Newsletter
#WFH Diaries: Emma Chiu of Wunderman Thompson Intelligence
As folks continue to self-isolate in most parts of the world, we’re checking in with creative people to see how they’re faring. Here’s an update from Emma Chiu, global director at Wunderman Thompson Intelligence.
Give us a one-line bio of yourself.
A Brit abroad.
Where are you living right now, and who’s with you?
In New York City. Wondering if I should’ve hopped on a plane before regulations tightened to be in London with my family.
What’s your work situation like at the moment?
I don’t have a workstation set up at home, so I’m juggling between my breakfast table, sofa and, when the weather’s nice, my balcony. Otherwise, there’s been a lot of video calls with team members around the world.
Describe your socializing strategy.
Five of my friends tried to arrange a group call. Whatsapp doesn’t allow calls with more than four people. One friend doesn’t own an iPhone for us to use FaceTime. Another friend doesn’t have Skype. Somehow everyone had Houseparty. Rather than throwing another spanner in the works, I risked my data privacy and downloaded it. My socializing strategy: Just make it happen.
How are you dealing with childcare?
I don’t have kids of my own, but my brother in London calls me up from time to time so I can virtually babysit my two nieces (ages 5 and 8) and keep them entertained.
What are you reading?
Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and my friend in Copenhagen sent me This Is Going to Hurt by Adam Kay.
What are you watching?
My easy non-committal watch: The U.S. version of The Office (watching for the first time). My more serious watch: Hunters (two episodes in). My “I miss dining out” watch: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
What are you listening to?
I have two go-to podcasts: Hidden Brain and Desert Island Discs. They release an episode a week. I’m now digging deep into their archives.
How are you staying fit?
RingFit on the Nintendo Switch. Best purchase ever.
Have you taken up a hobby?
Nope. In fact, I paused my piano lessons. Having said that I am notching up my culinary range.
Any tips for getting necessities?
Try to keep it local.
An awkward moment since all this started.
I was on a video call with a client and had the oven on. The call went long and I ran several scenarios in my head, from letting my breakfast burn to being upfront with needing to switch my oven off. I wonder if he noticed me disappear from the screen for three swift seconds?
Best work email you got since all this started.
A lovely text message from my sub-editor in London. Her heartwarming message made me reply with the following three emojis: Crying Face, Heart and Hug.
An aha! moment since all this started.
I have a balcony. I should use it.
What’s your theory on how this is going to play out?
Bring on 2021.
