Often a picture of Zen, Daniel is hard pressed to the challenges that he faces at work. “I have been in this line for over a decade. If I were to pick a challenge, it would possibly be coaxing tenants to submit their promotional materials punctually.”
Daniel Goh is the Marketing Manager of China Square Central, whose job scope involves organising and executing mall-wide promotions. To do this successfully, Daniel works closely with an agency for promotion concepts and advertising. This requires liaising with the retail tenants, and preparing at least a month and a half in advance, prior to the promotion.
Practicing yoga and gratitude
Daniel visited the Taj Mahal during this Yoga retreat in India
What is Daniel’s secret to his poise amidst an often frenzied marketing sector? It is yoga.
“In 2007, I attended a Teacher Training Course in India. The course was six weeks long. In that period, I made many new friends from all over the world and still keep in touch with some of them.” Daniel was prompted to take up this course as he was interested in yoga and wanted to learn more about it.
It is with this serenity that Daniel approaches his work and life philosophy. “I see every day as a gift. It is a gift to be able wake up daily and not feel sick. While I recognise that there might be challenges that come along occasionally, I believe that if we live our days fully, then the days are well spent.”
Daniel also believes that a healthy body is reflective of a healthy mind. Regular exercise and a healthy diet is imperative, and he enjoys taking cardio or wellness programmes at the gym once or twice a week just to sweat it out.
It is this mindset that has brought longevity to his Marketing career. He advises, “Life is all about balance. For example, while fried food is tasty, you cannot eat fried food every day. There should be moderation in everything that you do.”
Natural flair for the arts
In school, Daniel has always had a flair for the Arts – subjects such as Art, History and Literature were right up his alley. Naturally, the study of the media enticed Daniel. He completed his Diploma in Mass Communications and acquired his degree from the Singapore Institute of Management while working in the Advertising and Promotions industry.
“I enjoy expressing my creativity and seeing my ideas come to fruition. It excites me.”, said Daniel.
One aspect of his job that he particularly enjoys is assisting the mall’s tenants to attract repeat customers. Since the demographic of the shoppers at the malls are lunch-time goers, Daniel observes that most do not linger in the mall.
There is no such thing as working in silos. Daniel and his team often bond over team lunches and after work activities.
Hence, much falls on the tenants and the quality of their goods and services to retain customers. “Their products and services must sell. Of course, we do our best to supplement our tenants’ efforts with promotions and campaigns. I am happy when the shoppers visit our tenants and patronise them because of our promotions.”
When asked what is an essential trait in excelling in this industry, Daniel replies without missing a beat, “You will need to learn how to multi-task. Often, many things are happening at once. You will need to know how to juggle many of these issues.”
Staying inspired and looking towards the future
“Working in a creative field will sometimes leave you feeling bogged down, or stuck in a rut. I have found that taking coffee breaks and breathing exercises help. These are some of the ways I keep myself refreshed and recharged at work.
It’s also important to stay aware of what’s happening, what’s current and what’s relevant to our marketing efforts by looking at what local and overseas competitors are doing.”
Daniel also shared that he is always open to new adventures. “I have reached a point in my life where I do not mind trying a new activity or hobby because I do not want to be put in a box. My outlook in life has always been to embrace whatever comes along and to do my best.”.