NICOLE YOUNG

swim past the breakers

Thinker. Doer. Connector.

About Nicole Young

I help people navigate the waters of growth—whether in marketing, strategy, or meaningful human connection. With a no-BS approach and a global lens, I’m drawn to real conversations about conservation, emerging markets, tech for good, and how we show up for each other. Honest dialogue drives change. Connection makes it last.

My Journey

After taking a much-needed solo trip and a break from the hustle of agency life, I was reminded how short our time here really is—and how deeply I care about nature, human connection, and the stories that link us.

Traveling through multiple countries with just a 7kg sling and a shoestring budget, I built relationships without needing shared language, calmly navigated curveballs, and came back with a renewed sense of clarity: the world is beautiful, fragile, and worth showing up for.

That clarity led me to shift gears—channeling the same energy I once poured into global ad campaigns into something bigger. Since then, my work has focused on cross-border collaboration, marketing for impact, and ocean conservation.

Today, I bring together a career in brand strategy, roots from a family-owned marina, and a passion for connecting communities to create work that drives both business and real-world change.

Men on Truck

Men riding on the back of a truck at sunset after work in Southeast Asia — a candid moment of daily life and human connection.

Playing Clownfish in Taiwan

Clownfish nestled in anemone coral off the coast of Taiwan — marine life photography capturing underwater biodiversity and conservation beauty image

Little Boy in Indonesia Shop

Young boy proudly holding up a carved statue in his father’s shop in Indonesia — a candid portrait of heritage and family closeness.

Men on Truck

Men riding on the back of a truck at sunset after work in Southeast Asia — a candid moment of daily life and human connection.

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Marketing Strategy & Consulting

Advertising, Growth & Ocean Impact

Advertising &
Growth Marketing

I cut my teeth at some of the world’s most respected agencies—leading omnichannel campaigns and 360 touchpoint strategies across brand, performance, and shopper marketing for global icons like Unilever, Mars Wrigley, and Citi. From managing $250M in ad spend to launching first-to-market activations across digital, social, and e-commerce platforms,

I’ve helped brands grow in complex, competitive markets. I bring a collaborative, insight-driven approach to every engagement—equal parts strategist and executor. Whether driving retention, boosting ROI, or building high-performing teams, my focus is always on delivering work that’s measurable, creative, and rooted in business impact.

SaaS, Startups
& Entertainment

I’ve led high-growth marketing and operations across SaaS-based startup, and entertainment spaces—where agility, scale, and storytelling drive results. At CreatorDB, I built cross-functional teams, launched digital strategies from the ground up, and drove over 800% profit growth—along with a 476.64% increase in revenue. My work spans B2B demand gen, CRM, content, paid media, and strategic partnerships.

In entertainment, I managed multimillion-dollar marketing operations for major global releases including Skyfall, The Amazing Spider-Man 2, and Men in Black III, contributing to over $2B in worldwide box office revenue. This hybrid background gives me a unique lens: startup speed, enterprise depth, and a deep respect for brand experience.

Ocean Conservation
& Impact Work

My work beneath the surface is driven by purpose. As a certified PADI Divemaster and CMAS Conservation Diver, I’ve contributed to coral restoration, marine research, and reef monitoring efforts across Southeast Asia. From transplanting coral fragments in Bali to documenting manta populations in marine sanctuaries, I’ve blended scientific diving with community-driven conservation.

As a board member of Tide Together, I help build bridges between marine nonprofits and corporate funders—turning shared values into sustained environmental impact. Whether in the water or at the table, I bring strategic focus, storytelling, and a deep respect for the ecosystems we depend on.

Ocean Impact

Photos & Words
Life Above + Below

When I’m not at the desk or under the waves, you’ll usually find me chasing light, stillness, and everyday beauty—camera in hand, cellphone nowhere to be found. Whether it’s a quiet street corner in Taipei, the rural backroads of the U.S., or the Pixar-colored reefs of the Coral Triangle, I’ve always been drawn to what often goes unnoticed.

Photography is my way of slowing down. Storytelling is how I process the world. Both are reminders that the little things—the colors, the shapes and shadows, the way people move through space—matter deeply.

And when the thoughts get too loud, you’ll find me unpacking them over on Medium—one fearless conversation or the occasional existential laugh at reality at a time.