MEET Reuben christian
Welcome back to our 'MEET' series, where you can meet members of the Other Box community and other inspiring individuals making moves in their respective industries. We spotlight their diverse talents, unique perspectives, and innovative contributions to the industry.
So, without further ado…
MEET REUBEN CHRISTIAN (He/HIM)
With Malaysian Indian roots and growing up in Stratford, East London, Reuben self describes as an “edutainer” blending education and entertainment to engage and inspire. As a versatile event host, speaker, facilitator, moderator, coach, TV presenter, and comedian, he brings energy, insight, and humour to whatever he’s working on.
Work wise - How do you describe yourself?
And I'm an edutainer: My work is all about inspiring possibility, and I do this by creating uplifting spaces for us to connect, collaborate, and grow. I'm also the founder of Dream Rehab; a live show and curriculum all about co-creating our best lives.
How did you get started?
My whole journey was, and continues to be emergent. I had no clue what I wanted to do for a career, so the strategy was to avoid things that I didn't like and 'follow the fun' instead. When something got painfully boring or uninspiring, I set off looking for the next thing that energised me, and gave that a try. This has been my process (to my parent's horror) up until today and will continue to be.
During my explorations, I’ve been (take a deep breath) a retail sales assistant, stylist, telesales-man, image consultant, stockroom specialist, writer, blogger, actor, club promoter, model (don’t), dancer, graphic designer, creative director, videographer, gardener (stop), radio presenter, music producer, singer, public speaker, digital content creator, presenter, stand-up comedian and workshop facilitator, from what I can remember.
Edutainment seems to have stuck because it ticks enough boxes for me. Firstly it combines my love for personal development, entertainment, community, and performance. And secondly it also affords me the creative autonomy to make things that matter to me, in the way that I want to make them. I can't imagine things getting any better. So I guess it's downhill from here :)
How do you / your work support and celebrate underrepresented people?
When I reflect on my career, a clear pattern emerges. I've always brought people together to connect, collaborate and grow. Being South Asian and growing up in East London, my communities were mainly underrepresented people, so I would serve them by default. And even now, my projects are similar.
What Is This Behaviour? Podcast (conversations with South Asian trailblazers worldwide) was created to inspire and energise brown peeps, and it does just that. By spotlighting talent within our global community, we're creating an archive of role models for those who need them.
Dream Rehab is more action-orientated. I create the space for people to come together and learn how to harness the power of community for their individual and collective expansion. It attracts people from all walks of life, although mainly under-repped peeps. It's beautiful to witness.
How do you Make Space For Difference?
Externally, I create IRL spaces like Dream Rehab and encourage anyone and everyone to turn up. Internally, I stay curious, challenging my assumptions/judgements and trying to live with questions instead of certainties.
Who/What inspires your work?
WHO
Anyone who leads with curiosity, compassion and love. Those peeps stay inspiring me, man. Regardless of who they are or what they do. This could be anyone from a waiter to a billionaire CEO. It's vibrational, and I can sense it when I'm within their field.
WHAT
All the things! My ongoing need to avoid boredom, lol. My commitment to my growth (emotionally, physically, spiritually, financially, relationally etc). My innate curiosity. Injustice. Suffering. Wanting to experience more peace, joy, and connectedness. A sense of contribution. Love. The high I get when I witness someone have a breakthrough (even if it's painful). Witnessing people lean into their authenticity. My ego and it's need for validation. My unresolved traumas. Dopamine. Like life, it's not a binary answer. It's a beautiful array of layered drivers - some stuff focused on myself, and others focused on people and the wider world.
What can we expect from you in the coming months?
I'm doing a few small tests. Dream Rehab LIVE events are coming up. Selected episodes from the What Is This Behaviour? Podcast are now available on British Airways in-flight entertainment systems reaching up to 14 million travellers. I'll be evolving into the thought leadership space by sharing gems I've learnt on my journey via online videos. And I think my unconscious is cooking up some sort of tour that mixes motivational speaking, stand-up, and storytelling. But that's probably a little further down the line.
What is your favourite quote that sums up your philosophy on life?
"Holding back is so close to stealing" Seth Godin (i think)
Describe yourself in 3 words:
Active. Curious. Loving.
Where can people find you?
ME
Instagram: @ReubenChrstian1
Linked In: Reuben Christian
Website: www.reubenchristian.com
DREAM REHAB
Instagram: @DreamRehab_
Website: www.dreamrehab.co.uk
WHAT IS THIS BEHAVIOUR? PODCAST
Instagram: @WhatIsThisBehaviourPodcast
Website: www.whatisthisbehaviourpodcast.com
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Do you know someone we should feature or want us to shout about your work? If you're a minority-owned brand, business, creative or thought leader - contact us and tell us what you've got going on!
