Ian Chew - Deeper Conversations

Ian Chew, MHFA

As a sociology graduate, I’m constantly fascinated by people: how we talk with each other and with ourselves. Despite my social anxiety, I’ve had conversations with over 10,000 people — from homeless people to top CEOs — over the last ten years.

As part of my journey to overcome social anxiety, I also cold emailed top entrepreneurs and leaders. At first, I had tons of rejections — well, no one responded! As I got better at the art of outreach however, I ended up working with people like Eben Pagan, Michael Simmons (Inc. 30 Under 30), and Amir Ahmad Nasr (coach to 9-figure CEOs), ultimately helping them reach tens of millions of people online.

For my work and projects, I’ve been featured by top media outlets including Fortune, CBC, Inc. Magazine, and Canadian Geographic. I also did a TEDx speech on my experience talking with strangers (link below).

I started Deeper Conversations to share everything I’ve learned — and am learning — about communication and relationships.

(Here’s the full back story on why I created the site.)

Education

Bachelor of Arts (Sociology) at Mount Allison University

Certifications

Introductory Mindfulness Teacher Training, Breathworks
Social Anxiety Disorder Comprehensive Training Course, PESI
2-Day Certificate Course: CBT For Anxiety, PESI
ACT for Depression & Anxiety Disorders, Psychwire
Rewire the Anxious Brain: Neuroscience-Informed Treatment of Anxiety, Panic and Worry, PESI
Transforming Anxiety and Stress by Integrating the Embodied Mind, Mindsight Institute
The Power Of Awareness, Greater Good Science Center – University of California, Berkeley
Psychological First Aid, John Hopkins University
Mental Health First Aid, Malaysian Mental Health Association

Media features