EP. 133 [EN] From Tokyo to the World: Celebrating and Empowering Individuality in Modeling Management – Kei Chen, Founder and CEO of Crossover

Kei Chen’s journey into the modeling industry began unexpectedly during college in Tokyo, when a friend suggested she join a modeling agency seeking bilingual talent. Despite lacking prior industry experience, Kei quickly adapted and has since thrived in modeling management. Growing up in Kuala Lumpur’s multicultural environment while being half Taiwanese, Kei developed a deep appreciation for diverse cultures, which she now leverages to help her talents succeed both in Japan and globally. 

Crossover Japan’s management style diverges from traditional transactional methods, focusing on integrating diverse perspectives from different industries into the modeling world. With this approach, Kei creates new synergy while building long-lasting relationships, and encourages her artists to embrace their uniqueness. She believes that while appearance is important for certain brands, the personal values and opinions of talents are paramount. 

With social media lowering barriers to fame and influence, Kei stresses it’s even more critical for artists to remain authentic while remembering they have more social responsibility to be role models with their platforms and influence. Looking ahead, she envisions greater diversity and women leadership in the talent management industry, emphasizing the need for support systems, compassion, and “seeing people for who they are, not just what they are.”