The amazing panel of speakers at ADPList’s Pecha Kucha Night

The Pecha Kucha Night organised by ADPList Singapore was a whirlwind of creativity, a blur of slides and soundbites that left me exhilarated and inspired. The air was thick with anticipation as I stepped into the venue, a hive of activity buzzing with excited chatter. Little did I know, the night would hold even more surprises than I had imagined.

As I stepped into the elevator, I was pleasantly surprised to bump into Felix Lee, the founder of ADPList himself. It was an awe-inspiring moment to meet the person behind the platform that had connected me with so many opportunities. Later, I had the pleasure of meeting Tiffany, one of the organizing team members from ADPList Singapore, whom I had connected with prior to the event. It was great to finally meet her in person.

The evening was hosted by Dishi Gautam from ADPList Singapore Chapter.

What is Pecha Kucha?

Pecha Kucha, the Japanese term for the sound of conversation (“chit chat”), began in Tokyo, back in 2003 by Astrid Klein and Mark Dytham. Their original goal was to create a space where designers could share their ideas and passions with others. This unique presentation format, where speakers share 20 slides for 20 seconds each, has since spread globally, captivating audiences with its fast-paced and visually stimulating approach.

It’s a high-stakes game of storytelling, where every word and image counts. I totally missed the second speaker’s presentation as I had to answer an urgent text message. Sorry Regina Ong! And that’s just how fast it was. In just six minutes and forty seconds, each of the 6 speakers distilled their ideas into a concise and compelling narrative.

The Speakers

The lineup of speakers was a veritable feast for the senses –

• Jennifer Hoe, a seasoned Change Navigator Coach at The Bamboo Coach, shared her insights on navigating change with grace and resilience. She introduced us to the A.C.E. framework: Acceptance, Clarity through conversation, and Empowerment. It was a simple yet powerful approach to handling life’s inevitable transitions.

• Andre Frois, a founding member of Singapore Pro Wrestling, transformed the stage into a wrestling ring, sharing his insights with a raw energy that was both captivating and inspiring. He emphasized the importance of being memorable, the power of storytelling, and the need for charisma. His energetic delivery and practical tips left a lasting impression.

• Nikki Tibrewala, a Product Manager, took us on a sonic journey, exploring the healing power of sound and vibration. She painted vivid pictures with her words, transporting us to a world of tranquility and mindfulness.

• Gavin Lum, a Senior Lecturer at Temasek Polytechnic, shared his philosophy of gratitude, encouraging us to find joy in the present moment. His advice to take it one step at a time resonated with me, reminding me to break down big goals into smaller, manageable steps.

• Arabelle Lim, an Executive Wealth Manager at Advisors Alliance Group, offered practical advice on managing multiple responsibilities and achieving work-life balance. She stressed the importance of being present, learning to say no, and prioritizing living with intention. Her insights were a timely reminder to slow down and appreciate the little things.

Supercharge Your Brand with a Pro Wrestling Mindset, by Andre Frois.

Andre Frois about building a following with charisma –

“The transaction is different when people look up to you, when they aspire to be where you are. When you are negotiating from below, it is sympathy. That person giving the money is a donor and donors might not come back. Fans come back.”

Takeaways

As the night wore on, the energy in the room reached a fever pitch. Each speaker brought a unique perspective and shared valuable knowledge. I felt honored to be part of such an intimate gathering, where personal stories were shared with vulnerability and authenticity. The rapid-fire presentations were a masterclass in storytelling, demonstrating the power of brevity and visual impact.

I also learned that storytelling can take many forms, and who is to say which is wrong or right. More than just a collection of talks; it was a shared experience, a communal celebration of creativity and human connection. It was a truly inspiring experience that left me feeling motivated and empowered.

Leaving the event, I felt a renewed sense of purpose and inspiration. The Pecha Kucha Night had ignited my imagination and fueled my passion for storytelling. I couldn’t wait to put my newfound knowledge into practice and perhaps someday share my own stories with the world.