About

My Profile

Chenyao Zhang

I’m Chen, a sociologist, storyteller, and coach passionate about uncovering the hidden forces that shape our lives. With a Ph.D. in Sociology and years of research on human behavior, I’ve spent my career exploring the intersection of societal pressures, personal choices, and transformation.
But knowledge alone isn’t enough—real change happens when we bridge insight with action. That’s why I expanded my work into coaching: to help people not only understand their patterns, but actively shape the life they want.
I founded “Between the Lines” as a space to explore the stories behind everyday decisions—from cultural norms to personal reinvention—bringing light to reflections that often go unheard. Now, through coaching, I guide others to find clarity, purpose, and direction in their own paths. My goal is to combine deep insight with actionable strategies, empowering people to lead with confidence and intention.

✨ Feeling stuck at a crossroads? Seeking more clarity, purpose, or direction? Let’s explore what’s possible together. Book a free exploration session to see how coaching can support your journey.

Our Approach

  • We use a simple but powerful three-part framework:
  • Reflect — Create space to notice your thoughts, stories, and underlying assumptions.
  • Reframe — Challenge limiting beliefs and open new possibilities for what your life can look like.
  • Act — Design small, intentional experiments that build clarity, confidence, and momentum.
  • This blend of reflection and action helps transformation feel grounded, sustainable, and deeply personal.

Our Core Values

  • Curiosity over certainty — We ask questions before offering answers.
  • Rigor and compassion — We hold high standards while honoring your pace.
  • Practice over perfection — Real growth comes from trying, not from getting it perfect.

About

About Reflections Collective

At Reflections Collective, we believe that clarity leads to possibility, and possibility leads to freedom.

Life is an ongoing dialogue between where we’ve been and what’s possible next. Through coaching, writing, and thought leadership, we create a space for individuals and organizations to pause, reflect, and take intentional action toward what truly matters.

Founded by Chenyao Zhang, Ph.D., a sociologist, writer, and coach, Reflections Collective is for those who seek to redefine success, break free from outdated narratives, and create a life and work that feel fully aligned.

We don’t believe in either/or thinking—we believe in win-win solutions where success is measured not just by achievement, but by fulfillment, well-being, and impact.

Ready to Begin?

If you’re curious about what’s possible, let’s talk.

Book a free 30-minute discovery call and explore how this work can support your journey.

Book a Free Discovery Call

Company Overview

At Reflections Collective, we guide individuals and organizations through meaningful transformation by helping them break free from limiting patterns and redefine success on their own terms.

With a Ph.D. in Sociology, our founder, Chenyao Zhang, brings an in-depth understanding of how societal expectations shape personal and professional choices. This insight allows us to approach coaching and writing with a systems-level awareness—helping clients not only navigate personal change but also recognize the broader forces influencing their lives.

Through our integrated approach of coaching, writing, and thought leadership, we empower individuals and businesses to align with their core values, move beyond outdated narratives, and create sustainable, fulfilling change.