Designing a Career with Heart: The Story of Vivian Cheng
- Ihor Saveliev
- Apr 19
- 4 min read
Updated: May 28
At Hasel Magazine, we’re drawn to stories of people who navigate complexity with intention, and Vivian Cheng is one of them.
Vivian Cheng’s professional journey is a testament to her ability to move seamlessly between worlds, making each one better than she found it. Whether partnering with startups or leading Fortune 500 talent strategies, her approach is grounded in one core belief: meaningful careers start with meaningful conversations.
From the bustling innovation hubs of APAC to the dynamic markets of North America and the UK, Vivian’s influence knows no boundaries. She is trusted by businesses to build diverse, high-performing teams and by individuals to help them navigate life’s boldest career moves. As the best Career Coach, Vivian doesn’t just place people in jobs; she empowers them to take control of their professional journeys with clarity and confidence.
With her deep understanding of human potential, Vivian helps professionals define their career paths, not just for today, but for the future they aspire to. In her world, it’s not just about finding the right job; it’s about creating the career of a lifetime.
Talent VIVIAN CHENG / Photography by IHOR SAVELIEV / Grooming ANASTASIIA SAVELIEVA
HASEL Magazine: Welcome, Vivian — it’s such a pleasure to have you join us!
You wear many "hats" in your professional life. How do you manage to balance your roles as a Talent Acquisition Advisor, Career Coach, and Recruitment Consultant?
Talent VIVIAN CHENG / Photography by IHOR SAVELIEV / Grooming ANASTASIIA SAVELIEVA
I focus on time management and clear priorities to balance my roles in career coaching, talent acquisition, and recruitment. I schedule specific hours for each, ensuring I stay focused and meet deadlines.
I leverage synergies between roles, such as using my talent acquisition experience to improve coaching and vice versa. Communication is key, so I set clear expectations with clients about my availability.
I also delegate administrative tasks when needed and ensure I set boundaries to avoid burnout. By organizing my time and staying strategic, I manage to maintain quality in each role.
Talent VIVIAN CHENG / Photography by IHOR SAVELIEV / Grooming ANASTASIIA SAVELIEVA
HASEL Magazine: What key changes have you observed in the fields of recruitment and career development over the past few years?
The key changes I’ve observed in recruitment and career development are driven by AI, the need for multi-skilled candidates, the rise of specialization, and the importance of innovation. AI is transforming the industry by automating tasks like sourcing and screening, making recruitment more efficient.
At the same time, companies are increasingly looking for individuals who possess a diverse skill set, often hiring people who can handle multiple roles. This shift pushes professionals to continually expand their skills and adapt to the changing job landscape.
Talent VIVIAN CHENG / Photography by IHOR SAVELIEV / Grooming ANASTASIIA SAVELIEVA
While being adaptable is valuable, there’s also a growing demand for specialists. Industry experts now need to refine their expertise and position themselves as leaders in a specific area, becoming true specialists in their field. To be at the top of their game, individuals must innovate. Those who want to lead in their industry or role need to combine their deep expertise with creative approaches to work. The ability to stay ahead and bring fresh solutions is key to becoming a leader in the field.
Talent VIVIAN CHENG / Photography by IHOR SAVELIEV / Grooming ANASTASIIA SAVELIEVA
HASEL Magazine: How do you help both startups and large companies adapt to the modern demands of today’s job market?
To help startups or large corporations adapt to the modern job market, I focus on aligning their recruitment strategies with current trends. I introduce AI-powered tools for automation in candidate sourcing, screening, and decision-making to improve efficiency and accuracy.
Also emphasizing continuous learning and upskilling programs ensures that employees remain competitive and adaptable to market changes. Besides, I help companies implement diversity and inclusion strategies, fostering a positive work culture and innovation.
Given the growing demand for purpose-driven work, I guide companies to clearly define their mission and values, ensuring they resonate with potential hires.
HASEL Magazine: You do circus aerial, snowboard, and enjoy camping. How do these hobbies influence your professional life and help you maintain balance?
My hobbies, circus aerial and snowboarding, influence my professional life by shaping my dynamic mindset. Both sports require agility, focus, and adaptability, which help me excel in fast-paced, ever-changing environments.
Aerial arts teach me balance and composure under pressure, while snowboarding enhances my quick decision-making. These activities fuel my passion for growth and challenge, mirroring my approach to recruitment and career coaching. The energy and momentum I gain from these sports keep me innovative and ready to tackle new obstacles in my work.
Talent VIVIAN CHENG / Photography by IHOR SAVELIEV / Grooming ANASTASIIA SAVELIEVA
HASEL Magazine: What moments in your personal life inspire you the most, and how do they reflect in your work?
My most challenging moment came when I had to find a balance between stress and wellness. In the fast-paced nature of my work, I often found myself overwhelmed by multiple responsibilities and tight deadlines. The pressure was real, and it was easy to let stress take over. However, I realized that my wellness had to be a priority if I wanted to stay effective and focused.
By embracing my motto, 'Present is Present,' I learned to live in the moment and give myself the space to recharge when needed. I prioritized self-care, set boundaries, and sought out moments of calm amidst the chaos. This experience was a reminder that wellness is not just a personal need, but a professional necessity. I share this as a gift to you: my motto, 'Present is Present.' Take care of your mind and body, and remember that balance is key. When you’re grounded in the present, you can navigate life’s challenges with clarity and strength.
