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Aden Liu’s ability to combine his love of the arts with his technical skills has enable him to be creative in the digital field. And he can advise you on how to be a smart dresser!
What’s your story?
Born with a deep passion for the arts, I was ironically formally schooled in science disciplines including IT and computing. Over the years however, this unlikely marriage of arts and science has proven to be extremely useful in my line of work where creative ideas must always be structured into workable solutions that can be brought into reality – be it manifested as a physical structure or a web portal or even a digital game. Being able to balance that inner creative force with the logic of math and science is something I take great pride in.
What excites you most about your industry?
Now more than ever, our industry is showcasing its role in the business world and economy at large as a great driver of innovation. Both the people in it and those watching from the outside have been thoroughly impressed by how quickly businesses in the events and media industry have adapted during the global pandemic. For us, we offer not just online solutions but also manage big-scale physical events and it is especially the latter that has seen tremendous evolution within a short span of time.
What drives you in business to push beyond what other people consider normal?
Simply put, passion and an innate sense of obsession to detail and perfection. Whilst I certainly keep abreast with the happenings in my industry and other related fields, the key motivation has always been about challenging myself – to be better than I was before.
What have been the most useful skills you have learnt and applied in your journey?
There is a lot of technical know-how required in my field – in any field for that matter. But it is often the human elements that are trickiest to handle. Understanding how people really think is a lifelong journey – but also a soft skill that is crucial in business, relationships and life in general.
Whilst it is difficult to conceptualise and create programmes to engage hundreds of guests online or to create video content to promote a newly launched product – managing “disagreeable” people is on a separate level altogether.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
I’ve had so many nuggets of advice from so many different people – and many of these insights have helped me tremendously in all kinds of situations. The thing about advice if that we so often miss the wisdom when we get defensive. It is so important to learn how to differentiate an advice from a criticism from an attack. By hearing the other person with untainted ears, you stand to gain knowledge and fast track your progress.
Who inspires you?
Inspiration comes when you least expect it… A kid’s drawing, a funny movie, a friend’s joke, a solo at a jazz bar, an old clip on YouTube. There is something profound and uplifting in so many things around us.
What have you learnt recently that blew you away?
There is quite literally two sides to everything. Just when you feel confident that your perspective is the absolute truth, you might just stumble on a whole new angle that rocks your world. And suddenly you find yourself fighting as hard as you did before – but for the other side.
Anyone, anything or any number of events can cause these changes in your viewpoints so don’t limit yourself by assuming complete and inerrant knowledge. Like they say, the more you know – the more you know you don’t know.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
I’ll start with being nicer to my wife!
How do you unwind?
Catching a movie with my wife – that’s one of my (and her I hope) favourite things to do! Watching dramas on NETFLIX with my wife. Hanging out at the beach with my family – my son loves to go there. Chilling out with my friends. Being with people I like helps me unwind.
What is a major mindset change, belief shift or ‘ah ha’ moment that you’ve experienced in relation to your business?
The key to bettering your business, and your life is to realise that there is still a long way more to go and there are a ton of things you still don’t know. Just when you think you have mastered an aspect of business (or life) – you haven’t – keep on improving!
Everyone in business should read this book:
I’ll do the shameless plug right here – get a copy of my “Sorry, It’s Not Too Hot To Wear A Suit!” – especially for the gentlemen who want to acquire timeless style.
Now, back to the question – I would say get hold of quality books that teach you how to understand the human mind. I have said it before but Robert Greene’s “48 Laws of Power” is still a classic. Anecdotal it may be – but there are genuine gems inside that teaches us lessons of the real world.
Shameless plug for your business:
Readers can just connect with me direct at adenliu@themaverique.com if you are looking for any media, design, web / digital solutions. From live streaming to website creation to game development – we hold a diverse portfolio of creative and media solutions.
How can people connect with you?
Drop me an email at adenliu@themaverique.com – and we can take it from there!
Social Media Links?
You can connect with me via Facebook @aden.liu
or message me on Facebook at my community page @TLMtheleadingman.
This interview is part of the CallumConnects series.
