Learn by doing
Capability grows when young people take action, receive useful guidance and feedback, reflect, and try again.
After more than two decades of teaching and coaching, founder Robert Chen kept hearing the same reflection from accomplished adults: “I wish I had learned this earlier.” They meant understanding themselves, communicating clearly, making thoughtful choices, taking ownership, and following through.
Vana Lab was created so young people can practice those capabilities now—while they are still discovering who they are, what matters to them, and what they can do.
Why I Started Vana Lab · Robert Chen, Founder
What We Believe
Young people are often capable of more than they have been given the opportunity to show. Vana Lab gives them room to put that capability to work—and strengthen it.
Capability grows when young people take action, receive useful guidance and feedback, reflect, and try again.
Independent thought requires good questions, evidence, different perspectives, and an open mind.
Self-knowledge emerges as strengths, interests, and values come into focus through experience and reflection.
Success is self-defined; the world benefits when people choose their own direction—not someone else’s script.
Curiosity thrives when you explore what matters to you and learn how to make progress toward your goals.
Small improvements and repeated practice build on one another, creating momentum that lasts.
Character means being true to yourself, keeping your word, owning your choices, and caring about your impact on others. Sometimes that means disagreeing, asking a hard question, setting a boundary, or choosing a different path.
FROM SUPPORT TO OWNERSHIP
Young people need practice deciding what matters, choosing a way forward, and adjusting when things change—not waiting for someone else to tell them what to do. Vana Lab provides structure and feedback, but the thinking and decisions stay with them.
Explore how we guide without taking over
ABOUT THE FOUNDER
Robert Chen works across generations—with executives navigating complex decisions, MBA students strengthening how they communicate as leaders, and young people taking on new challenges. That ongoing work keeps Vana Lab connected to how people learn, communicate, lead, and adapt beyond school.
He draws on those insights to shape Vana Lab’s learning experiences and how we support young people. We continually refine our approach by paying close attention to how young people respond to challenge, support, and increasing responsibility.