Being a good listener makes all the difference:　

In my nearly 17 years in advertising in Vietnam, both at Western and Asian agencies, my time in the Hakuhodo Group has been the longest. And I do believe that, maybe, it’ll last several years more…

Working here is a unique experience. There is a specific culture that makes it quite different from other agencies I’ve worked with. Here, I’m surrounded by really good listeners—from the Management Board to the powerful creative team. 

I don’t have the added pressure of dealing with “bold” or “shining star” types because everyone sets aside their egos in order to get the work done. This attitude manifests itself not only within the agency but also when servicing clients, dealing with suppliers, partners and consumers, and even with the Hakuhodo HQ teams I’ve worked with. It creates productive communication, which is critical to achieving work effectiveness.

I believe that today, people and clients are no longer impressed simply by fancy proposals or bold ideas that come without deep listening. Being a good listener is now an important qualification, a necessity.  Our Sei-katsu-sha Insight philosophy makes us really different from others. This philosophy encourages us to start by listening intently, observing carefully and having empathy.

I carry this attitude and philosophy with me and continue to spread it to my new team members.

Roles and titles current when this article was published in October 2019.