Brian: Tell us about a cool project you are currently working on.
Don Michael: I am working on my project to uniquely promote Korea. Reports show that current, huge expenditures and many overlapping campaigns in Korea are not having the desired effect to improve Korea’s brand image. My project addresses these shortcomings by creating a unique publication and target market.
If you can change the basic, first thought of Korea in the minds of ‘the younger generation’, then you have done more for image/branding than current campaigns. So, how do you reach these students (worldwide)? Another book? Brochure? Commercial? Website? These would be difficult as there is not enough of a ‘Korea awareness’ by these student to warrant spending money on such things. An awareness campaign needs to be created. In the USA, trading-card/flashcards are a very popular, comfortable, accepted, and valid method for play and learning.
In brief, I am creating a 60-card set about Korea to be given for the home school market in the USA. Based on my experience with this market, they are open to innovative and flexible learning resources. I have met with the Presidential Council on National Branding, Visit Korea Year 2010-2012, and other similar groups. There is interest to possibly expand this project domestically within Korea, as well as globally.
Brian: How would you describe yourself? What words would you use? What is your brand?
Don Michael: Eclectic. The word seems to be overused today, but it is apt. There is not much that doesn’t interest me in this world. For me, life is a journey of learning and growing. As many self-help and empowerment gurus correctly point out (in various, and sometimes questionable, methods) each of us has unique abilities and attributes, and we can be what we want to be if we truly believe and act. When you stop believing, you stop growing and achieving. In the past, I have relied heavily on myself. I’m thankful for having an open and questioning mind. Maybe late to the game, I have now learned the importance and advantages of networking, in seeking help, guidance, and thoughts from others that can enhance growth and success. Seeking help is not weakness. Relying on it as a crutch is. Overall, I am a romantic, active, dreamer who truly believes that anything is possible with faith, desire, and action.
Brian: What are you passionate about? What type of work makes you jump out of bed in the morning and/or stay up late at night?
Don Michael: Being able to create and do. Having the chance to try again and continue life’s journey. I am a big Stevie Wonder fan, and two of his lyrics really say it all for me – “When I see the morning, And the sun is smiling down upon me, I take joy in the blessing that still the ground is not above me…Positivity…'cause this day did not have to be” and “I've always felt that tomorrow is for those who are too much afraid to go past yesterday and start for today.”
Brian: What is your source of inspiration? What drives you forward?
Don Michael: Children. Watch their play and speaking.. Everything is possible. They have not been jaded or created dream-crushing, growth-stomping societal filters that many people seem to accept so willingly and unquestionably.
Brian: How do you see yourself evolving, or "becoming", in the next year? In the next 3 years?
Don Michael: Well, to borrow a Seinfeld phrase, Master of My Domain. (Though not used in the same context as the Seinfeld episode.) To stop consciously and subconsciously letting the negative thoughts and energy of society enter my domain. To grow to a higher level of spirituality. Specifically, living in Brazil or Italy or Iceland, working on a similar cultural promotion project for one of those countries. This also fills my desire to grow, learn new languages and cultures, and to live (not tour) in as many countries as I can before check-out time.
Thanks for your insights, Don Michael!
Want to connect with Don Michael?
Contact him at project_koreana@yahoo.com.
Are you becoming, or do you know someone who is becoming? I am always looking for the next becoming interview!