With a journalism career over three decades with the likes of CNN International, CNBC Asia, ABC Radio News, NHK Japan, and MoneyFM 89.3—and as Founder & CEO of VanMedia Group—Glenn van Zutphen is a professional communicator, storyteller, and coach.
As a 20-year Singapore Permanent Resident and one of the city-state’s most sought-after communication coaches, Glenn’s work is now more critical than ever as Singapore takes its place as a global innovation and business hub.
In this SG60 Showcase, Glenn shares how media fluency, digital storytelling, and authentic communication are imperative in training leaders to be confident, credible, and clear in their communication.
Through his leadership training programs, his “Saturday Mornings” MoneyFM 89.3 radio show, and his international coaching practice, Glenn is building confident, future-ready voices for Singapore and beyond.
Highlights
The Power of Presence: Communication That Transforms
Q: What contribution have you made to Singapore’s national development goals?
A: Over the past 20 years, I’ve coached some 3,000 high-performing business leaders, journalists, and government officials in Singapore and across ASEAN, AMEA, North America, and Europe.
This SG60 year, I’ve been chosen to conduct the inaugural “Ignite” training module titled “Communicating Effectively on the Global Stage” for the SGLN Launchpad 2025 program. This program trains Singaporeans to communicate with clarity, authenticity, and impact to do business and compete on the world stage.
SGLN Launchpad 2025 is backed by EDB Singapore, SG Leader’s Network, and the Human Capital Leadership Institute. I’m honored to do my part in this fantastic initiative.
My signature “21st Century Impactful Communication for Executives” Masterclass boosts communication skills and confidence, while helping to master “killer presentation skills”, learn techniques for “thinking on their feet” in every communication situation: client meetings, media interviews, town hall meetings, podcasts, and conference appearances.
By helping to develop a skilled workforce and leadership, Singapore enhances its human capital, a fundamental pillar for sustained national growth and influence at home and abroad.
An International Journalist’s Lens for Executive Presence
Q: What unique edge do you bring to Singapore’s next chapter of growth?
A: I’ve asked my clients about this. They see my value as being three-fold: having lived in Singapore for 20 years and Asia for 35 years, I understand the media and cultural landscapes of this diverse region.
Secondly, as an international journalist for decades, I understand what’s expected of highly-trained spokespeople when they engage with the media. Finally, as a coach with a lot of experience with different personalities and a level of gravitas, they say that I’m able to connect with and coach every type of leader and communicator.
My belief: everyone who has a public-facing role should be a rock star communicator and be ready for any level of questions or engagement with clarity and confidence under pressure.
Singapore is now playing at the highest levels of innovation and global competitiveness. This requires business and political leaders to speak to global audiences with authenticity.
Whether it’s preparing for media interviews, conference keynotes, or stakeholder engagement, my role is to prepare them not only for the relatively easy local media but for the intense, competitive regional and international media and audiences.
I bring 35 years of cultural and media fluency in Asia, plus executive coaching rooted in audience-centered messaging. That helps my clients move to impactful communicators from being “just good talkers”.
Speaking the Language of Innovation
Q: How do your programs help Singaporean leaders adapt to the digital age?
A: I run sessions like “The Future of Communication in a Digital World” and “Leadership is Live”—helping executives embrace communication tools that align with AI, hybrid work, and multimedia expectations.
We help leaders understand how the latest tech can simplify complex concepts and messages by using modern tools like Co-Pilot, Gemini, Claude, Perplexity, Notebook LM, Yoodli, Canva, and Gamma.
This equips leaders and professionals to navigate and leverage digital advancements, aligning with Singapore’s drive towards a digitally transformed economy and society.
But communication isn’t only about platforms—it’s about presence. Whether they’re on Zoom, a podcast, or a TEDx stage, great leaders need to be compelling and concise. I don’t coach them to perform; I coach them to connect with impact.
A Voice That’s Heard—At Home and Internationally
Q: What sets your work apart from others in your field?
A: I’ve interviewed over 3,000 people in my journalism career and have coached a similar number of executives during my communication masterclasses. I know what makes messages stick—and conversely-what can make audiences tune out.
Very importantly… I don’t “create excellent speakers”—I uncover what’s already authentic in them and shape those qualities for maximum impact. Alongside that, I bring deep technical expertise, having supported media teams, executives, government leaders, and NGOs in digital storytelling and crisis communication.
With every client, my goal remains the same: to ensure their message lands with credibility and confidence. It’s not enough for senior leaders to be “good talkers”… they must embrace what it means to be a “strategic communicator.”
Staying Sharp, Staying Relevant
Q: How do you keep evolving in such a fast-moving space?
A: I’m a dedicated life-long learner having earned my master’s degree in Digital Media Management at age 50. I’ve never stopped trying to stay current by regularly attending workshops, learning courses, facilitating international conferences, and interviewing thought leaders on my MoneyFM 89.3 radio show and podcast.
Coaching high-performing leaders keeps me tuned into real-world communication challenges. I keep testing, learning, and adapting—because that’s what I ask of the people I coach.
Final Thoughts: Making Singapore’s Leadership Heard Worldwide
Glenn van Zutphen is more than a voice on air—he’s a voice behind voices. Glenn significantly contributes to Singapore’s national development by cultivating impactful 21st Century Communicators.
Through VanMedia Group, he coaches thousands of business leaders and government officials, enhancing their strategic communication skills for global competitiveness. His work addresses digital transformation and fosters cross-cultural communication vital for regional responsibilities.
His expertise in crisis management and ESG storytelling also helps build resilient and responsible organizations, supporting Singapore’s sustainable growth.
This article is part of the SG60 Showcase series—highlighting voices and visionaries building Singapore’s future. Stay tuned for more.
Highlights
Read the Chinese article here.
