Member Spotlight feat. D.L.
D.L.
Business Consultant
Curious Idealistic Creative
Meet D.L., a visionary creative consultant dedicated to innovating the way we perceive and interact with the world around us.
With an innate ability to see the idealistic beauty in all things—from music and literature to the very essence of individuals—D.L. is driven by an insatiable curiosity and the thrill of the unknown. Fueled by boundless curiosity and the excitement of venturing into the unknown, D.L.'s passion for embracing challenges shines brightly in their pursuits of bouldering and skating.
Meet D.L., a seasoned graphic designer with a rich background in advertising and social media. After dedicating several years to the industry, D.L.'s aspirations have evolved towards more altruistic endeavours.
Beyond work, D.L. is passionate about bouldering, longboarding, and the art of printmaking — particularly risography and unique binding styles. Currently engrossed in the book ‘The Biggest Bluff', they're always eager to delve deep into psychology and the nuances of decision-making.
As a collector of intricate book bindings and an enthusiast of both traditional and modern printmaking techniques, D.L. treasures a gocco printer, which captures images reminiscent of old-school photographs. At 28, D.L. juggles a senior role and mentors fresh talents, while dreaming of immersive travels, particularly in Bali and the Japanese countryside. Their travel philosophy? Approach every experience with an open, inquisitive mind, soaking in every moment, and staying anchored in the present.
Kopi Date: What's your day-to-day like as a business consultant at this human-centred design agency?
I work in the communications department of our company, which has a strong focus on design and innovation. We often assist clients who come to us with product ideas but are uncertain about how to launch them or who their target consumers are. Our approach involves extensive iterative testing and a foundation in empathy-driven human-centered design principles.
While my colleagues approach client interactions from business or research perspectives, my role centers on communication. I distill the insights and opportunities we uncover during our conversations and research and present them in a compelling and desirable manner to our clients. In essence, my job is to bridge the gap between our discoveries and our clients' understanding, ensuring that they see the value and potential in our insights.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when first starting out?
Shifting from traditional advertising's trend-driven mindset was challenging. Instead of relying on gut feelings or social media buzz, this role demands deep conversations and genuine empathy towards people's experiences. The goal is to turn insights into impactful narratives that resonate. This required a deliberate slowdown, a keen eye for detail, and authentically representing the voices we engage with.
Do you find it hard to understand humans? Why?
That's actually the part that I found quite easy for this job. In my previous one, it relied a lot on intuition and guesswork, which just didn't sit right with me. Picture this: I'm fresh out of university, working with these seasoned pros in their 30s and 40s who are brainstorming campaigns targeting millennials or Gen Zs. They'd often turn to me and say, “Daniel (name changed), you're a Gen Z or a millennial, how should we design this?" But here's the thing, it was mostly guesswork.
Now, in my current role, I get to do something I've been looking forward to. I can actually go out and have real conversations with the people we're creating content for. I can dig deep and understand their wants and needs, which makes a whole lot more sense. Connecting with people and getting genuine insights has been the most enjoyable and fulfilling part of this job for me.
I noticed you have an interest in physical book-binding, which is such a unique and thoughtful pursuit. I'd love to hear about some of your favourite book-binding techniques and what makes them special to you.
When I did indulge in bookbinding, though, my absolute favourite technique was coptic binding. It's quite a fascinating method. Essentially, you work with sections of paper that you fold together. You can either sew or staple these sections. Imagine having about four to ten sets of these sections, and then you take sewing thread and bind them all together.
The beauty of coptic binding is that it results in a rather unique book structure. Instead of the typical glued center, it boasts a thick, exposed spine. So when you look at the book from the side, there's this captivating, intricate web of thread that really catches the eye. It adds a distinctive character to the book, making it much more visually appealing than just a regular cover.
So, anything related to sewing a book together has always fascinated me. It's those little details that can turn a simple book into a work of art, in my opinion.
Very interesting! How would you describe your overall experiences with Kopi Date?
When it comes to the day or the date itself, I'd say it can be a bit of a mixed bag. It varies from person to person. Introverts and extroverts have different approaches. However, what stands out for me is the authenticity that most people bring to the experience, much like what I've noticed with your team. People here are genuine; they're not putting on a facade or presenting a false image of themselves. It's easy to get a sense of their personalities and really get to know them.
I find this aspect truly enjoyable because it eliminates a lot of guesswork. In traditional dating, there's often a constant wondering about what the other person is thinking, what they think of you, and it involves dropping hints and hoping they pick up on them. All that ambiguity is virtually non-existent here, which is a breath of fresh air because life is already filled with its fair share of uncertainties.
How closely do you align with Kopi Date's values of fostering authentic human connections?
That's essentially why I was drawn to the idea of joining this organisation. The core focus on face-to-face, conversation-led interactions was the standout factor for me. It's markedly different from the fast-paced world we live in today, where work and life seem to blur together in a constant rush. It's all too easy to let everything move at the same breakneck speed, leaving us without those genuine, meaningful moments with others.
In a world where everything is rushing by, the concept of taking a pause to engage in authentic conversations with people is truly ideal. It's about recognizing the importance of those human connections and valuing them amidst the chaos of modern life.
In your opinion, how effectively do we embody these values?
Engaging with the Kopi Date team has been a pleasure. I've noticed your exceptional attentiveness and genuine concern for feedback and insights from program participants like me, which is truly commendable.
What stands out most is the consistent authenticity, openness, warmth, and welcoming attitude displayed by you and your colleagues. This approach creates an environment where people feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and experiences, which is quite rare in contrast to more traditional service models that prioritize functionality and efficiency over meaningful conversation and understanding.
I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to your team for maintaining this exceptional standard. You're doing an excellent job, and it's been a refreshing experience interacting with you all. Great work!
When it comes to dating, what are some of the valuable traits and qualities you bring to the table?
Well, I'm quite talkative, and I see that as a positive trait. If we have nothing to talk about, I'll probably find something to talk about. My head is brimming with facts about films, books, authors, and a myriad of other subjects. So, if the opportunity arises, you can count on me to share some of these tidbits.
Another thing to know about me is that I'm the type of person who lives to eat rather than eating just to live. I have a genuine passion for food and a personal catalog of fantastic places to eat. So, if you ever need recommendations for a great meal, I've got you covered. With me around, you can bet there won't be any awkward moments of silence!
Have you noticed personal growth and self-improvement throughout your dating experiences, and if so, what are some of the significant insights you've gained along the way?
Before joining Kopi Date, I wasn't particularly in tune with my emotions and inner feelings. It wasn't something I focused on, given the demands of my career and other aspects of life. However, since becoming a part of this program, I've found myself becoming more emotionally aware. I've learned to understand my feelings better, their significance, and how to address them. Essentially, I've become more in tune with myself, which I believe is a positive development.
It's not just about being in tune with my emotions; it's also about knowing what these emotions mean and how to manage them effectively.
Moreover, this journey has boosted my confidence significantly. I used to consider myself a shy introvert, but it turns out that under the right circumstances, I'm more extroverted than I thought. This newfound confidence has allowed me to initiate and sustain conversations with ease.
How would you describe Kopi Date in a sentence?
I've been asked this question by others I've met through the program, and it's a bit challenging to describe succinctly, but I'd characterise it as a highly customised and personally curated social experience. It's not solely about dating; it's more encompassing, offering a broader social experience.
Any tips for members going on a first date?
I'd recommend always having a backup plan to keep things engaging and dynamic. I'll admit, while I appreciate the curated kits you provide, sometimes I like to switch things up. Instead of staying put in a restaurant, I prefer to explore the area or try something different nearby.
This change of scenery and pace adds a refreshing twist to the meeting and the overall experience. If you remain in the same spot for a prolonged period, say three hours, conversations can become stagnant, and energy levels may dip. So, having a backup plan in your back pocket can be a great way to maintain interest and momentum.