Insights Out with Dr. Jen | 披荆斩棘

10. CEO Talk with Mark Coggins: How to Building A Global Education Enterprise

How do you build and scale a global private education business?
In this episode, I sit down with Mark Coggins, former CEO of Kaplan Asia and co-founder of Cranleigh China, to uncover the strategies behind growing education businesses across international markets. 🌍📚
Not only was Mark my boss and mentor at Kaplan, but he also played a key role in shaping my understanding of the private education sector. From investment banker to private education leader, he has successfully applied financial and strategic principles to education, building Kaplan Asia into one of the largest global private education providers across China, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Australia. His insights on running a successful education business are always thought-provoking—proving that great student outcomes at a reasonable cost are possible. 
💡 What you’ll learn in this episode:✅ Why did Mark transition from a lucrative career in investment banking to education?✅ What key lessons did he learn while scaling Kaplan Asia across global markets?✅ What are the mindset differences between public and private education?✅ What are the four pillars of leadership that drive success in education businesses?✅ How should education evolve in the era of AI ?✅ What are Mark’s three biggest life lessons on success, wealth, and legacy?
🎵 Music for this episode 🎼 Introduction Music: Mark’s Taking Lead in Five🎼 Ending Song: From Central to Classroom 
The two AI-generated pieces of music are uniquely designed for this episode, echoing the themes of transformation, leadership, and impact. Hope you enjoy the sound of innovation! 🎶
🔗 For more insights from Mark, follow him on LinkedIn: @markcoggins
 

9. 基督徒的葬礼：纪念我的朋友克里斯汀

本期节目，我将带着深深的感激与怀念，与您分享我参加挚友克里斯汀葬礼的感受。克里斯汀是一位虔诚的基督徒，她的生命如同一盏明灯，照亮了我从上海到墨尔本的人生旅程。
还记得初到墨尔本时的迷茫与不安，是克里斯汀伸出援手，帮我安顿生活，带我融入这座陌生的城市。她的善良与热情，让我在异国他乡感受到了家的温暖。
然而，克里斯汀给予我的远不止于此。她以坚定的信仰和智慧的人生观，深深影响了我。她教会我如何以不同的视角面对生活的挑战，如何在困境中保持希望，如何在平凡小事中发现生活的美好。
克里斯汀的离去，让我悲喜同在。悲在少了一个可以聊知心话的朋友，喜在她去了她的天上的家。 她的生命就是幸福。

8. A Tribute to Christine: Orchid Angel

This episode pays tribute to my dear friend Christine. I shared how her kindness and love guided me through my transition from Shanghai to Melbourne. 

7. No Days Off - Bruce Dusmez (Part1)

How to balance academics and athletics for a high school student? 
In this episode, Dr. Jen interviews her son, Bruce Dusmez, about his journey as a dedicated sprinter and high-performing Year 12 student. He shares how he manages his demanding schedule.
Bruce discusses his strategies for balancing intense sports training with academic commitments, the importance of mental well-being, and his disciplined lifestyle. He also reflects on his personal achievements, the sacrifices he has made, and the challenges of overcoming sports-related injuries. He highlights the importance of efficient study methods, a healthy lifestyle, and surrounding oneself with supportive peers.
The episode concludes with Bruce sharing his future plans and the value of perseverance and self-determination in achieving one’s goals. 
Takeaways
Bruce emphasizes the importance of mental wellbeing alongside academics.
He follows a 70-30 approach, focusing more on sports than studies.
Discipline in sports translates to discipline in academics.
Sacrifices made for sports can lead to a fulfilling lifestyle.
Achievements in sports can boost self-esteem and confidence.
Facing challenges in sports teaches valuable life lessons.
Surrounding oneself with the right people is crucial for success.
Experiencing injuries can lead to personal growth and resilience.
It's important to trust oneself despite external pressures.
Hard work often goes unrecognized, but it's essential for success
Timestamps:
00:00Introduction to Bruce's Journey
01:45Balancing Sports and Academics
04:46The Role of Discipline in Success
07:54Sacrifices for Athletic Excellence
09:53Transformation Through Sprinting
12:01Overcoming Challenges and Injuries
15:59Conclusion and Future Aspirations
At the end, a special song is written and dedicated to his young driving spirit—No Days Off. 
If you like this episode, follow Bruce on TikTok: @BruceDusmez. 
 
 
 
 

6. 内卷时代，还要卷到国外去吗？

2024中国发达了，还要出国留学吗？本期节目探讨在中国经济和教育飞速发展的背景下，出国留学的必要性。通过五位中国学生的不同选择，反思留学带来的个人成长。
 

5. 2025 New Year Resolution: Break Every Ceiling — Bamboo, Glass, or Otherwise!

This episode explores breaking barriers—bamboo or glass ceilings—through first-principles thinking, critical problem-solving, and storytelling.

4. Bamboo Ceiling: Why East Asians Have Difficulty Advancing in Western Business?

In this episode, we’re discussing a topic that’s personal and professional for me: the Bamboo Ceiling—why East Asians, like Chinese, Japanese, and Korean, aren’t as visible in top leadership roles. It’s not just about racial bias or motivation.  Two studies show that stereotypes about East Asians being less creative and their lower assertiveness compared to South Asians and White professionals play a big role. 

3. 墨尔本的黑天鹅：从小概率事件到披荆斩棘的半岛女侠

在这个圣诞假期，跟随我来到墨尔本附近的 Metung 天鹅湖，探索黑天鹅的世界。在这一集中，我将带你走进优雅美丽的黑天鹅的世界，看看它们与鹈鹕、海豚、海豹以及各种小鸟如何在这片湖畔悠然自得地生活。同时，我也会分享天鹅湖畔的人们的动人故事，尤其是 Marita 的经历。从城市女孩到独居半岛，她开启了一段披荆斩棘的旅程，过着不完美却真实、充满生命力的“authentic”人生。在澳大利亚，黑天鹅并非欧洲人眼中的“小概率事件”，而是一种日常而真实的存在。愿这集带给你关于自然与人生的启发，祝大家圣诞新年快乐。