CAREERS: Q&A with ... Stewart Li

What is your greatest work achievement?

Apart from winning several full services assignments after joining TBWA, one of the high notes for me personally was winning the Unilever China AOR business in 1995 when I worked with J. Walter Thompson.

What would be your dream brand to work on and why?

De Beers. Although I worked on it a long time ago, I still have great interest in it. De Beers believes in brand building and has excellent consumer insight. It is always a pleasure to work on advertising that touches people.

What would you do if you weren't in marketing?

I'd open a dive shop or operate a dive resort in Palau.

What was your big break?

While I was working on the media front, I was headhunted for a creative agency position by TBWA China. At TBWA China, I was able to explore my different talent in developing new business and managing the agency. In addition, it has now given me the chance to work in both Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Q&A with....Name Stewart Li
Age 38
Job title General manager, TBWA/Hong Kong and Tequila/Taiwan

Who was your mentor and how did this person influence you?

I have had a few mentors. But the one I remember most is Sue Johns, my boss from J. Walter Thompson. I learned a great deal from her. She put in a lot of effort to train new managers like myself. As a result, I have been able to train other young executives in China.

Is there a secret to your success?

Don't make the same mistake three times.

How do you handle difficult clients?

I've never met a client who is intentionally difficult. I believe problems arise from either an agency's delivery or people chemistry.

I would talk to clients directly to show my desire to resolve the problem.

I would also find a way to achieve mutually beneficial goals, monitor the situation and respond to the client.

What advice would you give to the next person to do your current job?

In his retirement note, Bill Tragos, one of the co-founders of TBWA, advised people to be 'Swan': Smart, Workaholic, Ambitious and Nice. I have always believed in this and would advise others to follow it.

Who is the person you most admire?

Antony Leung, the financial secretary of the Hong Kong SAR. He bravely takes on challenges in his role even though he has been successful in the banking industry for more than 20 years.