Marketing is my passion, and I love creating and delivering value in our offerings. I started my marketing journey in 2007 after graduating from university and progressed into more senior roles over the next 15 years in the commercial and sports sectors. One of my career highlights was to work as the Marketing Manager at the Hong Kong Football Association, in charge of a few large campaigns such as World Cup Qualifier Promotion and rebranding project on HK Premier League and HK Representative Team.
My last role before I relocated to the UK was Associate Director, Marketing & Event Development at HK01 – pioneers in building a digital media plus lifestyle platform. I led over 20 energetic teammates to turn the business from a media-only to a media-lifestyle focus and attract over 12K attendants to participate in the 1st Hong Kong Martial Arts Expo.
Over the last few years, things started to change in Hong Kong – which you’ve probably heard in the news, so I made the decision to leave everything I know behind and move to the UK. Hongkongers are quite lucky that we have the option to relocate to the UK without restrictions.
Working my way back up the ladder
I essentially had to start my career from scratch when I arrived in the UK in 2021 and worked in more junior roles. My only requirement is to work back in the Marketing field. But to be honest, no matter where I work, or what the role is – I will just try my best and work as well as I can.
I worked as a Marketing & Project Manager at StellarCare NW (homecare company) for a couple of months, before moving to Play it Green as a Marketing Manager – where I helped them to create some marketing campaigns and revamp their website.
In October 2022, I joined GC as a Marketing Manager in the Marketing and Communications team. Right from the start, I felt welcomed and valued. I soon got the chance to show how I could make positive changes and informed decisions that benefit the business.
Embracing and navigating a new culture
One of the biggest cultural work-life differences I have felt is the importance of work-life balance at GC compared to Hong Kong. When you’re off work here, you’re actually off work! In Hong Kong, your often expected to work late, and a holiday wasn’t really a holiday as you were expected to dip into emails and take calls. You don't get much family life in Hong Kong. I miss a lot about Hong Kong, but that is one the things that I don’t miss.
Here in the UK we’ve got a lot more time for ourselves – it's totally different.
A whirlwind 18 months
It’s wonderful that, within just 18 months, I’ve got a platform to showcase my ability and moved into more senior roles here at GC.
When I joined as Marketing Manager, trying to get back into the level of role I had a couple of years earlier wasn’t front of mind for me. I think, just being me, and sharing my skills and experience was what I set out to do to help the business, but It’s also ended-up paving the way and putting me in good stead for opportunities that have arisen. After just 5 months, a Marketing Business Partner role was advertised – which I applied for and started in February 2023.
And in May this year, I was successful in my application for a more senior role as Head of Business Marketing, where I’ve got to focus more on the strategy around marketing campaigns. I’m really enjoying taking my team on a journey with me – and getting to know them even better as we continue to build trust in one another.
A dream job without good teammates is nothing
There’s lots of opportunity at GC. It's just like a mini-society with many different sectors and industries. You can learn from each area little-by-little and widen your horizons very easily.
Even though I have lots of experience, I’ve still got a lot to learn – from my peers, but also from many different stakeholders, and my team. I feel comfortable expressing my views and making suggestions. It’s great that I get to listen to different opinions and understand how we can collaboratively make things work in a better way to make a positive change.
It's good working at GC. It's definitely a dream job for me. I would like to take the opportunity to thank the wider marketing and Communication team in GC, especially my team in GM Business Growth Hub. Without them, I wouldn't be in this position as they are always supportive and energetic – which makes me feel warm and know that we can overcome every challenge ahead.
Here in the UK and my career at GC, I will keep preparing myself to be a better person and make sure I can do the same for my boy – that’s the reason I’m here.