Paanii Annan Shares Marketing Experience with TSL

Paanii Annan

In a recent zoom meeting, Paanii Annan came in to drop a few gems of knowledge for the next generation on how to become successful. Annan, Brand Manager at Wieden + Kennedy where he works with Nike Global, Jordan Brand and Nike North America, shared his upbringing leading up to present day as well as his career experience so far.

Early in the meeting, Annan, a former Missouri University student, told True Star participants that before his career with NIKE his passion was to become a broadcast journalist. Later on he realized that deep down he really had a love for marketing.

“I began to explore and wonder if broadcast journalism was for me. ..I always had this heart for marketing and advertising growing up-watching any Michael Jordan commercial.” Annan stated that ever since he was a little kid, his obsession with Jordan’s commercials drew him towards chasing greatness in life, whether that be in sports or even his academics.

Annan shared video of his work.

Later in the meeting, participants had several questions, one of them being, “How did you feel leaving your family to travel across the world?” His response was, “It was tough because it was really a dream job for me. It was really the goal. Always. ..It’s kind of the pinnacle in the field to be able to work on a big brand. There are certain brands that are like a dream to work on. Nike is one of them.” Annan said that he is at a point in his career where he wants to be comfortable, so making necessary moves is all a part of the process.

When it comes to chasing that dream career that you want, Annan encouraged the TS participants to take advantage of the freedom that comes with their youth. “If there is something out there that you want, go get it. Do it while you’re young.”

Hopefully Annan gets to come back and drop some more gems for us. Until then, you can watch the full interview below. Stay tuned for more articles from our Session with the Pros section!