Condé Nast Taiwan’s People Director Emily Li shares how she describes her job to family and friends, where she would take visitors to Taiwan and the first place she would time travel to.
 

“Not trying to be morbid but I would travel into the future to see my last day so I can make the necessary changes today and be a better steward of my life!,” she says.

Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you find your way to Condé Nast?

Growing up as a third-culture kid, having spent my growing years in both Taiwan and the U.S., and having majored in Mass Communications, minored in Business Administration, when I was unexpectedly approached with this opportunity I was both thrilled and humbled.  After meeting the team, I was convinced that I am not only joining a legendary brand with such history but also joining at a perfect time for what is yet to come.    

How do you describe your job to friends and family?

To put it simply, I take care of all “people-related” matters. I am a talent scout, a gatekeeper, a brand ambassador, a storyteller, a risk mitigator, an internal partner and a bridge between the company and its most important asset: the people.  

If you could time travel, where is the first place you would go?

Not trying to be morbid but I would travel into the future to see my last day so I can make the necessary changes today and be a better steward of my life!

Can you think of a time you said “no” to something, when you wish you had said “yes”?

Perhaps it’s the adventurer in me that often fuels my curiosity in things so I really can’t think of any wishful “yes’.” On a second thought, I probably should have more things that I wish I had said “no” to instead, ha.

What’s a small act of kindness you were shown that you’ll never forget?

Getting a beautiful bouquet of flowers from my colleague, Peggy Hsu, for my promotion!  

You’re a tour guide for a day, where would you take visitors who have never visited Taiwan? Where would you go?

Depending on the preference (meeting the audience where they are), if they are the outdoor type, I would definitely take them to my home city, Taitung (台東), to visit the tea and rice fields on top of seeing the beautiful Pacific Coast.  If the they are interested in the history of Taiwan, Dadaocheng (大稻埕) would then be my top pick to experience the rich history of the once important trading port and one of the oldest districts of Taipei (台北).  But really, can we have more than just a day? Trust me, you won’t regret it!

You can only have one condiment for the rest of your life. Which one do you choose?

I will have to go with Himalayan salt. After all, I just can’t imagine ketchup or soy sauce my way through a good slab of steak!

What was the last thing you put 100% into?

Other than work, it would be taking care of my pup of 15 years during her last days. 

In one word, what is the greatest challenge you have faced this month?

Farewell.

Lastly, do you identify more with coffee or tea?

This is a really tough one! I mean after all, I do live in the birthplace of boba milk tea. But ultimately, I will have to say since latte is my hands-down, all-purpose go to drink, coffee would be my pick.