Seewoo Hann, a product developer from South Korea, understands that the quality of a product is essential based on his years of working in the automotive industry. He points out that if someone is in a vehicle and their seat isn’t secured properly, their life is in jeopardy. The meticulousness that was vital in his previous job as a BMW project manager is now a part of what he brings to his position working at Nike in sports product development.
“Due to my personal encounters with rehabilitation and injuries, having weighed a maximum of 350 pounds during adolescence, I have been passionate about lowering the barrier for access to physical activity through sports products so that more athletes can live a healthy life both mentally and physically,” he explains.
Self-described as someone eager to learn, Seewoo has acquired much knowledge from his previous job, which he carries forward in his current position. While working at Sebang Global Battery as a BMW and VW project manager, he learned how to lead a global team by cultivating “relationships both within and outside of the organization” and how to motivate his team by clearly communicating. Learning to be an effective leader was essential to his success.
His attention to detail and willingness to learn helped Seewoo when he decided to shift his career from the automotive industry to sportswear product development. The change was daunting for the South Korean, but he was determined to “establish a foothold in a different industry.”
His favorite anecdote is “Where there is a will, there is a way,” and he found one to expedite his switch in industries.
Upon discovering that the University of Oregon offered a sports product management program modeled after Nike’s 18-month product development calendar, he enrolled in hopes of breaking into his new chosen career path. That hard work paid off when he started working for Nike in product development.
Seewoo’s approach to sportswear is inspired by his health issues and his passion to help remove barriers that might prevent access to physical activity.
“I am determined to offer footwear and apparel that supports the body shape of so-called plus-size athletes and obscures any flaws they wish to conceal, such as large bellies or chests, for physical activities, even if it is a brief five-minute stroll outside their home,” Seewoo says. “My back continues to be affected by a herniated disc, which was caused by my tendency to hunch forward in order to conceal my midsection.”
Due to the excessive weight his body carried in the past, Seewoo has degenerative tendons in both his ankles, a dislocated meniscus in his left knee, and collapsed arches in both feet. Seewoo is an athlete himself, working out in the morning doing CrossFit. The combination of his past weight issues, overcoming physical limitations, and his dedication to a fitness routine gives him a unique perspective when it comes to developing sportswear.
“My objective is to provide individuals who are experiencing weight issues with the necessary resources for overcoming their physical limitations and lead a healthy life, both physically and mentally,” he explains.