Here at Vested, we often say our team is our greatest asset. Our people are smart, passionate, involved, kind, funny, and interesting, and we want to share them with you! In our series Vested Interests, we’re spotlighting Vesties around the world, sharing what they’re reading, who they’re listening to, where they’re eating, and everything in between.
Today we hear from Sitha Ngy, Vested Senior Creative Director based in Seattle, Washington.
What book are you reading? Or any recent favorites?
The Brother’s Grimm. We’ve read all the classics, and I told my kids those classics have a more grim, pun intended, origin. So for the past month I’ve been reading them one of their stories each night. My daughter now thinks stories are boring if someone doesn’t stick a corpse’s eyeball into their own eye socket to see again, and my son would rather just go to bed without a story.
What about newsletters, industry/work related or otherwise?
I remember walking into the University book store and seeing Lürzer’s Archive on the shelf. I was really thrown off, and impressed, by the idea of a magazine that JUST has ads, yet the ads were all creative and unique. I was a journalism major at the time, and I credit that magazine for setting me on this advertising path I’ve been on. Many (MANY) years later, and I’m still reading their publication each quarter.
What podcasts are you listening to?
I love Ear Hustle and The Moth. They appear to be two extremes from each other—one is about life in prison, the other is about life moments—but they both bring humanity, insight, and humor. One episode my family and I always go back to is “California Gothic” from The Moth. If you want a good laugh, I’d highly suggest that episode.
What industry trend are you paying closest attention to right now?
Less industry trend, and more consumer sentiment. And right now, people are just tired of being sold to. When I started in this industry, we used to sell a lifestyle and a dream. Now consumers are wise to it, and look at brands with more cynicism and asking themselves “Would I want to go grab coffee with this brand if it were a person?”. And a lot of that thinking goes into what I do and how I approach the work.
Favorite outdoor activity, workout, or hobby?
I love a good bike ride. My kids and I ride our bikes to go get groceries and to eat lunch. It’s the best part of my day (but if I’m being real, going there is fun, coming back, with a full stomach or a heavy backpack full of groceries, or a watermelon, is slightly less so…).
What’s your work superpower?
I don’t know if I have one. As lame as it sounds, the people I work with give me the power and drive to be creative, because of their energy and enthusiasm. I can have a low energy, or stressful day, but the minute I jump into a meeting, or message someone over Slack, someone is going to have something profound, funny, or interesting to say and it just recharges everything.
So… I guess my super power is feeding off other people’s energy and vibes. I guess we all have that power, though. But it helps to work at a place that supplies it in ample amounts.
Any restaurants (or cafes, coffee shops, etc.) that you’ve been to and loved? Local favorites?
Any place that has their son or daughter running the front of the house and the parents cooking in the back is my type of place.
How did you find your way to Vested?
I actually saw a repost on LinkedIn (I don’t even think it was from someone working at Vested) saying something like “Check this out!” and I just happened to be a connection of a connection that had a connection with the person that posted it, so it showed up on my feed. I read the job post and it looked amazing. And now I’m here!
What’s your go-to coffee order?
I’m not a coffee drinker, but I’ve been known to drink 2-3 matcha or oolong tea drinks a day… (which, apparently, according to my dentist, is better than coffee….AT STAINING YOUR TEETH!)
Do you have any hobbies or new skills you’re learning?
I’ve been trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube without utilizing a tutorial for the past two months. The half finished cube on my desk for the past 2 months tells my wife and kids it’s still a work in progress.
What’s your most-used emoji or Slack reaction?
