Eason Yang
Eason Yang is a designer, speaker, educator, creative director, and social innovator. After overcoming cancer and rebuilding his life, he has become the face of professional comebacks, inspiring others to realize their full potential despite life’s interruptions and adversity. Eason’s career struggles are often humorously compared to Steve Jobs’ return to Apple, Robert Downey Jr.’s return to acting, and Lance Armstrong’s cycling victories (just kidding!).
Early in his career, Eason led global creative teams at Uber, Ogilvy, and Saatchi & Saatchi, earning worldwide recognition, including the Cannes Young Lion Award in 2012.
In late 2016, a cancer diagnosis altered Eason’s path. Though he beat cancer, he was labeled “unhireable” at 35 due to a resume gap. Unfazed, he founded Not Entirely Dead (NED), a social enterprise to help cancer survivors navigate life and work transitions.
Eason’s work in design and social innovation has earned recognition from major creative awards, including AIGA, PRINT, and D&AD. Fast Company named NED the 2023 World Changing Idea and Most Innovative Design.
While creating NED, Eason earned a Master of Design degree from the University of Washington and served as the 2022 Commencement Speaker.
Today, Eason teaches design, mentors young creatives, and speaks globally, reshaping the narrative around creativity and societal impact.
Beyond design, Eason is a self-trained marathon runner, having logged over 8,000 km as part of his comeback. Each morning, classical music organizes his mind as he runs.
Title: Founder & Creative Director
Organization: Not Entirely Dead
