On this episode of One Step Beyond, we are joined by Ki Seok Seo, Chief Marketing Officer.

In this episode, Aram sits down with Ki, a seasoned Chief Marketing Officer and longtime member of the influential South Korean punk band The Geeks. Ki shares his journey from the underground punk scene to the boardroom, reflecting on how the DIY ethos and resilience of hardcore music shaped his career in marketing. His story illustrates how creativity, discipline, and conviction can serve as a bridge between artistic passion and professional success.

The conversation dives into the responsibilities of a CMO, highlighting the balance between strategic thinking, cross-departmental collaboration, and shaping brand perception. Ki underscores that marketing is more than just selling products, it’s about creating demand, driving cultural relevance, and building trust with audiences. He also reflects on how The Geeks inspired a generation of Asian hardcore musicians to embrace their passions and the lasting impact of their work on the global punk scene.

Beyond music and marketing, Ki shares insights into the evolution of Korean society and the changing face of leadership and business culture. From navigating the challenges of living straight edge in a culture where drinking is the norm, to fostering compassionate, collaborative leadership styles, Ki emphasizes perseverance, vision, and teamwork as essential drivers of growth. His current work in personal branding continues this mission, using marketing as a tool for positive change and authentic self-expression.

ON THIS EPISODE WE TALK ABOUT

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• Branding and marketing are powerful tools for shaping culture and driving positive change inside and outside organizations.
  
• Shifts in Korean business culture reflect a broader trend toward compassionate, collaborative leadership styles.
  
• Resilience in challenging environments and staying true to personal convictions models integrity in leadership.
  
• Creativity fuels strategy. Lessons from the punk scene show how unconventional thinking can drive innovative marketing and business approaches.
  

Connect with Aram:
www.linkedin.com/in/aram-arslanian-cadencelc/

About the company:
Cadence Leadership + Communication is a professional development company dedicated to unlocking true leadership potential. We guide individuals to lead authentically and effectively with a unique blend of mindset and skill set development that is rooted in psychology. Our team is laser-focused on meaningful change and empowering clients to break free from limiting habits. Cadence has worked globally with leaders and their teams from the C-suite to the frontlines and has engaged with companies from a diverse range of industries. At Cadence, our passion is helping people become their greatest selves so they can create a lasting impact in the workplace and beyond.

Coaching | 360 Assessments | Team 360 Assessments | Courses | Keynote Speaking

Connect with Cadence Leadership & Communication:

On this episode of One Step Beyond, we are joined by Klint Kanopka, Assistant Professor of Applied Statistics, New York University.

In this episode, Aram sits down with Klint Kanopka, an assistant professor of applied statistics at NYU, to unpack lessons from his journey navigating the world of academia. Klint shares insights on balancing multiple roles, the importance of long-term vision, and how tenure provides the freedom to pursue meaningful projects. The conversation also explores how mentorship drives growth, the true value of education, and strategies for fostering critical thinking and adaptability in professional settings.

They dive into the evolving landscape of higher education, highlighting how diverse perspectives shape organizational dynamics. Klint discusses the importance of strong measurement and data-driven insights in decision-making, as well as ways to make assessments and feedback more efficient. The discussion emphasizes understanding human behavior, appreciating diverse viewpoints, and using these insights to lead with impact and foster innovation.

The episode also touches on personal growth and professional identity, including lessons from navigating challenging environments and subcultures. Klint and Aram explore how lifestyle choices, community, and self-awareness influence leadership presence and communication. They wrap up with practical mentorship advice: set clear expectations, respect others’ time, and approach relationships with alignment and authenticity to drive meaningful professional development.

ON THIS EPISODE WE TALK ABOUT

• Leaders who invest in one-on-one development create stronger, more capable teams.
• Exposure to diverse perspectives fuels stronger choices and innovation.
• Encouraging team members to pursue real-world experiences alongside education builds sharper decision making and adaptability.
• Apprenticeship and mentorship accelerate learning beyond formal training.

About Klint Kanopka:

Klint is Assistant Professor of Applied Statistics in the department of Applied Statistics, Social Science, and Humanities at NYU Steinhardt. His work centers around joining psychometric modeling with computational methods. In practice, this includes using process data to understand how respondents interact with computerized tests, modeling features (like item order) that may hamper the comparability of scores, and using natural language processing to make sense of respondent generated text. Research-wise, he is also interested in applications of network methods and probabilistic graphical models to problems in measurement and the social sciences.

Connect with Klint:
https://klintkanopka.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/klint-kan...

On this episode of One Step Beyond, we are joined by Klint Kanopka, Assistant Professor of Applied Statistics, New York University.

In this episode, Aram sits down with Klint Kanopka, an assistant professor of applied statistics at NYU, to unpack lessons from his journey navigating the world of academia. Klint shares insights on balancing multiple roles, the importance of long-term vision, and how tenure provides the freedom to pursue meaningful projects. The conversation also explores how mentorship drives growth, the true value of education, and strategies for fostering critical thinking and adaptability in professional settings.

They dive into the evolving landscape of higher education, highlighting how diverse perspectives shape organizational dynamics. Klint discusses the importance of strong measurement and data-driven insights in decision-making, as well as ways to make assessments and feedback more efficient. The discussion emphasizes understanding human behavior, appreciating diverse viewpoints, and using these insights to lead with impact and foster innovation.

The episode also touches on personal growth and professional identity, including lessons from navigating challenging environments and subcultures. Klint and Aram explore how lifestyle choices, community, and self-awareness influence leadership presence and communication. They wrap up with practical mentorship advice: set clear expectations, respect others’ time, and approach relationships with alignment and authenticity to drive meaningful professional development.

ON THIS EPISODE WE TALK ABOUT

• Leaders who invest in one-on-one development create stronger, more capable teams.
• Exposure to diverse perspectives fuels stronger choices and innovation.
• Encouraging team members to pursue real-world experiences alongside education builds sharper decision making and adaptability.
• Apprenticeship and mentorship accelerate learning beyond formal training.

About Klint Kanopka:

Klint is Assistant Professor of Applied Statistics in the department of Applied Statistics, Social Science, and Humanities at NYU Steinhardt. His work centers around joining psychometric modeling with computational methods. In practice, this includes using process data to understand how respondents interact with computerized tests, modeling features (like item order) that may hamper the comparability of scores, and using natural language processing to make sense of respondent generated text. Research-wise, he is also interested in applications of network methods and probabilistic graphical models to problems in measurement and the social sciences.

Connect with Klint:
https://klintkanopka.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/klint-kan...