Marketing Talent Awards judge from Razer shares his take on motivation

Next in our interview series with the judges from Marketing‘s very first Marketing Talent Awards is Ian Tan, associate VP of global marketing at Razer. Razer is one the world’s leading lifestyle brand for gamers. His 21-year career spans journalism, advertising, public relations, retail and digital marketing, partnerships and running businesses in Singapore Press Holdings and Microsoft’s consumer division.Tan describes himself as a problem solver. He says, “I love to get myself and others to think, and do things the better way. My biggest motivation lies in generating and executing ideas that allow people to achieve more and create true impact where it matters.”With two decades in business management, consumer marketing, public relations and journalism, he relishes in telling great stories.  Today he leads over 120 marketers in Razer to push the boundaries in the gaming industry. We ask him how talent can be nurtured in Singapore.Celebrate and reward your star employees and teams at the inaugural Marketing Talent Awards 2019 and attract new talent. Entry submissions close on 12 July—start your entries now!Marketing: As a judge what do you hope to see in the submissions for Marketing Talent Awards from the rising stars?I am looking out for people who focus on the customer above all else.Marketing: What do you make of the awards? These awards are a great way to recognise rising talent, and they don’t just motivate the winner and nominees, they also raise one’s expectations of personal performance and growth.Marketing: Why do you think talent retention is such a problem in the marketing/advertising community?Probably poor managers. That applies to any industry, to be honest.Marketing: What do you feel has to change to ensure young talent stays in organisations, and you can attract young talent?Great managers. Again, applies to any industry.Marketing: What role do you think veteran marketers play in attracting new blood in the industry?Veteran marketers need to show the younger marketers the infinite possibilities that can be achieved. The veterans must be willing to share all the secrets of the trade and pass down the learnings of previous generations, and give the new blood free rein to riff on all possibilities. Marketing: One important tip for our veteran marketers:Stay young, healthy and happy.Celebrate and reward your star employees and teams at the inaugural Marketing Talent Awards 2019 and attract new talent. Entry submissions close on 12 July—start your entries now!Read also:Marketing Talent Awards judge Frances Koh on the demanding nature of marketingMarketing Talent Awards: Prudential’s Goh Theng Kiat on talent diversityMarketing Talent Awards: Judge Linda Locke on Singapore’s talent retention