We had the good fortune of connecting with Shannon Ino and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shannon, do you disagree with some advice that is more or less universally accepted?
I think one piece of advice that I’ve learned to disagree with is that multi-tasking makes you more efficient. Early in my career, I used to include multi-tasking as a skill on my resume, but I ended up learning that you can’t truly multi-task and be efficient. As a Project Manager, I’m constantly having to put out fires throughout the day while moving across multiple projects/tasks. I find that I’m most efficient when I’m able to prioritize what needs to get done first and then move on to the next task that needs to get done. 

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally? We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. 
I would say that I’m most proud of my organization skills and attention to detail. I’m a Capricorn and have always been a perfectionist, so I think that’s where it comes from. I also probably get it from my mom who is a perfectionist as well! Whenever I’m working on a project, I always try to be as detailed as possible. Whether it’s notes, follow-up emails, agendas, etc. I’m all about details and formatting! This helps me to stay organized when I’m managing multiple projects at a time and I think clients and team members really appreciate it 🙂
How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? 
I initially started my professional career in fashion and ended up transitioning into the marketing space because I needed a change. I started at a small digital marketing agency in downtown LA as a Social Media Coordinator and then worked my way up to a Project Manager/Producer. After about two and a half years, I ended up getting laid off due to the lack of work the agency was receiving so I decided to pursue freelancing as a Project Manager/Producer. Shortly after going freelance, I ended up at an experiential marketing agency and continued to freelance on the side. At this agency, I grew the project management team and ended up becoming the Director or Project Management. – Then COVID-19 happened last year and because so many of the projects I was working on were in-person activations/productions, the agency ended up having to lay everyone off due to industry being shuttered. – Fortunately, because of my skill set, I was able to find work pretty quickly at another marketing agency that I’m currently doing project management for. I realize that I am extremely lucky to have found work in such a difficult time and I am so thankful for that.

What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. 

To always, always treat people with respect.
To treat people as human beings.
To have empathy.
To mentor those you can and teach what you know to those you manage.
To not worry or get upset at things you cannot change.

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story? 

That I am good at managing projects and people. Working for multiple start-ups, I’ve learned a lot of what not to do in my career and I think that makes me a great manager/mentor. I enjoy teaching people and helping them succeed, which is what I hope my work does for my clients.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
This question got me excited for when I can hang out with my friends again! If I were to take one of my friends on a week long trip, I would probably try to break up the week into a couple of mini getaways since they are so close to LA:
– 2 days in Palm Springs
– 2 days in Joshua Tree
– 3 days in LA (Echo Park because that’s where my boyfriend and I live!)
Places to eat (no order in particular): – Shin-Sen-Gumi in J-town – Quarters Korean BBQ in K-town (when I’m eating meat) – Howlin’ Ray’s in Chinatown

(when I’m eating meat) – Otomisan in Boyle Heights – Waxpaper in Chinatown – Masa – Triple Beam Pizza – Pine and Crane
Places to drink/coffee: – Zebulon – Short Stop – Little Joy – Sunset Beer – Bar Calo – Bar Flores – Eightfold Coffee
I would also want to take them to a show at the Hollywood Bowl! 

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my Mom – she has always been super supportive of my not-so-linear career path and has always given me advice whenever I’m unsure of what I should do. I am very, very lucky to have parents who have allowed me to pursue whatever interest I had and have always had my back.

Website: https://shannon-ino.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannonino/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonino/

Image Credits
HBO EUPHORIA PREMIERE | 2019 Client: Bespoke Boheme Agency: OM Digital Creative Direction: Lisa Garcia & Brian Dillon DP / Camera Op: Tal Kissos Producer: Shannon Ino Digital Tech: Jeffrey Swisshelm PA: Sierra Grable VIOLET GREY X BEATS | 2018 Client: Violet Grey Agency: OM Digital Creative Director: Brian Dillon Creative Technologist: Alex Pospischil DP: Tal Kissos Producer: Shannon Ino Digital Tech: Brian Marquez TNT | I AM THE NIGHT: CALLS IN THE NIGHT Client: Civic Agency: OM Digital Fabricator: 11th St. Workshop Account Manager: Meredith Badali Creative Director: Brian Dillon DP: Galen Oakes Producer: Shannon Ino Camera Op: Spencer Wider

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