Why titles don’t matter anymore
My name is Sarry Zheng and a couple months ago, I was selected as one of the Top 10 Innovators within the Government of Canada. Like my friend here, Celine Cheung, who invited me to speak at this event, I also have a side job, where I founded a social enterprise to teach entrepreneurship and innovation to underprivileged children in rural Asia. I was asked to speak about leadership and communication, and I thought to myself what would be a better way to do this than sharing some of my lessons learned on this journey.
POV (Point of View)
When I became the Top Innovator, I was placed as a communication advisor at the strategic investment arm of the government. Little did I know, people started referring me as the graphic designer. I don’t have a degree in graphic design and the last time I worked on an art project was in grade 9 art class. I did not want to be pigeon-holed, after 5 or 6 times when people called me as the graphic designer, I stopped myself before giving a friendly hand-shake. I would tell them not only I can do graphic design, I also have experience in marketing analytics and I want to bring this experience into my role. People did not believe me at first, and I was still being called as the graphic designer for the next 3–4 weeks, until I gave my manager a 60-pages deck evaluating the department’s brand. I was finally being taken seriously.
If I did not speak up and let people know that I am capable and talented. I probably would still be working on Adobe Photoshop fixing pixel-by-pixel.
Commitment
Growing up as a first-generation immigrant, I often being taught to work hard and achieve top grades. I don’t disagree that we need to work hard, but what is missing is commitment. When I said I have experience in marketing analytics, I really meant it. I spent breaks and after hours to work on a deck that demonstrated my ability. It might not be a top-notch document, but I know I have worked hard and committed to producing results. Within 2 months, I was given a promotion to become a senior communication advisor. The hard work paid off and my commitment was showed in what I’ve delivered.
Pay it forward
I now have this glorious title of a “Top Innovator” beside my name. I did not get there by myself. There is a long list of people I am graciously thankful. They were there for me, gave me the opportunities to be exposed and get involved in projects that I could not imagined.
Today I am asking you to remember those who’ve helped you and support someone else on their journey.
