In this series, we ask Imagination talent all about the experiences that have made them who they are. This month we spoke to Zoe Zelken, Junior Strategist at Imagination New York.

A bit about me…

Thai food lover, indie-concert goer, creative writer, self-proclaimed expert people-watcher. I love an excuse to wander through a city on my own two feet and observe everything and anyone around me. For me, walking is my form of meditation, recalibration, and favourite form of exploration.

The creative experience that influenced me the most…

The Record, by Boygenius. The record taught me that you do not need to have something amazing or catastrophic happen to have an interesting point of view. You can just simply write about what happens. The truth is always enough.

My industry hero is…

Polly Fong, a former Strategist and current Creative Manager at the Asian American Foundation. She is a mentor turned friend, who is always ready to answer whatever questions I might have.

The piece of work I’m most proud of…

Creating my University’s first-ever fashion magazine. This experience encouraged me to explore strategy because I loved the experience of building a digital-first brand from the ground up and sharing it with my community.

The piece of work that makes me cringe…

I am so early in my career that I do not think I have done enough stuff to quite yet make me cringe. One day I will get to that moment!

The experience I wish I had created…

When I came across The Unfiltered History Tour of the British Museum, I immediately said to myself, “Wow, I want to make something like this.” I was particularly drawn to the guerilla nature of the experience and how the immersive tour told a story of history that often goes silenced. At heart, I like to think of myself as a storyteller and I love the capacity for the stories that can be told through experiences.

Advice to my 18-year-old self…

Slow down and enjoy the process. As trite as it sounds, believe that everything happens for a reason.

What’s next?

I am so excited to be at Imagination and deepen my strategy skills. I am super passionate about the power experiences because I know first hand that experiencing something changes you. Right now, as I am young in my career, I like to think of myself as a sponge. I just want to learn everything and anything I can!