Here’s to the professional drifters. HK media fixture Lawrence Cheng has come a long way over four decades in radio, TV, film and online – and he’s proud to say little of it was planned. He talks to daughter Zaneta, writer and stylist, about the blueprint for a fulfilling creative career. Turns out it may mean tossing the blueprint altogether.
As a rookie radio DJ in the 80s, Cheng learned a lot on the graveyard shift – but the lesson that stuck came in a note from a disgruntled listener: “If you don’t like your job, please don’t do it.” Following his inspirations and playing to his strengths have helped Cheng hop between lily pads – from radio success with The Three Fairies and his breakout TV crossover The Yuppie Fantasia – to streaming a Sam Hui concert to a locked-down world on his YouTube channel.
The key to longevity? Embracing new platforms and learning from the next generation of creators. One of those is Zaneta, whose journey from poli-sci student to editorial staff on the style and culture beat was partly inspired by her dad’s playful attitude to fashion.
Join this happy-go-lucky duo as they discuss comfort vs. courage, and the importance of not allowing setbacks - or successes - dampen your hunger to keep growing.