I’ve never been good at talking about myself. I find it strange so here are a few questions I found online and I answered them.
What’s your career story?
Since I was young, I’ve always wanted to do something creative but also technically challenging. After I graduated university, I moved to Los Angeles and fell into Interactive Production. At the time, Flash websites were the rage because you could build a dynamic website with creative flexibility. And, as the Internet became more and more relevant as a communication channel for marketing campaigns, the ability to blend technology and creativity became a valuable asset. What this boom showed us is that with innovation, you need to be able to tell a story whether it be through your UI or visual design.
I continued on a path as an Interactive Producer for several years in California, then moved to New York City in 2009. By then, I had worked at a handful of digital agencies with big clients under my belt but I was ready for a challenge!
During the 10 years I lived in NYC, I freelanced at several agencies but my stint at Google Creative Lab really shaped my professional career and my desire to learn more about how visual design should influence software design in more ways than we think. Having the opportunity to work closely with some of the best engineers in the world, I found that I had the ability to dig into the technical details, be able to understand the technical risks, then translate that into possible creative solutions.
What are you doing now?
Since December 2019 I have been a Senior Producer at Apple.
What are you looking for next?
I want to continue working in tech, to be involved with design and strategy. I LOVE to learn. I believe part of where my happiness comes from is learning new skills, loving what I do, being challenged in positive ways while feeling supported.
What’s the most important thing I should know about you?
I care about the work and take extreme pride in everything I do. My tenacity and boldness have helped me achieve so many professional goals. I’m not afraid of change, being independent and figuring it out on my own.
Having a technical and production background brings an important layer into the tech industry that may be overlooked. I know how to wrangle technical and creative people. I start by understanding goals (or company culture) while bringing in my unique background to inform problem solving skills. I take into account the entire lifecycle of a project from discovery, conception, development, execution, implementation and deployment. I am organized, able to create schedules and manage budgets.
What do you value more, intelligence or common sense?
It’s impossible to choose one over the other. Both are necessary to be successful in life. Lead with good intentions by using your intelligence to ask the right questions but have enough common sense to connect the dots.
What do you think is the driving force in your life?
When I put my mind to something, I don’t give up. I believe in being empathetic, positive and honest. My professional track record shows I have been successful when any challenge is thrown at me. I am able to learn very quickly in any new environment, embrace change, make meaningful partnerships, identify risks and set realistic mitigation plans with my team.
How do you see yourself in 10-15 years?
I’ve never been a fan of labeling. To be general, I see myself as an entrepreneur and consultant involved in the creation of software application and hardware design. I want to make a positive difference in society. We all have a part in making our planet a better place for everyone.
Ask me anything! ichiban@gmail.com