Sunnie is Associate, Communications at Leading Edge with a diverse background spanning several continents and experience working in both nonprofit and corporate environments. She gained valuable experience in promoting social justice and human rights at the United Nations. (Read her full bio here.) Learn more about Sunnie below!

What does a “great place to work” mean to you? 

For me, a great place to work is not just about having a comfortable salary or being in a pleasant environment (although it would be hard to deny that those factors do significantly elevate the working experience). It's a place where I can be myself without having to present a façade, where I feel accepted and appreciated for who I am as an individual. A great workplace recognizes that employees are more than just cogs in a machine; they're human beings with emotions, personal lives, and aspirations. This, in turn, fosters a more creative and engaged workforce. One of the many reasons I was drawn to Leading Edge was precisely our commitment to creating a positive work culture that values employee satisfaction and well-being.

What are you looking forward to most about joining Leading Edge?

The aspect I am most excited about in joining Leading Edge is the opportunity to learn about diverse cultures in an environment that fosters a sense of camaraderie. I am eager to contribute to a workplace culture that values collaboration, mutual respect, and inclusivity.

What’s your favorite place to travel?

As someone who may or may not be a bit biased, I have to say that Korea is my favorite place to travel! Not only is it my ancestral homeland, but it's also an incredibly vibrant and fascinating country with so much to offer. From the bustling streets of Seoul to the serene beauty of the countryside, there's something for everyone in Korea.

What's the best podcast you've enjoyed in the last year?

Over the past few years, I have come to appreciate the brilliance of Conan O'Brien's podcast series, aptly named "Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend." What resonates with me the most about this podcast is its remarkable ability to create genuine connections with its listeners, irrespective of the guest's celebrity status or background. Through a unique combination of authenticity and wit, the podcast manages to build meaningful and lasting engagement without forcing similarities or prying into private information. As someone who values the art of communication, I find the podcast's approach to be both refreshing and inspiring. It's definitely a skill that I hope to cultivate in my own life.

What’s a work lesson you’ve had to learn the hard way?

Early in my career, while leading a team project, we missed a critical deadline that delayed the project by several weeks. Upon reflection, I realized that I had not communicated effectively with my team members about the importance of the deadline and the consequences of missing it. This experience taught me the significance of effective communication and the need to establish clear expectations. Since then, I prioritize regular check-ins with my team members and clear goals and deadlines. I am now much more comfortable having difficult conversations with team members when issues arise, and that has helped prevent similar situations from happening again.

What’s your “dance like nobody’s watching” song?

Does it get any better than Robyn's "Dancing on My Own"? I think not.