Job title: Regional director of marketing, China, ShareJet
What is your greatest achievement?
Combining a challenging career as a woman and a mother, and overcoming the boundaries of sexual and sometimes racial prejudices in the predominately male world of aviation.
Dream brand to work on and why?
I'd rather build a brand than be part of an established brand. To be innovative with an already successful brand I think is much harder and there are many more constraints, whereas with a new brand you can leave your own mark.
What if you weren't in marketing?
Probably entertainment, events or PR. I love anything creative, trouble-shooting, responding to crises and making people happy. Most marketers are great entertainers with hidden talents and I loved my time in programme production and marketing.
What was your big break?
Coming to Asia. It was a big step to leave friends and family in the UK, but I've never looked back.
Who was your mentor?
There was not one mentor but a series. I looked at people I wanted to be like and people I didn't want to end up like and made a conscious effort to be respected and become a mentor to my team in my own right. I was inspired by women who made it into management and who encouraged me in my pursuit as a working mother.
Is there a secret to your success?
Learning from mistakes and being true to myself. Listening and taking notice, being prepared to compromise and adjust my views. Success is a team effort. Setting the standards - I set high expectations and goals for myself and discipline myself in achieving them, whether it is a daily goal or a long-term goal. Being personable and having a passion for what I do and doing it well.
How do you handle difficult clients?
By understanding their frustrations and demands and making their problem my problem.
Advice to the next person in your job?
Do your homework. Always be well briefed, find out and research everything, check and double check.
What are you currently reading?
Industry publications to keep me abreast of new developments. Books such as A Passion for Excellence - the Leadership Difference by Tom Peters and Philip Kotler's Kotler on Marketing.
Business person you most admire?
Sir Freddie Laker, for the introduction into the world of aviation, and Virgin's Sir Richard Branson.