Careers: Q&A with ... Wilma Wong, Ricoh

Name Wilma Wong

Age: 38

Job title: Marketing communications manager, Ricoh

What is your greatest work achievement? I have been in charge of marketing, customer service and TQM in my company which gives me great exposure and enjoyment.

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

A big consumer brand like Nike or McDonald's. With both these brands, their brand equity has been successfully built beyond their product attributes and there is a lot of room for imagination and freedom in designing their advertising.

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

If I wasn't working in marketing, I would be pursuing my interests in art and dancing, as well as spending time with my children.

What was your big break?

When I moved from an ad agency to the client side.

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

My mentor has been my husband, who showed me good leadership and how to think positive.

Is there a secret to your success?

Good interpersonal relationship and a great passion for my job.

How do you handle difficult clients?

I listen to their requirements and agree on the objectives in writing.

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

You need to know a lot about the company and build good working relations with various departments.

What are you currently reading that will help you in your job?

Media magazine, daily newspapers and IT weeklies.

Who is the business person you most admire and why?

That would be Li Ka Shing as he knows how to use the right people to help him build his kingdom from nothing. On top of all that, he doesn't really need to work.