18 Mar 2025
On March 12, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, through the Capstone Module run by the Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Hub (EEH), made history as the first in the world to integrate Take the Leap, a customized AI-driven music album, into entrepreneurship education.
Most people think of music as entertainment. But what if it could be more? What if it could sharpen your focus, fuel your drive, and help you think like an entrepreneur?
In an innovative learning approach, Dr Victor (Vik) Perez, a cognitive performance engineer at the EEH, introduced Take the Leap—the first-ever customized AI-driven music album—into the classroom, challenging students to rethink business models through music.
"The future of entrepreneurship education isn't about filling minds with information—it’s about activating mindsets, emotions, and instincts to create, adapt, and lead in an unpredictable world," says Dr Vik Perez.
From Music to Mindset
Instead of starting with business model theory, students first immersed themselves in the music. With no analysis required, they simply listened, allowing the tracks to shape their thoughts and emotions. Their first challenge was identifying a track that resonated with their personal goal, choosing their “Career Anthem”. Powered by a proprietary AI algorithm developed specifically for this project, the album was designed to enhance emotional engagement, helping students connect their personal aspirations to their entrepreneurial mindset.
Building on this foundation, students then took an active role in reshaping the music. They modified song lyrics to reflect their personal Unique Value Proposition (UVP), capturing the essence of what makes them stand out. Finally, they translated these ideas into short video remixes, using music and visuals to showcase their personal brand.
Through this process, students explored business models from a new perspective. Rather than seeing them only as tools for ventures, they recognized how business model thinking applies to personal and professional growth. Whether launching a business or a career, they came to understand that they are the business model.
By blending AI, music, and entrepreneurship education, Take the Leap transformed learning into an experience that was not only creative but also deeply personal, bridging inspiration with action.
AI, Music, and the Future of Learning
With Take the Leap, education is evolving beyond textbooks and lectures. The integration of AI-driven music into entrepreneurship education is a signal of where learning is headed.
The concepts behind this novel learning approach extend beyond the classroom. In his upcoming book, Master of Emotions in Entrepreneurship Education (MEE Method), Dr Perez explores how the power of emotions, AI, and neuroscience may revolutionize entrepreneurial learning.
"We don’t just absorb knowledge—we experience it. Music, emotions, and the right environment can activate learning in ways textbooks never could," Dr Perez explains.
With Take the Leap, that evolution is already underway.
Experience It for Yourself
Find Take the Leap on your favourite streaming platform, immerse yourself in the tracks, and feel the mindset shift.
On QQ Music: Search "Vik-P" to find all the tracks!
Stream on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2jTWZTBpGmgvZw23K801Xn
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a student, or someone shaping their career, music can be the key to unlocking new possibilities.
What will your career anthem be?
Content provided by: Victor (Vik) Perez
Edited by: Jiayan Ji
18 Mar 2025