Chinese Metaphysics may be an ancient Chinese science, but it isn't only for Asians! Susanne Schutz, Founder and Managing Director of Suzhong Consulting Limited, talks to us about her journey to becoming a professional Chinese Metaphysics consultant.
We love entrepreneurs and small business owners at Honeycombers, which is why we’ve created Launchpad, a comprehensive digital networking platform (with IRL benefits, too) that encourages connection, business support, and community. It is a privilege and pleasure to learn from so many talented and inspiring folks, so we’ve decided to share the love by interviewing some of the lovely Launchpad members. Looking for inspiration? Check out how Susanne Schutz, Founder and Managing Director of Suzhong Consulting Limited, gets it done!
How I get it done: Susanne Schutz
What is your backstory and why did you decide to launch your business?
Having spent three decades in Asia, I’ve always been passionate about bringing the true spirit of Chinese Metaphysics into a modern context, while educating the expat communities in Hong Kong and other Southeast Asian countries about the background, history, and core principles of this ancient discipline. But, it wasn’t until almost 16 years in my role as a business and management consultant before I decided to follow my passion and make a drastic career change to become a Chinese Metaphysics consultant.
Upon making this decision, I took a sabbatical to study with Grandmaster “Dato” Joey Yap in Kuala Lumpur, one of the leading Chinese Metaphysics authorities worldwide. I then graduated with distinction from the Mastery Academy for Chinese Metaphysics and am now one of only non-Asians in the world holding the highest levels of mastery in this ancient Chinese science. I now also hold four Master’s Degrees in Chinese Metaphysics (Classical Feng Shui, Bazi Astrology, ZeRi Date Selection, and Qimen Dunjia) and founded my own Chinese Metaphysics consulting firm – Suzhong Consulting Limited.
What has been your biggest challenge so far and how did you overcome it?
Probably the biggest challenge for me was breaking into a market that is traditionally occupied by elderly Chinese men. Although more and more women enter this field, in places like Hong Kong, especially Feng Shui Masters, are still mostly male. In addition, Chinese Metaphysics is a subject matter believed to only be done successfully if you are Chinese (or at least Asian). Overcoming this required a lot of perseverance, stamina, and quality work. Today, about 70% of my clients are Chinese and most of them are repeat clients whom I’ve worked with and helped succeed for years. The word-of-mouth referrals I get from these clients is invaluable!
How do you stay motivated and energised?
This is an easy one: I’ve turned my passion into my career. Work doesn’t really feel like work anymore and there’s never a dull moment. It also helps that I can choose who I work with – I’m not afraid to walk away from a big contract or VIP client if I do not feel comfortable, or if they don’t share my values. I love helping my clients and seeing them improve their lives and getting better – this is the most rewarding thing about the career path I have chosen.
Moreover, I enjoy teaching students the art of Chinese Metaphysics. I draw strength and energy from my students – we laugh a lot, we share our stories, our successes, and our challenges. I learn as much from them as they learn from me and we’re a family.
How do you deal with self-doubt or criticism?
There was plenty of self-doubt when I first started out on my journey as a Chinese Metaphysics consultant. A lot of people kept telling me that it was impossible to break into a traditionally Chinese market as a foreigner, but what I realised was that even when someone thinks it’s impossible for them, it may very well be possible for you. There will always be criticism and nay-sayers, but my philosophy is that if you want to become a legend, you need to do legendary shit – and not everyone will like it!
How I get it done with Susanne Schutz: Rapid fire
Favourite place(s) to work? Moscow; my own home; or each client site.
Favourite business tool? Qimen Dunjia. It’s a forecasting and strategy tool in Chinese Metaphysics that help you align yourself with precisely the energies you need for every important activity. It’s calculated on an hourly basis, which makes it perfect to use throughout the day.
One thing you can keep talking about for hours? Chinese Metaphysics. I teach Feng Shui, Bazi, Qimen Dunjia, and Date Selection, and my courses are days-long. I don’t even need notes anymore; I could just talk about it for hours because I feel so passionate about it!
Your go-to self-care activity? Morning Manifestation with Qimen Dunjia to set the tone for the day. Then, one more 10- to 15-minute meditation during the day, tapping into whatever energy I feel is needed right now.
One piece of advice to your younger self? Vodka lime soda. Life is just better with it!
Find out more about Suzhong Consulting Limited and get in touch with Susanne Schutz on LinkedIn.
Launchpad is a comprehensive digital networking platform (with IRL benefits, too) that encourages connection, business support and community. It is designed to make the entrepreneurial journey not only easier, and more successful, but also a whole lot more fun. We offer almost daily activities for members to connect, along with weekly masterclasses, member networking roulette, small-business mentoring and media profiles on Honeycombers. Check it out and join us!
