YPDaily: Kumiko Ide

For some, getting to use Twitter and Facebook at work (and not having to hide it from your employers) seems like a dream, but for YP Kumiko Ide, it’s a reality. Focusing on digital strategy for Tribal DDB, she is constantly on top of the latest trends and has one of the most creative jobs around. Kumiko is the recipient of our first-ever Notable Awards in the category of Social Media. Check out her role in today’s YPD…

Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
I am a Digital Strategist with Tribal DDB, where I work with our creative and digital teams to provide thinking around new trends, tools, and technologies that pertain to the online and social realm.

Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
I have been with DDB for three years. When I first heard that the agency had expanded their digital team to include social media, I knew I wanted in. We’ve come a long way since then.

What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
Every weekday at 10am, our team huddles for an informal meeting to share creative ideas, trends, and platform updates that we’ve seen in the past 24 hours. It’s inspiring and keeps us ahead of the curve. The most challenging part of the day is getting out of the office at a reasonable hour – there are always so many great ideas that you want to see through, and sometimes it’s hard to turn that off.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
With 2.5 kids, a white picket fence, and an NFC chip embedded into my arm.

What does success look like to you?
The ability to learn from past mistakes, grow, and inspire.

What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
Helping to oversee our agency’s digital programs for the Canadian Tourism Commission during the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver.

Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
If you choose to work in a creative industry, look for an environment that provides you with the freedom to fail. Ask questions and follow up.

Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
I support the Red Cross’ relief efforts in Japan following the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami (I hosted a fundraiser in March, and continue to work on several more projects for the Red Cross). For the past two years, I have also served as co-chair for Share DDB – DDB Canada’s annual art crawl and silent auction. We’ve raised over $56,000 in the past two years for important organizations such as the James Lee Foundation and Covenant House. The James Lee Foundation is a scholarship fund created in memory of a DDB-er who inspired countless people in our industry, and Covenant House provides much-needed shelter and support for street youth in Vancouver.

What to you is notable?
Passion, endurance and discipline.

Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
Depends on what your personal needs are. I opt for an iPhone.