What does the advertising world need more of?
Advertising needs more diversity, both in the workforce and in the vendors we invest in. DEI is not just about celebrating Black History Month or Asian Heritage Month once a year. Generally speaking, the advertising industry is more progressive and inclusive, but it doesn’t mean that it’s perfect. There is still a lot of room for growth.

Who is your biggest influence?
My two daughters – Caitlyn and Cece. They’re my motivation to do good and to make a difference. Everything I do is for a better future for them. #girldad

What is your favorite thing about your career?
The people, hands down. I’ve had the fortune to meet many truly incredible people throughout the years of working in the industry, forming lasting friendships.

Netflix, Amazon Prime, Crave, Disney+ or …. ?
YouTube, actually. I can easily spend hours browsing videos that range from travel and food vlogs, car reviews, sports highlights to comedy clips.

What would you sing at Karaoke night?
Growing up in China, I mainly listened to 90s Cantopop and Mandopop. Classics from pop/rock bands like Beyond (Hong Kong) or Power Station (Taiwan) are my go-to’s if available. If not, maybe some Backstreet Boys once I have a few drinks.

What does the advertising world need more of?
All we need is just a little patience. We move so quickly in this industry; we don’t always have the patience to assess if something has worked or why it hasn’t before we move forward.

Who is your biggest influence?
There are many people I have met in this industry who have had an influence on me. Bosses, colleagues, and teammates. I hope to learn something from everyone I have the good fortune to meet.

What is your favorite thing about your career?
All the fantastic people I have had the opportunity to meet and work with over the last two decades. I also appreciate how small our industry is, so we can see colleagues’ career progression and their successes!

Netflix, Amazon Prime, Crave, Disney+ or …. ?
A pinch of each including Apple TV, The Criterion Channel and linear TV. We are not starved for content in our household.

What would you sing at Karaoke night?
I have and would sing again White Rabbit by Jefferson Airplane.

What does the advertising world need more of?
I like to focus more on Canadian advertising. I would love to see an increase in investment in Canadian local/national trustworthy news sources.

Who is your biggest influence?
A number of my coaches (including my father) in football/baseball/basketball from Guelph while growing up. Key takeaways included hard work, dedication, and teamwork allowing us to compete with the big cities.

What is your favorite thing about your career?
My final destination at Horizon Media. I found the culture and the people I have always wanted to work with. An agency where I could truly be myself and share similar values.

Netflix, Amazon Prime, Crave, Disney+ or …. ?
Crave due to Letterkenny (my family had a farm outside of Listowel) and HBO Max.

What would you sing at Karaoke night?
I’m absolutely terrible with lyrics. I may know lyrics to only one song “Mo money, mo problems” by Notorious B.I.G.

What does the advertising world need more of?
Diversity. Currently, I work in the most diverse team I’ve ever worked in. I’m immensely proud of and grateful for that. In so many instances, I’ve walked away from conversations with my team more informed on a number of topics. Some of these discussions have been uplifting, others have been heartbreaking, all have been informative. Having more diversity in advertising – from our teams and work culture to representation in creative to media partner selection – helps reflect the true fabric of our country all within our very influential industry.

Who is your biggest influence?
I’m not influenced by any one person in particular. However, I am continually inspired by people who challenge norms – both inside and outside the workplace. Anyone who likes to question why things are done the way they are – rather than doing them because “that’s the way it’s always been done” – tend to get my attention.

What is your favorite thing about your career?
Beyond having met some truly phenomenal people, the thing I value the most about my 20+ year career is the vast experience I’ve had. I’ve held roles in television, radio, and digital all teaching me something different about media and helping shape me into the professional I’ve become.

Netflix, Amazon Prime, Crave, Disney+ or …. ?
Apologies to Disney+, but all of the above plus Shudder, AppleTV+, and broadcaster OTT platforms. I’m usually on the hunt for horror movies but will settle for a thrilling drama (in the vein of ‘Yellowjackets’).

What would you sing at Karaoke night?
I’ve possibly sang ‘All Around the World’ by Lisa Stansfield more times than she has. Not only is it her signature song, it’s also mine.

What does the advertising world need more of?
Environmental conservation. This paramount theme gained traction in 2019 with great strides in messaging, product and process. I would like to see our agencies and partners prioritize tackling climate change throughout more facets of business.

Who is your biggest influence?
Working parents. Those giving their most to their career, their relationships, and most of all making the choice every day to raise a generation who are respectful, inclusive, and celebrate diversity.

What is your favorite thing about your career?
Our opportunity to make a difference with our clients’ business is exciting! I truly enjoy campaigns that not only enhance the daily life of consumers, but give back to the community and contribute to habitual changes that reduce the everyday carbon footprint.

Netflix, Amazon Prime, Crave, Disney+ or …. ?
All of them! Currently streaming Netflix for The Office (for the first time, hard to believe!)

What would you sing at Karaoke night?
My memory storage for song lyrics peaked in the 90’s – in the unlikely instance you catch me with a microphone, you would enjoy an off-key rendition of “No Scrubs” by TLC.

What does the advertising world need more of?
Leaders who walk the talk.

Who is your biggest influence?
For all things creative my biggest influence is Bob Pollard. He is easily the most creative musician, artist that I can think of. His pursuit to create all he can (and his tireless energy invested in doing so) encourages me to continue to explore bringing creativity into both my work and personal life.

What is your favorite thing about your career?
Seeing how my close colleagues’ careers have evolved.

Netflix, Amazon Prime, Crave, Disney+ or …. ?
Netflix and Prime. When it’s no longer screen time, I’ll put on an amazing record!

What would you sing at Karaoke night?
Placebo “Pure Morning” or Violent Femmes “Kiss Off”

What does the advertising world need more of?
Diversity, equality, and inclusion, which in the past year we have started to see the industry take more seriously and attempt to address

Who is your biggest influence?
My parents.

What is your favorite thing about your career?
Discovering insights and seeing the world though a variety of perspectives

Netflix, Amazon Prime, Crave, Disney+ or …. ?
All good choices but DAZN helps me get my sports fix.

What would you sing at Karaoke night?
Suspicious minds by Elvis