Confessions of a Pinterest Event Planner

What You Need to Know About Yourself Before Working at a Creative Tech Company

When people hear you plan events for a company like Pinterest, the reaction is usually some combination of “That’s so cool!” and “Do you get to design mood boards for everything?” Spoiler alert: not quite. But there is a lot of creativity and a lot of pressure.

During my time planning events for Pinterest, I learned more than how to produce stunning activations or manage cross-functional chaos. I learned about myself. Because to thrive at a creative tech company, you need more than a good portfolio and color-coded run-of-show. You need a strong sense of who you are, and the courage to show up fully.

Here’s what I’ve learned…confessions, if you will, and what you should know about yourself if you want to succeed in an environment where innovation moves fast and ideas are everything.

1. You Need to Be Comfortable Not Having All the Answers

Creative tech environments are fluid. Goals shift. Priorities evolve. There’s rarely a moment where everything is fully “done.” As an event planner, you may be crafting the look and feel of a showcase while still figuring out how to power the A/V.

If you need clear, black-and-white direction to move forward, you’ll struggle. But if you’re energized by open-ended challenges and trust your intuition, you’ll find freedom in the ambiguity.

Ask yourself: Am I energized by building the plane while flying it?

2. You Have to Embrace Feedback Even When It’s Vague or Brutal

At Pinterest, creativity is a team sport. You may have a vision for your event, only to hear: “It doesn’t feel on brand”

Learning to decode subjective feedback without taking it personally is a skill. So is asking the right questions to get clarity. Your ability to listen, absorb, and iterate without losing your cool is key.

Ask yourself: Can I hear feedback as a gift, not a personal attack?

3. You Must Value Aesthetics Without Letting Perfectionism Paralyze You

This one hit me hard. Pinterest is built on aesthetics. You’re surrounded by design-minded people with high standards. That can feel inspiring or intimidating. For me, it pushed me to level up every detail. But it also tempted me to hold back, overthink, and tinker too long.

The secret? Know when something is “Pinterest-pretty” and ready to ship. Progress over perfection. Beauty in execution.

Ask yourself: Can I balance high standards with high output?

4. You Need a Strong Sense of Self…So You Don’t Disappear in the Vibe

Pinterest has a beautiful brand. Warm, aspirational, creative. It’s easy to get swept into it, especially as a planner who wants to reflect that energy in every event.

But you also need to bring your own perspective. Otherwise, you’re just replicating, not innovating. I had to remind myself: Pinterest hired me for a reason. Your point of view matters even if it challenges the norm.

Ask yourself: Do I know what I bring to the table and am I brave enough to bring it?

5. You Need to Know How to Tell a Story

In tech, especially a company like Pinterest where everything is visual-first, events aren’t just logistics. They’re experiences. They're brand stories come to life. Your audience should leave feeling something curiosity, creativity, belonging.

That means your job isn’t just to plan events. It’s to tell stories through space, sound, light, and energy.

Ask yourself: Do I know how to turn a brand message into a living, breathing moment?

Creative Tech Is Not for the Faint of Heart But It Is for the Bold

Working at a company like Pinterest pushes you—creatively, emotionally, and mentally. You’ll juggle moving targets, high expectations, and the occasional existential creative spiral. But you’ll also be part of something special: building culture-shaping experiences that inspire real people.

If you’re considering a role in a creative tech company—especially in events—don’t just ask, “Do I have the skills?” Ask, “Do I have the self-awareness?”

Because in these spaces, your creativity is your currency. And the more you understand and trust yourself, the more valuable you’ll be.

Looking to elevate your event career? Contact Jess for unique coaching made by an event professional for event professionals looking to get out of the ‘doing’ and lead.