What I wished I’d known sooner: Zunaid Green’s notes to his younger self

Looking back, Zunaid sees how every choice shaped his path as a creative. From overcoming imposter syndrome to redefining success, he shares the lessons he’d tell his younger self. Whether you're starting out or deep into your journey, his insights might be exactly what you need to hear.

Begin at the finish line

"If you have the end in mind, you can reverse engineer things to make sure that the decisions you make daily lead you to where you want to be," says Zunaid. Early in his career, he took the first opportunity that came his way – working in television – without considering where he truly wanted to end up. Given another chance, he would have chosen a different internship that aligned better with his long-term creative aspirations. His advice? Be intentional. Choose opportunities that align with your bigger vision.

A defining moment

Zunaid started his creative career as a film production graduate, working as an editor for TV shows. But when new technology allowed for high-quality video production using still cameras, he seized the opportunity to pick up a camera himself. "A friend was directing an event, and I filmed it. Because of my knowledge of editing, it elevated the project." That was the turning point. He realised he wasn’t just an editor confined to a desk – he was a creator, a storyteller. This shift expanded his perception of himself and opened new doors in his career.

Overcoming imposter syndrome

"Especially as a person of colour, you can struggle with feeling like you don’t belong in certain spaces," Zunaid reflects. Over time, he’s come to see both sides of imposter syndrome. While self-doubt can lead to inaction, it can also drive excellence. "Don't exclude yourself from spaces based on your own limited thinking. Push forward regardless of those feelings, and trust in yourself." His younger self needed to hear that confidence comes with experience – but taking the leap is the first step.

A sense of achievement

Success, Zunaid has learnt, is more than career milestones. "There’s work success, but there’s also life success." As he’s grown, he’s realised that true success isn’t measured in money, awards, or recognition. It’s in the relationships we nurture – especially friendships that can fade when everyone is too busy chasing their own goals. "As you get older, maintaining friendships becomes harder. But those relationships, if they energise you, are worth investing in." His message to his younger self? Don’t sacrifice meaningful connections in the pursuit of external success.

Fear of being “boring”

As a young creative, Zunaid feared blending in, becoming just another person in the crowd. But with time, he has come to see that fear as unfounded. "It was always up to me anyway. I can guide my own path." His realisation? True creativity isn’t about external validation – it’s about expression. Whether or not the world recognises it doesn’t matter. What matters is creating because you have to, because it’s who you are.

The power of relationships

Years ago, Zunaid received a piece of advice from the late advertising industry legend Kevan Aspoas: "Relationships are everything. Nurture them." At the time, it didn’t fully sink in. But now, he understands its weight. "The relationships you build become the stepping stones to your future." Some relationships start off rocky but can evolve into crucial creative collaborations. His advice? Trust your gut. Invest in the right connections. And remember that sometimes, the best professional relationships grow over time.

Invest in yourself

"Knowledge of self is always going to lead to better outcomes," he says. As Zunaid continues to evolve, he’s on a journey of self-discovery, embracing both the light and shadow within himself. "Whether that leads to creativity, art, or expression, I don’t care. It’s personal." But one thing is clear – knowing yourself inevitably influences the work you create. And in the end, he says, “I am on that journey of discovery. Whether that leads to creativity or art or expression, to be honest, I don't care. It's a completely personal thing and I think it will influence the work I do in the future, but I don’t need to tie it to my value or my worth – and neither should you.”