Move over, traditional career guides. In an era where jobs can involve managing virtual economies, designing sustainable cities or programming artificial intelligence, the classic career path isn’t kids’ only option. For the next generation navigating a world of limitless career possibilities, the well-meaning advice to “follow your passion” can feel overwhelming without a map. Now, a wave of adults with truly fascinating jobs are throwing that map wide open. They’re stepping out of their labs, studios, and field sites to share the real, unfiltered career advice they wish they’d had – not just about how to land the job, but how to build a life of curiosity, resilience and purpose. This is more than career day; it’s a mentorship movement designed to inspire the innovators, problem-solvers and dreamers of tomorrow.
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Tell us your name, and give us the elevator pitch about your job?
Heya, I’m Shagi. I’m a conduit between brand and customer, a brand strategist & creative builder focused on Asia. I’ve spent the last decade helping brands find their voice – from Founding Dienastie and F&B like Larry the Bird to shaping campaigns for global players like VF Corp and IN-N-OUT and Nike. I love where culture meets commerce, and I thrive on turning bold ideas into stories people actually care about.
Could you walk me through a typical day or week in your role? What are your primary responsibilities?
That’s a doozy of a question because no day/week are identical as I work primarily solo on a couple projects at a time. A week could range from pitching a campaign, negotiating with supplier partners, doing research on brands/partners’ locations etc. or simply a lot of calls and emails. It runs the gamut.
What is the most rewarding or fulfilling part of your work? What problems do you get to solve? On the flip side, what are the most significant challenges or stressful aspects of your job?
What really keeps me going is seeing an idea come to life – that moment when something that started as a quick sketch or late-night note becomes a real campaign that people react to. When you see a brand you’ve worked on connect with an audience in a genuine way, or when a creative concept actually shifts perception, that’s the best part.
I love that my work sits right where culture meets commerce. Every project is about finding that balance – how do we make something culturally sharp, emotionally resonant and still commercially effective? I get to help brands figure out how to speak with authenticity, especially in cross-cultural contexts like helping a global brand localize its voice for China or guiding a local startup as it goes global.
At the same time, I get to collaborate with some incredibly talented people – strategists, designers, producers, founders – and that collective energy is addictive. When everyone’s locked in on the same creative wavelength, it’s magic.
On the flip side, the challenge is definitely the pace and pressure. You’re juggling multiple projects, multiple markets, and everyone wants something “breakthrough” by yesterday. Balancing that creative ambition with business realities – budgets, timelines, approvals – can be a real test.
But honestly, that’s part of the thrill. It forces you to think fast, stay flexible and keep growing. The industry moves quickly, and so do the ideas – so you learn to find calm inside the chaos.
How did you get to where you are today? You can talk about your educational route, pivotal moments, unplanned detours and any other decisions that you find important.
It’s been a mix of curiosity, culture and a lot of learning by doing. I’ve always been drawn to how brands tell stories – even as a kid, I’d study ads just to figure out what made people care.
I studied marketing in Beijing, but most of what shaped me came from the real world – working in music, nightlife, and streetwear, where you learn how to build energy around an idea. Those early projects taught me how creativity and culture drive connection.
Over time, I moved into brand consulting and creative direction, helping both indie labels and global companies find their voice in China. Launching my own concept, Larry the Bird, was a turning point – it made me see brand-building as storytelling through experience.
Now, everything I do sits at that intersection of culture, creativity and business – helping brands stay authentic while growing globally.
Knowing what you know now, if you could go back and give one piece of advice to your teenage self about work and life, what would it be?
LIFE is twisted. Be patient with yourself and learn to execute, not just theorize.
Images: Shagi
