Careers: Q&A with ... Eliza Kwong, Outdoor Asia, VF Asia

<p>Name: Eliza Kwong </p><p>Job title: Marketing manager, Outdoor Asia, VF Asia </p><p>What is your greatest work achievement? Joining VF. Being involved not only in marketing but also managing business performance allows me to be exposed to the complete cycle of running a brand. </p><p>What would be your dream brand to work on and why? </p><p>Napapijri, an Italian outdoor fashion brand, which was acquired by VF in June this year. Japan and Korea will be the stepping stones to building its Asian foundation. Otherwise, I always wanted to work at Disneyland. </p><p>What would you do if you weren't in marketing? </p><p>I would open a 24-hour video cafe. As a student in the US, I worked part-time at a hotel and after work hung out in a 24-hour video cafe. On the street it was quiet, inside it was warm watching old movies. </p><p>What was your big break? </p><p>Switching from being a designer to a marketing professional was really the turning point. Being a designer was fun; however, to successfully build a brand provides the greatest job satisfaction. </p><p>Who was your mentor and how did this person influence you? </p><p>My lecturer at school reminded me that no matter how well you plan, things can happen at any time to ruin your plans. </p><p>Is there a secret to your success? </p><p>Trial and error - it is okay to be wrong, but it is not okay not to try. </p><p>How do you handle difficult clients? </p><p>Listen to their complaints, problems and reasons, and then ask questions. </p><p>What advice would you give to the next person to do your current job? </p><p>Do not stick to old rules and practices. A company hires new staff for new brains. </p><p>What are you currently reading that will help you in your job? </p><p>The WGSN website for news of apparel, retailing, manufacturing, licensing etc. </p><p>Who is the business person you most admire and why? </p><p>The former CEO of McDonald's, who revamped the business by looking at details through the eyes of consumers. </p>