6 Questions for Leah Cho

Meet the newest member of the BatesMeron team, Leah Cho! Leah comes to us fresh from Boston University, where she graduated with a BS in Marketing and Strategy & Innovation. She joins our team as an account coordinator.

I interviewed Leah as part of our 6 Questions feature: a series of one-on-one interviews with people we work with who’ve made us proud. Sometimes I like to turn the tables and put our own staffers in the hot seat so you not only get to meet them, but also see just how special our team really is.

1. As a business school grad, what attracted you to this creative industry?

I’ve always been drawn to the design—both aesthetics and processes—of people, places and things. Although I find DIY projects and crafting gifts for people interesting as well, I never saw myself making a career out of these hobbies. Knowing I had an interest in arts but not the raw talent for it, I pursued a path that allowed me to combine my more analytical talents with my creative interests. I cannot sit at a desk all day looking at Excel sheets, but I also can’t sit and create pieces all day in hopes of becoming the next Pablo Picasso or Takashi Murakami. I’m excited to explore how my position at BatesMeron can be a middle ground between these two extremes!

2. What led you to BatesMeron and what else are you looking forward to in your role as Account Coordinator here?

A family member recommended I look into BatesMeron because she has both a personal and professional connection. I was immediately drawn to the incredibly personable and creative impressions the website portrayed. I also prefer small-sized agencies which allow for closer relationships and greater chances for mentorship and hands-on experience. I’m excited to have a hand in both strategy and the creative, which allows me to learn and grow from both ends.

 3. Your family has a lot of experience running businesses around Chicago. How did that influence your choice to go to school for a degree in business?

It actually did not influence my choice for college. I originally applied to schools with interests in Psychology, Sociology and Pre-Law. The Questrom School of Business at Boston University was the only business school that accepted me, I’m assuming because of my interest in the Pre-Law program. Knowing I had the option to switch majors, I stayed in Questrom out of curiosity. I quickly came to love the school and program, especially as I learned more about future opportunities. At most, I knew from experience that I already had an eye for strategy, logistics and creativity, but I wasn’t genuinely interested in running a business or attending business school until I was already there.

4. Alright, we’re an agency that specializes in branding so we have to ask: what is one brand that you think is totally killing it with their marketing or brand in general?

In attempt to name something outside of retail, I would have to say Tinder. Not only is the orange color and fire icon simple yet identifiable and known even by non users, the terms “swipe right” and “swipe left” have become lingo that’s now part of our everyday vernacular. Dates are also now specifically identified as a “Tinder date” when applicable. Through partnerships, hashtag campaigns, fake/fan accounts, viral successes and comedic or endearing PR stories, Tinder has proven to be a long-lasting brand making a permanent impact on our culture.

5. A lot of people complain about Chicago winters. As a lover of the winter season and native Chicagoan, what are your favorite wintertime activities in the city?

One of the many reasons Chicago will always be my favorite city is because there are tons of events and activities going on. To name a few of my every year go-to’s:

1. Outdoor Ice Skating at Millennium Park or Maggie Daley Park
2. “Christmas Around the World” exhibit at The Museum of Science and Industry
3. Christkindlmarket at the Daley Plaza
4. ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo
5. The BMO Harris Bank Magnificent Mile Lights Festival

6. If your life were a movie, what are the three songs we’d find on the soundtrack?

I listen to most genres except K-Pop and heavy metal. My usual go-to’s are country or EDM. These songs are not only by artists I listen to often, but are relatable because they’re about staying strong and being true to yourself and others through the good and tough times in life. These are some values I try to always stand by.

1. “Life Is A Highway” by Rascal Flatts
2. “You Can’t Take Me” by Bryan Adams
3. “Be There” by Krewella