witness the positive changes and know that I’ve played a part in their journey.
One of the unique aspects of my work is how I blend traditional medical knowledge with cutting-edge science and holistic practices. I’ve found that this integrative approach, when applied mindfully, can lead to profound shifts in people’s wellbeing and overall quality of life.
There are a few exciting projects in the pipeline that I can’t wait to share with you. Next year, I’m honored to be a part of two upcoming documentaries focused on longevity. These projects explore the latest research, techniques, and lifestyle changes that can contribute to a healthier, happier, and potentially longer life.
It’s an opportunity for a broader audience to access the kind of transformative practices I work with, right from the comfort of their homes.
Lastly, I’ve been working tirelessly on building an online community and courses designed to help individuals tap into their health, happiness, and human potential. Readers can learn more at thrivestatelaunch.com & get free exercises to access these states at thrivestatebreath.com . The aim is to provide accessible, actionable tools and strategies that people can integrate into their daily lives, regardless of where they are on their wellness journey. This platform isn’t just about sharing knowledge; it’s about fostering connection, collaboration, and co-elevation on a global scale.
All these endeavors are different facets of the same mission: to illuminate the path towards a life of vibrant health, deep-seated happiness, and boundless potential. I invite everyone to join me on this journey as we step into our power and rise together.
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 own journey, I can confidently say that there are three fundamental qualities that have significantly influenced my path and led me to where I am today.
First, the ability to listen and trust in my inner knowing has been paramount. This is the compass that directs our path, the voice that nudges us when we’re veering off course or encourages us when we’re heading in the right direction. Cultivating this intuitive wisdom takes time and practice, but it’s an incredibly powerful tool that aids in making aligned decisions. It’s about quieting the external noise and tuning into what your heart and gut are telling you.
Second, resilience or grit is another crucial quality that has carried me through the most challenging times. This resilience was born out of confronting and overcoming adversity. The capacity to endure, bounce back, and even grow through difficulties is a muscle that gets stronger with each challenge we face. It’s not about avoiding hardships, but learning how to navigate them with courage and persistence.
Lastly, being true and authentic to myself has been a guiding principle in my life. It’s about living in alignment with your values, expressing your unique talents, and not being afraid to show the world your true colors. When we’re authentic, we give others permission to do the same and this authenticity fosters connection and trust.
For those who are early in their journey, my advice is this: Trust your inner guidance, it often knows more than your conscious mind gives it credit for. Cultivate resilience, not just to withstand life’s storms, but to learn and grow from them. Be true to yourself, let your authenticity shine – it’s your greatest asset. And remember, it’s not just about the destination but the journey itself. Every step, every stumble, every victory is part of your unique story. Embrace it all.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
Without a doubt, mentors and communities that believe in my potential have been indispensable in my journey towards success. These individuals and groups have not only supported me during challenging times but have also been instrumental in helping me cultivate the necessary skills, qualities, and knowledge I needed to thrive.
Mentors have played a pivotal role in my development, providing guidance and wisdom that I would have struggled to acquire on my own. They offered a broader perspective, shared their own experiences and lessons, and constantly challenged me to expand beyond my comfort zones. Their mentorship was invaluable, not just for the practical skills and knowledge they imparted, but also for the wisdom and encouragement they provided along the way.
Moreover, the communities I’ve been part of have had an immense impact. Being surrounded by individuals who share similar passions and goals, and who see the best in me, has been empowering. They fostered a sense of belonging and acceptance, creating an environment that encouraged personal growth, collaboration, and the sharing of ideas. These communities were spaces that celebrated individuality and nurtured collective growth, ultimately enhancing my resilience, authenticity, and intuitive listening.
To put it succinctly, the guidance of mentors and the support from my communities have been the cornerstones of my success. They helped me navigate the tumultuous seas of challenges, and more importantly, they illuminated the path to achieving my fullest potential.
Contact Info:
- Website: kienvuu.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/doctorvmd
- Facebook: facebook.com/doctorvmd
- Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/doctorvmd
- Youtube: youtube.com/c/doctorvmd
- Other: thrivestatebook.com Thrive State Podcast : https://podcasts.apple.com/gh/podcast/thrive-state-podcast/id1548233524
Image Credits
Kien Vuu
