Anna Bory
General Manager Marketing, Audi Singapore
“The most significant decision was to get out of my comfort zone and move abroad at the age of 17.”
What is the most surprising thing about you that most people don’t know?
Two things come to my mind: first, I studied computer science as my major and second, that I skied competitively at the Swiss regional level for years. Skiing taught me to compete. You learn to manage yourself. You need to be perfect at what you you do in order to win. I was going down the same slope over and over again. It was boring, but every half a second matters. Every time you need to beat yourself and be better than last time.
What are the most important decisions you made in your career?
I made many; however the most significant one was to get out of my comfort zone and move abroad at the age of 17. I learnt to be comfortable being uncomfortable. Have been exploring the world since then.
What will be the most valuable skill for your profession in the next 3 years ?
Being digital savvy, understanding technologies and analytics. To keep ahead of the curve I regularly talk to a lot of different innovative companies. I am a judge at various competitions and festivals, which helps me monitor industry best practices and allows me to meet new interesting people.
I also think it is very important to ask questions, not to be shy or afraid to look stupid and just ask questions. Whatever a new technology is, you can understand how it works.
What’s your worst mistake and how did you overcome it?
I missed some opportunities, made a bad hire or gave an interview I wish I didn’t. But I can’t really pick one that I could call my worst mistake.
What’s your biggest ambition now?
To make a social impact through technology.
What is the most interesting book you have read and why did it impress you?
I have read many, but I would say that “Rich Dad Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki teaches you some basics how to manage your bottom line, which is very useful to set yourself up right from the start.
What talks (such as TED) or podcasts do you listen to?
Steve Jobs commencement speech at Stanford University graduation in 2005. Very enlightening and still relevant today.
What industry websites, blogs or influencers should I bookmark right now?
I read a lot every day from multiple sources: news, publications, social media, influencers and make up my own conclusions. I think it’s critical to keep an open mind and not to limit your information sources.
One of me favourite authors is Seth Godin, I follow his blog to stay up to date with the digital trends. World Economic Forum gives a very good outlook on the key macro economic trends.
Learn more about Anna Bory on Linkedin
“The most significant decision was to get out of my comfort zone and move abroad at the age of 17.”
Audi Singapore has won over 22 awards for marketing excellence in 2016 alone. It was named the overall winner of MOB-EX Awards 2016.
MORE INTERVIEWS
Explore the career journeys and resources that shaped the Great Owls
Anna Gong
“I networked the hell out of my career, which started in college. I was always taught your life is what you make of it. No one will come and hand you a free lunch. I worked hard at managing and influencing my own destiny.”
Joanna Catalano
“I don’t think there’s ever just one important decision. It’s life. You’re always making decisions along the way and most are important. Some you make more wisely than the others, but you learn from each. I view everything through that lens.”
Vinnie Lauria
“Quitting IBM without having any other job offers at hand was one of the best life decisions I made. Putting myself into a corner where I didn’t have anything to fall back on made me more of a fighter.”
Klemen Drole
“The most important decision in my career was to take on tasks where I knew I was out of my depth. To highlight areas where I will need help, to reveal my weak spots, to identify the right people that can help and then work with them to deliver.”
Greg Satell
“The work of humans is increasingly becoming to collaborate with other humans to design work for machines.”
Alex Khan
“I am not afraid to move sideways in my career. In some cases, you need to go backwards in order to go forwards. It is important to make the decision that suits you and not the decision that people expect you to make.”
Carol Chen
“The most important decision in my career was to either start or stop a business. I’ve been through four startups and each one led me to a new city and adventure.”
Steve Kalifowitz
“Whenever I see an opportunity, I go for it. I’m comfortable with a high degree of uncertainty — constantly reminding myself “what’s the worst that can happen?”
