CAREERS: Q&A with ... Michael Wong, Director of marketing, Blockbuster
<p>Name: Michael Wong </p><p>Age: 37 </p><p>Job title Director of marketing, Blockbuster </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>What is the greatest work achievement? </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>Building up the Blockbuster brand in Hong Kong. We started from no name </p><p>recognition to becoming 'the' place for video entertainment. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>What would be your dream brand to work on? </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>Hong Kong is my dream brand to work on. The product's number one: the </p><p>world's best place to be in, with superb culture, history and geography. </p><p>It needs branding which can do it justice. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>What would you do if you were not in marketing? </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>I would be an instructor at the Outward Bound School. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>What was your big break? </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>Moving from an ad agency into marketing. The experience has made me feel </p><p>like a kid in a toy store, with lots of goodies and fun stuff. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>Who was your mentor and how did this person influence you? </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>My wife Candy Tam. Her insight, clarity of thought and wisdom is out of </p><p>this world. She continues to show me justice, character and strength in </p><p>a turbulent environment. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>Is there a secret to your success? </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>I would say it begins with believing in the potential of people you work </p><p>with, being a team player and a strong leader all at the same time. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>How do you work with difficult clients? </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>By being very clear-minded, making solid preparation, following up and </p><p>delivering on promises. Nobody can challenge the truth. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>What advice would you give to the next person in your current job? </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>Be creative, nimble and have lots of fun. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>What are you currently reading that will help you in your job? </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>From the Third World to the First by Lee Kwan Yew. A classic example of </p><p>how to manage in crisis situations. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>Who is the business person you admire most and why? </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>Lee Kwan Yew, if you consider Singapore as a corporation. His foresight </p><p>and wisdom is complemented with fire in the belly and courage of the </p><p>soul. He is a role model for leaders in tough times. </p><p><BR><BR> </p>