Angela Wong – Corporate Communications and Administration Director, Jebsen Group
Six years ago I sustained an injury. I was working in banking as a foreign exchange structurer at the time, but the injury – and an anticipated long recovery time – forced me to change my professional course. After recovering from the injury, I launched a skincare business as I have always been interested in the industry. The opportunity to work at Jebsen Group came quite unexpectedly when HR noticed that I have done pro bono work for a charity that Mr Jebsen is a board member of in the local chapter. I was offered a job responsible for Mr Jebsen’s NGO work in the Chairman’s Office. So you can say that I landed at Jebsen by coincidence, and the rest, they say, is history.
History has been on my mind recently. Maybe it is because I am currently preparing for Jebsen Group’s 125th anniversary in 2020. To me, a company’s anniversary is more than just the length of time it has been in business – it is the culmination of small, individual milestones forging a deeper and more meaningful part of a company’s greater journey. So too, as seemingly small my personal wins have been, I believe I helped contribute to building the Group’s heritage.
My own journey here has been one of unexpected growth. It was initially daunting to work so closely with Mr Jebsen – after all, the company logo bears his name! Not only that, I came from a math background which gave me little training in what I was expected to do at Jebsen. But that feeling did not last long. I enjoyed working with Mr Jebsen, with whom I shared common interests in the arts and education. While working on this job, I also discovered my communications skills. Gradually I started preparing official communications for Mr Jebsen, and as he gave me more projects and responsibilities, I also became his conduit to different parts of the company, which helped me build relationships with other colleagues in the Group.
The skills I gained from Mr Jebsen’s office soon opened up more possibilities for me. I became involved in the Corporate Communications (CC) and Facilities & Administration (Admin) functions under Mr Hennig, using my strength in communication to connect and motivate various teams. Today, I oversee the Chairman’s Office, CC and HK Admin. These are the same three departments mainly responsible for organising the anniversary celebration now – the Chairman’s Office and CC are crafting a commemorative Jebsen Group story, and will work with Admin in putting together the HK gala and exhibition. Such a complex project needs careful coordination, and it is my job ensure all teams work cohesively to deliver a clear and consistent message.
Of course, my role is only a small part of what will ultimately make the anniversary project successful. The truth is that my job is made easier – and much more fulfilling – by the great people I work with. Pulling off a memorable 125th anniversary celebration will only be possible through teamwork within departments as well as between departments. I am blessed to have talented collaborative teammates. Everyone puts the common goal first, unselfishly doing their own part to push the team closer to the goal. It is a great environment to be in!
All these components of my Jebsen journey are precisely what make the Group’s own history rich and meaningful. Essentially it comes down to driven, passionate people working towards a common goal – a spirit that has helped the Group remain strong and relevant even after 125 years.