Who am I?
Welcome to The Life Upgrades website! My name is Vasilis Stefanou, and I am the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of this platform, as well as its social media channels. When the website was created in 2015, it featured contributions from others who wrote guest posts, and their time and efforts are deeply appreciated. However, over the years, the site has evolved into a portfolio showcasing my work as an Interdisciplinary Author, Social Theorist, Behaviour Analyst and Personal Safety Trainer.
Why is this website helpful to you?
This website began as my personal diary, where I shared articles documenting my journey of learning and experimenting with various methods to improve my life based on Fitness, Martial Arts, Philosophy and Social Sciences. During the Covid-9 era, I began university-level studies, which equipped me with the tools for gaining a deeper understanding of the subjects I was researching and allowed me to advise others more effectively. As a result, I started publishing new research-based articles on Medium, offering well-researched insights. Despite this transition, the articles remained enjoyable, easy to digest, and filled with actionable tips. Over time, I expanded the content into other formats, including short videos, long-form videos, podcast episodes as well as hosting face-to-face workshops and seminars. Find more about my work and products.
Academic Studies
- On-going BA in International Business (Culture Studies, Marketing Issues, Finance, International Economics, Organisational Behaviour – HR, Corporate Strategy) by Leeds Beckett University (2025-)
- DipHE in Marketing Studies with Distinction by The Cyprus Institute of Marketing (Business Organisation, Statistics, Commercial Law, Economics, Marketing Management) (2020-2021)
- Multiple CertHE in Social Sciences and Philosophy by Oxford University: Inter-culturally Speaking, Social Anthropology, Human Nature, Origins of Human Behaviour, Ritual and Religion in Prehistory, The First Civilization – Mesopotamia, Ancient Egypt, Greek Mythology, Vikings, Ibn ‘Arabi’s Fusus al-hikam, Age of Revolution, Literary Theory, Introduction to Philosophy, Theory of Knowledge, Metaphysics, The Nature and Existence of God – Philosophy of Religion, Political Philosophy, Public Policy Economics, Artificial Intelligence (2020-2024)
- Finished Course in Jung, Myth, and the Archetypal Imagination (Jungian Concepts based on the Odyssey) by Philosophical Research Society (2022)
Personal Development & Business
- Author, Educator and Coach (2014-)
- Certificate in SCAnS® Level 2 (Six Channel Analysis System, Behaviour Analysis, Facial Action Coding System, Interview/Elicitation Techniques, Credibility of Statements, Emotional Intelligence) by EmotionIntell (2025)
- Certificate in Statement Analysis (Written and Oral Statement Analysis, Linguistics) by Mark McClish (2025)
- Certificate in Applied Verbal De-Escalation Specialist™ (Verbal and Non-verbal De-Escalation Techniques) by Arcuri Group (2025)
- Certificates in Personal Risk and Safety (Risk Assessment and Response, OODA loop and Decision-making, General Safety and Security Awareness, Behavioural Observation and Suspicious Activity Recognition, Adrenal Response Management, Dealing with Aggressive Behaviours and Armed Offenders) by R2S Academy (2026)
- Certificates in The Secrets of Body Language and Digital Body Language Courses by Vanessa Van Edwards (2015-2017)
- Certificate in Image Consulting Course (Importance of Image, Communication and Behaviour, Corporate Image, Wardrobe Consultations, Colour Combinations, Manners and Etiquette) by IAP Career College (2015)
- Co-owner of the award-winning and successful Start-up Mobile App SpinDeals app (2017-)
- Working in Financial Crime as KYC, Payments, Anti-money Laundering (AML) Officer and trained other employees on procedures (2016-)
- Worked at an International Clothing company as Sales Advisor and trained other employees on the principles of clothing (2015-2016)
- Working as a Freelance Exam Invigilator (2026-)
- Certificate in AML (Anti-Money Laundering) by CySEC (2023)
- Certificate in Chinese Tea Ceremony (Foundations of Chinese Tea, History, Elements and Tea Ceremony, Tea Blending and Wellness) by International Tea Academy (2023)
- Certificate in Chinese Culture (History, Customs, Philosophy, Arts, Cultural Experiences) by China Explore Adam (2020)
Fitness & Martial Arts
- Diploma in Health & Fitness, Personal Training, Functional Training and Fitness Instructing level 3 by Premier Global NASM (2014)
- Assistant Instructor in Wing Chun / Ving Tsun Kung Fu by G.E. Ving Tsun Kung Fu Cyprus (2016-2023)
- Assistant Instructor in Xinjia Chen-style Tai Chi Chuan / Taiji Quan by Taichi & Qigong Internal Arts Neigong Academy Cyprus (2020-2024)
- Assistant Instructor in Filipino Combat Systems – FCS Kali (2018-2024)
- Blue belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and practitioner of Wrestling & Mixed Martial Arts by 5 Rounds MMA Cyprus (2018-2023)
- Yellow belt in Koei-Kan Karate-Do by Cyprus Koei Kan Karate (2025-)
- Diploma in 200 hours Yoga Alliance Teacher by Yoga Europe School (2021)
- Certificate in Brain Coaching Course by Dr. Kristen Willuemier (2021)
- Certificate in Elite Calisthenics Specialist Course by Calisthenics Kingz (2016)
- Certificate in 5 Element Qigong Course and 8 Trigram Organ Qigong Course by White Tiger Qigong (2021)
- Student of Shifu Lindsey Wei by Chun Yang Sect of Wudang (2023-2025)
- Practised Muay Thai (2016-2018), Krav Maga (2013) and Shaolin Kung Fu / Wushu (2020)
- Attended Live Workshops with Grand Master Bobby Taboada, Tuhon Ray Dionaldo, Sifu Göksel Erdogan, Professor Mauricio Gomes, Professor Vinicius Draculino Magalhaes, Professor Braulio Estima, Professor Rigan Machado, Guro Daniel Lonero, Guro Jay Jasper Pugao, Peter Weckauf & Robert Exl, Sensei Kenneth Jackson, Sensei Marco Lopez and coaches from Tiger Muay Thai & Allstars Training Center
