Johnny K. Wu

Owner/Civic Leader, Media Design Imaging, Co-Founder of Cleveland Asian Festival, Co-Founder of Silk Road Cultural Collective

Education: MBA

What Success Looks Like to Me: Being able to keep doing what I love — making films, producing events, building community projects — while also having the time and energy to enjoy life

What I Look for in a Leader: Since I work across so many different roles (film, events, nonprofit), I appreciate a leader who understands that flexibility and adaptability matter. 

What Motivates Me Right Now: Seeing my work actually come together and make a real impact — whether that’s a film hitting the screen, an event drawing a crowd or a nonprofit program building something meaningful for the community

What Would Surprise Someone to Learn About Me: I love to sleep. I’ve been doing intensive, project-based work since 1998 — film productions, big festivals, nonprofit leadership — and I’ve learned that I don’t do my best work when I’m tired. So, I prioritize getting enough rest, even when things are crazy busy. 

Outside of Work You’ll Find Me: Researching and studying historical stuff — especially Tang and Ming dynasty material culture, Korean and Vietnamese historical dress and armor. I also keep up with martial arts training and practice.