Author: Ryan Takeda

Based in Sydney, Australia, Ryan Takeda believes that a strong personal brand starts with a strong sense of self. He doesn’t believe in surface-level branding—real impact comes from knowing who you are and owning it. His writing cuts through the noise, helping people sharpen their mindset, build better relationships, and present themselves with clarity, authenticity, and purpose.
Relationships & Personal Growth

7 behaviors that reveal a man is a low-quality father, according to psychology

Fatherhood can be one of life’s most meaningful roles, yet some men struggle to show up for their children in the ways that truly matter. 

Whether it’s a lack of emotional support or a refusal to take responsibility, these behaviors are more than just minor slip-ups; they can seriously impact a child’s development and sense …

Confidence & Appearance

7 phrases you should stop using if you want to sound more confident, says psychology

Confidence isn’t just about how you feel—it’s about how you come across to others.

And sometimes, the way we speak can quietly undermine the confidence we’re trying to project.

I used to think confidence was all about body language, eye contact, and knowing my stuff. And while those things matter, I didn’t realize how much …

Relationships & Personal Growth

7 behaviors of people who thrived in school but struggle in the workplace, according to psychology

There’s a surprising paradox that many of us encounter as we transition from the structured world of academics to the unpredictable terrain of the workplace.

According to psychology, some behaviors that spell success in school may actually be hindrances in the professional world.

Just think about it – being a star student doesn’t always equate …

Brand AwarenessBrand Identity & Self-DiscoveryRelationships & Personal GrowthSocial Media

The 5 biggest myths about personal branding (and what actually works)

I used to think having a personal brand meant posting flawless selfies and catchy one-liners on social media all day. 

I even tried it for a while—cringe-worthy hashtags and all—before realizing I was missing the point. 

Truth be told, there’s a lot of confusion around personal branding. That confusion can cause us to waste time …

Relationships & Personal Growth

If your goal is to be a more emotionally intelligent person as you get older, say hello to these 8 habits

I used to think emotional intelligence was just about being nice to people. Smile, nod, listen—simple, right? But the more I’ve grown, the more I’ve realized it’s so much deeper than that.

Emotional intelligence shapes how we handle challenges, connect with others, and even understand ourselves. And like any skill, it takes intention and practice …

Relationships & Personal Growth

People who quietly resent their own friends often display these 9 passive-aggressive behaviors

Navigating friendships can be an art form. We’d all like to believe that our relationships are built on mutual respect and shared camaraderie.

However, sometimes, a seed of resentment can sprout, quietly altering the dynamics of even the closest friendships.

This resentment rarely manifests itself openly. Instead, it often takes the form of subtle, passive-aggressive …

Relationships & Personal Growth

People who raise self-disciplined and independent kids usually display these 8 behaviors, according to psychology

Before I became a parent, I assumed raising independent and disciplined kids was mostly about setting rules and making sure they followed them.

But as I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way), parenting isn’t just about control—it’s about guidance.

And according to psychology, the way we shape our children’s habits, mindset, and sense of responsibility has …

Communication & NetworkingConfidence & AppearanceRelationships & Personal Growth

The art of persuasion: 6 underrated tricks for winning people over

Persuasion isn’t just about convincing someone to see things your way. It’s also about connecting with people on a deeper level and making them feel genuinely heard. 

I learned this lesson the hard way in my early days of marketing, when I realized that rattling off data points rarely won hearts or changed minds. 

Over …