From Taipei to Tokyo

Robin Healy

Robin is a graduate of UCD and is in his second year of the Jameson International Brand Ambassador Programme. He is currently based in Tokyo, Japan but spent his first year in Taipei, Taiwan. Read about his journey on the programme here. 

When/ how did you decide you wanted to be part of the Jameson International Brand Ambassador Programme?

A friend of mine got accepted to the programme while we were both in Japan. They told me about the programme about a week before the deadline to apply! I sacrificed a few hours of sleep to get the online application finished on time, but it was worth it as my application was successful. I was invited to attend assessment centre and now, here I am, in Year 2 of the programme based in Tokyo, Japan.

What market were/are you working in?

I was sent to Taiwan as the first ever Jameson Brand Ambassador for my first 12-month market placement. I am now in Year 2 based in currently Tokyo, Japan. I am part of a team of three Jameson Brand Ambassadors here.

Do you speak an international language & do/ did you use this as part of your market placement?

Yes. I personally love learning languages and spend quite a lot of time doing so. I currently speak Chinese, Japanese and Spanish and debating taking up a fourth. While an international language is by no means a requirement for the Jameson International Brand Ambassador Programme, it does provide the team at Irish Distillers more flexibility when looking to place you in a market. Therefore, speaking an international language arguably making you a more desirable candidate.

Last year in Taiwan my life was almost 100% through Chinese. I was relatively proficient before moving there, but even so the difference in my level of fluency from then and now is extraordinary. This job is by far one of the best means to improve linguistic ability. In Japan my situation is the same. Though my current level of Japanese isn’t quite as high as my Chinese was when heading to market, the local team have been incredibly helpful with supplying me with learning resources and I am attending language classes.

What characteristics do you have that help you effectively do your job as Brand Ambassador?

I love creating content, which is one of the key parts of the role. It allows me to put my own twist on the role.           I’m drawn to people that take their craft seriously and pursue their goals. Whether they be bartenders (who we so often work with), artists of all disciplines, creative agencies, or barbers, I enjoy finding the right connections for the brand.

              Finally, I have an appetite for life. Brand Ambassadors are the eyes and ears of the brand on the ground. If you have the desire to make that one extra friend a day, go to the one event on a Saturday afternoon, try out that small restaurant down the road from your apartment, things will start to fall into place. Before you know it, you’ll be a member of the local community, which will not only bring you commercial opportunities, but personally will also be and extremely rewarding feeling.

What is the most rewarding thing about being part of the Jameson International Brand Ambassador Programme?

The community you become part of and create as a Brand Ambassador. I recently returned to Taiwan to do a handover with the new Brand Ambassador there this year and when I went back to Taipei, I had people from all over the city reaching out to me, asking if we could meet up, inviting me to events, and just saying how they missed me. I have friends from Taiwan coming to Japan all the time. It’s something you take for granted while you are there but becomes extremely apparent once you’ve left.

 

What is the most challenging thing about being a Jameson Brand Ambassador?

For me it was the independence of the role. I had come from more administrative positions, with set working hours. In this role you really do have to sit down at the beginning of the week and decide how to allocate your time across the multiple parts of the role. That took some getting used to for me. That said, it’s exciting and makes you approach each day with a unique enthusiasm.

How has the programme helped you to develop your own personal brand?

There is so much room for individuality within the role. Whether it’s the kind of events that you run, the local communities that you engage with, the content you create, or the way you conduct masterclasses, you can always bring your own personal flare. Combining this with getting to experience so many different aspects of the business.

 

What skills do you feel you have developed through the Jameson International Brand Ambassador Programme?

Outside of language skills, I feel I’ve developed most in event management. It was an aspect that I stated clearly in my application that I wanted to work on. Throughout the year I had so many opportunities to learn what makes a great event, how to promote it so that people turn up on the day, how to make it beneficial for both consumers and participating outlets, and so much more.

 

Outside of the day job what do you do for fun?

I play music! Whenever I move to a new city, I seek out jam nights, open mic nights, local bands’ gigs, masterclasses, anything that will introduce me to the local music scene. It’s an amazing way to meet people in general. Last year in Taiwan I hosted a weekly jazz jam night every Tuesday!

 

What is your favourite memory from your time on the programme so far?

My favourite memory so far – and I’m sure most BA’s will say this – is our induction at the beginning of the programme. Apart from it being my introduction to the world of whiskey, it was when I officially became a member of the Jameson family. The friendships formed at that induction feel just as strong, despite everyone going to different countries across the world. We share knowledge, ideas and experiences with each other. We support each other both professionally and personally. Whenever I see activations that fellow Brand Ambassador’s have done, I feel both proud and inspired.

 

 

Any tips for anyone applying for the role of Brand Ambassador?

Firstly, be clear about what you hope to achieve from the programme, and secondly, try to show what ‘Serious Character’ you can bring to the role in your written and video application. When the Irish Distillers team reviews your application, they should see someone who is clearly excited about the role, and passionate about what they’re currently talking about. Just like our whiskey, be serious about your craft, but when it comes to telling your story, have fun with it.