Career Path - September 2007

Annie Wong

Executive Creative Director

Ogilvy & Mather Advertising

First job ever?

At 14 I became a factory worker. A week later I was fired. (Nobody told me I had to work overtime.)

First job in advertising?

Associate art director at BBDO HK.

Best job you've ever worked in and why?

Working with Ogilvy. It's so good that I actually left and came back.

I've been with Ogilvy for six years all up, as a creative director, executive creative director and now a regional creative partner.

The reason I love Ogilvy so much is it gives me opportunities to work on big clients, big ideas and, hopefully, win big awards.

Perks of your current job?

I was at a restaurant and overheard a conversation between two people sitting at a nearby table.

"Have you seen that Coke Light ad? It's so funny!"

My ears pricked up when I heard them talking about a commercial I made. They even ordered Coke Lights. I felt so good afterwards.

Not only did the commercial make them laugh, they also ordered Coke Lights to drink. So good advertising does work.

Worst job you've ever worked in and why?

To be honest I've never really had a worst job. Every job gives me a new experience and new challenges. And all challenges can be overcome.

Advertising professionals you admire and why?

Tham Khai Meng. He's the driving force behind all of Ogilvy's creative and why Ogilvy is the No.1 network in Asia.

Best career advice you've ever been given?

"Unless your advertising is built on a BIG IDEA it will pass like a ship in the night." David Ogilvy

Why did you choose a career in advertising?

Advertising gives me the opportunities to bring my ideas to life. I still can't believe I actually get paid to think of ideas. I'd do it for free!

If you weren't in advertising what would you be?

Perhaps in entertainment or show business. Making movies, music, TV... Hey, it's the same as making a television commercial only a little longer than 30seconds.

How do you wind down?

Forget the bad stuff, sleep and wake up to a new day.