What are the top three ingredients for a successful business?

In my business, it is essential to have a strong identity that distinguishes one from one’s competitors. It is also important to be open to new ideas and ways of doing things. I firmly believe in the power of trust and teamwork, and the importance of listening and seeking advice from not just the more experienced, but also the more junior members of the team. 

Do you have any mentors? If so, who are they and what is the best piece of advice they have given you?

My father says, “Try and you might, don’t and you won’t”, which left an indelible mark in my mind when it came to the importance of pushing myself beyond my comfort zone and taking risks.

What qualities do you look for in a potential employee?

Naturally, all roles have their own requirements and most prospective candidates that I interview are usually more than qualified for the role they are applying for. I look for an unusual spark that makes the candidate stand out from the rest. It is usually apparent within the first few minutes of meeting. 

What has been your biggest career obstacle to date? How did you overcome it?

My youngest brother passed away in 2010 after a battle with a rare form of cancer. We were close, and this had a profound effect on my career as I had to learn to compartmentalise different aspects of my life. I did this by dedicating time with him and my family, and then focusing on work, which was a welcome distraction. Since then, I’ve tried to be present and engage fully with whatever it is that I am doing at any moment in time. It’s a constant challenge, particularly today with the busy lives that we all lead. 

Do you have any business regrets? If so, what?

Our business has grown exponentially in Asia and so, too, has the workload. Our team has grown alongside our business and initially, it was challenging for me to delegate tasks to different members of my team. Thankfully I am a lot better at this now, but I regret not relinquishing control of certain areas of our business at an earlier stage. It is a challenge when you know mistakes will be made, but I now appreciate that failure is the key to learning and to achieving long term success.

How do you plan to develop your business over the next five years? 

I’ll tell you if you promise me you won’t tell our competitors.

What is one surprising thing about you that most people don’t know?

At university I studied ancient Chinese literature and art (think Tang dynasty poetry, and blue and white porcelain). A far cry from what we do at Phillips today.