Bangkok, Thailand
MAEVE GLEESON
Maeve graduated from the University of Limerick in 2023 with a degree in Business Studies with Marketing & Management. She is currently based in Bangkok, Thailand. Maeve talks about her time on the programme so far, the steps she undertook to settle in Thailand and how she connected with the local culture.
Thinking about when you first arrived in the city you are now based, what were your initial thoughts when you arrived?
I don’t think I will ever forget the day I arrived in Bangkok. Packing up my life to move to Thailand to represent one of Irelands most recognized brands felt so surreal. Touching down in Bangkok, a taxi ride to the hotel exposed me to the city’s hustle and bustle—food stalls lining the streets, towering buildings, and a chaotic ballet of motorbikes in traffic. This was the exact definition of a sensory overload. The reality of my year-long adventure started to sink in.
Approaching the hotel, a massive Jameson billboard grabbed my attention. A genuine grin appeared, and excitement kicked in. The kick-off to my role as the Jameson Brand Ambassador was here, and I was eager for the experiences ahead. Bangkok’s energy promised an adventure in its lively streets. I could not believe I was here and could not wait to get started.
Thinking about when you first met your team, what was this like?
While waiting for my visa, my market manager arranged an online meeting for me to say a quick hello to my team. However, the real introductions kicked off on my first day at the Pernod Ricard offices in Thailand. HR warmly greeted me, took me on a tour around the office, and introduced me to various teams. An online announcement about my arrival was also sent out.
From the get-go, I tried (and failed) to remember everyone’s names. In Thailand, everyone has a formal name and a nickname, which can be quite different. It was a bit daunting, but I quickly familiarized myself with everyone. My direct team included the Jameson brand manager and two local Brand Ambassadors. We were all new and starting together, figuring out our new roles.
Despite arriving in the city alone and not knowing anyone initially, by the end of my first day in the office, I felt supported and knew help was readily available. My team are an invaluable asset, guiding me through Thai traditions, food, and culture, making my transition to this new adventure much smoother. My colleagues have been incredibly friendly and welcoming.
Thinking about your first month in market, what was your biggest challenge & how did you overcome this?
My most significant challenge was the language and culture barrier. Understanding the local culture and finding ways to connect became crucial. We are lucky to be part of an international programme and have a great network to plug into. To help get an idea of what I could do to settle into market I reached out to fellow Brand Ambassadors. Through having calls with them I learned about similar experiences they were having which provided me with much-needed reassurance. They shared valuable suggestions and anecdotes about what worked for them, which I implemented along with some trial and error.
Gradually, I began to grasp the most effective ways to communicate with my colleagues and diverse industry audiences. It became a process of finding a balance where we all had fun and understood each other. To further bridge the gap, I started to attend language lessons provided by the company, enabling me to introduce myself and pick up some local slang to navigate through conversations more smoothly.
Looking back now what did you learn from that first month in your new city? What has it taught you about yourself?
That first month was a crash course in learning – both professionally and personally. I found myself alone in a bustling city, essentially starting my life from scratch. I had ambitious goals – explore the city, excel at work, find a place to live, make lots of friends. Looking back, I might have been a bit naive, thinking I could make it all happen overnight.
However, slowly but surely, I got the hang of the job, the company connected me with a property agent, and I secured accommodation. Luckily, the nature of my job involves a lot of socializing and networking, which was fantastic for meeting new people in the city. In my first few months it all started to come together.
Setting yourself up on the other side of the world is an ongoing project, but it’s one that becomes fun and manageable as you go along. There’s a great sense of accomplishment that comes with navigating through the challenges and building a life in a new place.
What is your favorite highlight from the programme so far?
Without a doubt, my standout moment has to be working on “JAMfest 2023,” the Jameson Connects festival in Thailand. It happened just two months after I landed, and it was the first major project I dove into. The level of responsibility and authority I had in shaping the event was amazing.
I got to design, order, assemble and distribute PR for the performing artists. On top of that, I took the lead in developing and hosting a Jameson masterclass that drew a crowd of over 150 people, all with the help of my local team.
The day of the festival was a whirlwind of excitement. Watching a massive event go from the planning stage to becoming a reality right in front of me was surreal. Just a few months after graduating from university, being part of the team organizing a major festival in Thailand made me profoundly grateful for the opportunities that the Jameson Brand Ambassador Programme had opened up for me. It’s moments like these that make the entire journey incredibly rewarding.
What are you most looking forward to in the months ahead?
I have recently taken the lead on some projects with the content creation team. I have some campaign ideas and concepts that will be created and posted over the next few months. I am really looking forward to seeing some of my ideas and concepts come to life.
Any tips for anyone applying for the role of Brand Ambassador?
When applying for the role of Jameson Brand Ambassador, make your application stand out by weaving a compelling personal story. Be genuine, confident, and let your unique personality shine through both in writing and in your application video. Craft an engaging video that showcases your enthusiasm and passion for the brand. The process allows you to be creative, to highlight relevant experiences, and to demonstrate your knowledge of Jameson’s values. I reached out to current and past Brand Ambassadors who offered valuable insights so make sure to connect. Lastly, aim to be memorable, leaving an impression that aligns with the brand’s ethos. Good luck!