Episode 46: Alvin Teoh

10/03/22 • 35 min

In his uniquely brilliant laconic style, a way of speaking and thinking that we’ve quickly come to love here at The Imposterous Alvin says,

“It feels like forever, but I am still new at this job. I've been ECD for some years now and I feel I need another 200 more to fully understand what the heck I am doing. I like the work, can't say I love the job. Been working on an array of Brands from Telco to Paint, from Insurance to Cable TV. I’ve had experience doing work for Banks, Tourism, Milk, Herbal Medicine, Automobile, and must I list it all here? Also started a social collective called Kita Kawan Mah to play a role in addressing the rise of racism in this country by promoting inter-racial friendship and dialogue. Apart from that, there is also a Project I See, an annual event where we harness the power of the arts community to help the public understand obscure, misunderstood or abused communities like the migrant, refugee and indigenous peoples. We started this in 2013. In all the work that I try to do, stripping away all the rocket science, I try to speak to the heart. I've never really believed in Brands speaking to Target Market. It's always heart to heart. Or person to person. Communication is personal. And while I believe in all that, I have to admit it's hardly ever easy to get to that level. We've had our hits and misses. More misses than hits to be honest. But still, it's a good place to start. And if we're consistent in this pursuit, we'll get there one day. While I am alive, hopefully.”

In his uniquely brilliant laconic style, a way of speaking and thinking that we’ve quickly come to love here at The Imposterous Alvin says,

Previous Episode

Episode 45: Anouk Jans

Anouk Jans creates creative concepts, brand identities, campaigns, social media strategies and digital content to help define, establish and build international love brands that shape culture. Driven by a pioneering spirit, Anouk gives brands an opportunity to rethink marketing by creating dynamic campaigns for today’s audience, with stories about purpose, values and human nature.

At The Imposterous Head Office Anouk Jans’ name has featured at pretty much every all-staff meeting and we’ve been in a particular hurry to talk to her since the launch of Kill Your Darlings - A documentary about the world of modern advertising and the talent defining it. A story seen through the wide-open eyes of Anouk, a young Creative Director looking for answers, positive change and a brighter future for herself and everyone that loves the business of creativity. The documentary stars and follows the youngest Creative Director in Germany as she ponders her future in the industry and travels the world interviewing industry legends such as Scott Galloway, Cindy Gallop, Fernando Machado, Rob Reilly, and many more. As Anouk puts it, “When I first started in this industry, I didn’t question anything – not the structures, not the hierarchies, or the working hours. However, as the years passed, I saw the creatives around me suffer and become cynical about the industry, including myself.”

It was incredible to talk to Anouk and to produce this episode, it’s a conversation we’re sure will stay with us for a long time to come.

Next Episode

Episode 47: Maria Milusheva

Welcome to the first episode of SAW IT. AM IT. A series of conversations hosted by Shannon Crowe featuring some of the wonderful creative leaders Shannon met at Cannes Lions SEE IT BE IT program in 2017. Today’s guest is Maria Milusheva.

Maria is Creative Director & Partner at Noble Graphics. Working in advertising since 2005 (17 years and counting!) Maria joins us on The Imposterous as she prepares to head off on maternity leave. We’re so thankful to be talking to Maria today.

For the past 12 years Maria has been developing ideas for some of the biggest beer brands. Her favorite business idea is turning a small local brand into No1 beer in Bulgaria, all without a single shot of male friendship or anyone saying ‘cheers’. Quite a feat huh!

Zooming in from Bulgaria, one of the oldest countries in Europe and the only European country that hasn't changed its name since the year it was established, Maria reminds us Bulgaria ranks first in the world in terms of women's participation in the communication and information technology sector. BUT when it comes to personal life, no official statistics are being gathered and released in Bulgaria about violence against women. One of the many contradictions and challenges that keeps Maria fighting the good fight for women in advertising and all the women of Bulgaria.