What is your greatest achievement?
Building up G2 (Grey Worldwide's below-the-line arm) in China and Hong Kong from six staff to 58 in two years. Then, leaving it all to start up my own business.
Dream brand to work on and why?
China. My motherland, the world's biggest brand. There's nothing to be prouder of than marketing your country.
What if you weren't in marketing?
Since childhood, my dream job has been to join the police force. That hasn't been realised because I'm short-sighted. But, because everyone I meet asks whether I'm a 'triad' member, I might as well try to head up one of those societies!
Who was your mentor?
David Kan. Those working in Hong Kong's advertising field for more than 35 years will know him. He was my master. He taught me about concept, idea and creation. Also, Anthony Chan, who hired me as the first art director at Saatchi & Saatchi China in 1992. He taught me that I should always be curious and always ask, "why not?".
How do you handle difficult clients?
All clients are difficult; they pay us, so they have the right to demand and push us to do better. I try to put myself in the client's position to find out why they rejected an idea or proposal. Creatives are not just artists, but also salesmen.
Advice to the next person in this job?
Be passionate. Love your job, the client and your staff. Love the city and the people - feel their pulse! I see too many foreigners in China just moving from their offices to their homes, and hanging around with other gweilos. How can they claim to understand the market like this?
What are you currently reading?
The end of advertising as we know it by Sergio Zyman, and The China dream by Joe Studwell.
Business person you admire?
Yeung Chi Chiu, founder of retailer G.O.D. He has cleverly built a simple yet stylish furniture business in Hong Kong.
