Level 380

Kudzi Chikumbu: Build a career that feels like you

Back in December, I sat down for an intimate chat with Kudzi Chikumbu, former TikTok Global Head of Creator Marketing, influential creator, and overall multihyphenate powerhouse - speaker, author, brand strategist. At the time we spoke, Kudzi was in his own in-between — fresh from a season of rest and in the middle of crafting his next move. From this headspace, we unpack what it means to: • Create from space — using rest to reveal authenticity • Build trust — treating your career as an offering • Create forwards — iterating from feedback • Redefine success — Balancing risk, fulfillment, and building a multidimensional life and career that truly feels like us We often focus on chasing “more.” But life – at its truest – is more like an art form. Beginning from a place of rest, starting with what feels connected and resonant, adding pieces - season by season - until we gradually create a frequency that others can step into. That’s what my conversation with Kudzi felt like: an invite to reconnect to a new frequency. Note: Since our chat, Kudzi has released the full season of his new podcast “Not Just One Thing” - a powerful body of work on building a modern portfolio career. Check it out here: https://www.kudzichikumbu.com/podcast [https://www.kudzichikumbu.com/podcast] Links * Full post on Substack [https://www.level380.com/p/kudzi-chikumbu-build-a-career-that] * Full video on Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j46LTUeN1gk] Where to follow Kudzi: * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kudzichikumbu/] * Website [http://kudzichikumbu.com/] * "Not Just One Thing" Podcast [http://kudzichikumbu.com/podcast] * TikTok (Kudzi) [https://www.tiktok.com/@kudzi] * TikTok (SirCandleMan) [https://www.tiktok.com/@sircandleman] About Level 380 A newsletter for the ambitious leader, I explore a more holistic approach to unlocking a life of meaningful work and purpose. My goal is not to provide lists of tactics, but to offer fundamental principles that unlock a deeper understanding. Subscribe free at https://level380.com [https://level380.com]. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

#002: Ian Yung

Ian Yung is a senior growth and marketing executive with a diverse career journey, from serving as President of the largest audio manufacturer in South America to leading growth for major DTC lifestyle brands like Tonal, where he was most recently the SVP of Revenue. Ian’s career has been marked by his ability to drive profitable growth across industries, thanks to his keen eye for strategy (what’s driving your growth?), a genuine desire to help, and an overall passion for efficiency. Now taking a career break and fresh off a renewing trip to Bali, Ian joins me to chat about his career journey to date, his strategy to drive broader impact, and his approach to finding balance. Watch the full video on Youtube here. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZ24eGvaLE8&t=3s] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

#001: Patrick Burns

Patrick Burns is a dynamic product leader and ex-venture-backed startup founder whose career journey not only spans major tech names like Amazon, Snapchat, Google, and Discord, but also includes early experiences as a journalist, filmmaker, and producer of an Oscar-nominated documentary. In this inaugural pilot episode of the 380 Podcast, Patrick and I chat about his unique journey balancing passion and pragmatism and how both have shaped his life and career. Watch the full video on Youtube here. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOnLd_inwO0&t=3418s] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.