Current Clients: Chevron (global corporate), The Vanguard Group
Born: Seoul, South Korea
Worked in: Philadelphia, New York
Why do people see you as an innovator? Innovation takes a lot of creativity and vision, but what differentiates an innovator is the ability and drive to see innovation come to life. There are thinkers and there are doers, but an innovator encompasses both. Often it’s the actual implementation phase that is the most challenging. The key to success in innovation is recognizing that truly innovative ideas can exist in the minds of individuals, but can only be brought to life through the blood, sweat and tears of all involved.
How do you characterize innovation in your work? True innovation is defined by an element of risk. Innovation dispels the notion of easy solutions, so there is no precedent established for success or failure. It’s always an indefinable combination of rational assessment of an idea and trusting your instinct by “knowing” the idea is right.
Describe an innovative idea or business solution of which you are most proud. Last year was my first experience with the Chevron account. Our goal was to change communications to a target group already skeptical of corporate communications and bring Chevron out of the safety zone of pages and spots and into a space one would not expect “big oil” to venture. Through an innovative and engaging campaign, we prompted the Chevron target audience to take action. In doing so, Chevron’s industry standing grew, and advocacy increased by 127 percent.
