Today we’d like to introduce you to Kangsan Kim.
Hi Kangsan, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am a first-generation Korean American from Los Angeles, CA. Being an only child, my parents were constantly looking for after-school activities to put me in a while also challenging me academically by giving me more homework on top of what the teachers assigned! This instilled a curiosity and a work ethic in me that I am forever grateful for.
I graduated from San Diego State with a degree in Finance in 2010, thus beginning my journey through all kinds of odd jobs, from packaging boxes to personal training to even a slight farming phase. Ultimately, I finally got to use my degree in 2016 as a temp at an advertising agency, where I combined my role and personality to meet people through all five floors of the building, and, ultimately in 2019, I transitioned into a Project Manager role where I still am to this day!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not, and I’m glad that it wasn’t. I was diagnosed with asthma at the age of 1. At the age of 13, I found out that my scoliosis was 7 degrees away from needing surgery. For the majority of my life, I’ve had challenges with my weight and self-esteem. So whether external or internal, there’s been that feeling that something is always going wrong.
BUT, I’ve learned that all of these moments have something to take away and grow from, with the biggest takeaway being that it is okay to not be okay from time to time.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a Project Manager at an advertising agency near downtown. I essentially just help ensure that projects reach their goals and complete on time. I’m very proud that I get to be a part of some pretty cool projects and meet some great people along the way. It’s incredible how some individuals can take an idea, something that is indescribable in one moment and make it come to life for millions of people to see!
I really view this role as a point guard in basketball. I know what the end goal is, and it’s my job to put people in positions where they can succeed. So I’m focused on learning who the individuals are behind their roles and learning what sort of environment they work best in. Then, I take all of those elements and do my best to put it all together into (hopefully) a winning formula!
What matters most to you? Why?
At the end of the day, empathy and community matter the most to me. We all have these very different and unique lives where we’ve interpreted thousands of life events in a million different ways. I love to just sit and learn more about people and how they think and feel, and I encourage everyone to do the same. Building this sense of community of people who think, act, and look different from you only enriches your life. In a world where we only live one life, by meeting all different kinds of people, you actually get to live quite a few!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nasgnak/
Image Credits
The photo of me with my camera – Arthur Puu
