From Marketing Maven to Educator
My Journey to Making a Lasting Impact
After spending over two decades immersed in the fast-paced world of marketing, working with some of the most iconic brands in the sports, fashion, and youth culture sectors, I found myself at a crossroads. My career had taken me from Singapore to China and back to Singapore again, where I had the privilege of leading teams and crafting campaigns for global giants like adidas, ANTA, NIKE and lululemon. It was a journey filled with creativity, innovation, and the thrill of staying ahead in an ever-evolving market.
But as I reached the pinnacle of my marketing career, something began to shift within me. I realized that while I had been helping brands grow and connect with their audiences, I had also accumulated a wealth of knowledge and experience that could be shared in a different way. I started to ask myself: What if I could use my experience to make a more profound, lasting impact? What if, instead of shaping brands, I could help shape the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and innovators?
This line of thinking sparked a new passion within me—a call to education. I began to see the potential of my career experiences not just as a culmination of successes and challenges but as a valuable resource that could inspire and empower others.
Transitioning from marketing to education wasn’t an easy decision. I had built a career that I was proud of, one that was exciting and fulfilling. But the idea of becoming a lecturer, of standing in front of a classroom filled with eager minds, excited me in a different way. I realized that I could bring something unique to the table—real-world insights, cross-cultural perspectives, and a deep understanding of how to navigate and succeed in global markets.
As a lecturer, my goal is to bridge the gap between theory and practice. I want to equip my students with the tools they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Whether it’s understanding the nuances of digital marketing, the importance of cultural intelligence, or the power of strategic thinking, I believe that my experience can help them see beyond the textbook and into the realities of the industry. I had already had a taste of it as an adjunct lecturer at the Singapore University of Social sciences teaching Digital Marketing and I was hooked!
As I embark on a new career pivot, one of the most rewarding aspects of my new role as a Senior Lecturer within Temasek Polytechnic’s School of Business, is the opportunity to mentor students as they embark on their own journeys. I see myself not just as a teacher, but as a guide—someone who can help them navigate the complexities of their chosen fields and inspire them to think critically, creatively, and globally. The institution’s belief in ‘Creating Tomorrow’ with a strong sense of Courage, Care and Passion are beliefs I am aligned wholeheartedly with.
Looking back, I realize that my career in marketing was always about more than just selling products or building brands. It was about storytelling, problem-solving, and connecting with people on a deeper level. These are the same skills I bring to my role as an educator, but now, the stories I help tell are those of my students—their growth, their discoveries, and their successes.
I am incredibly excited about this new chapter in my life. The classroom has become my new creative space, and my students are my new clients. Together, we are exploring the world of marketing, not just as a profession, but as a powerful tool for change and innovation.
In the end, my call to education is driven by a simple yet profound belief: that knowledge is most valuable when it is shared, and that the greatest impact we can make is in helping others realize their full potential. I am here to do just that, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me—and my students—next.
