Healthy start
Love of language has led Stephen Morgan, managing director of health care for Asia-Pacific at Weber Shandwick Hong Kong, on to an unexpected career path in public relations, and he finds it fascinating.
I went to university intending to study English. I found how people use communication fascinating. I ended up getting a master's degree in psychology from the University of St Andrews in Scotland, focusing on this aspect of human behaviour.
After graduation I had the chance to come to Hong Kong for the first time. I taught English for 11/2years. Then I went back to Britain as I had a place at law school. However, I ended up not taking up the place as I found another, supposedly short-term, opportunity that resulted in the path that I have been on ever since.
I volunteered at a cancer charity in Britain in the press office. However, after just two weeks I was offered a full-time paying job with them. I stayed at the charity for four years, and thus my initiation into the world of public relations came about.
I worked in various PR firms including KPR in Brussels, and Ketchum and Edelman in London for 13 years before the opportunity presented itself for me to return to Hong Kong. I've always had a soft spot for Hong Kong, so I jumped at the chance to join the health care division of Weber Shandwick, where I am the managing director of health care for the Asia-Pacific region.
The PR industry is so broad and is hugely fascinating. The media is always changing, which is a challenge. But I enjoy the fact that I learn something new on a daily basis, even though I've been in the industry now for 18 years, and in health care for even longer.
A typical day for me begins at the gym at 8am. I take health very seriously. Then I'm in the office around 9am and work until around 6.30pm, but sometimes much later depending on what is happening.
Because of the varied nature of the industry, my days can be widely different. I may attend client meetings, conduct research on an issue, or brainstorm with staff on various things from handling client issues to working with the press and how to engage with end users, which in my case are doctors.
Since the Hong Kong office is the regional hub for the health care division, I also have to do some travelling in Asia, to places such as Bangkok and Seoul. I meet not only company staff to deliver key messages but also with doctors, who comprise focus groups to help set opinions on clients' products and services. I also regularly need to meet with our clients who are largely pharmaceutical companies.
Some of the challenges I have faced are trying to grow a talented team and keep them motivated. It's important to keep an open mind when dealing with people, regardless of what relationship they have with you, clients and staff alike. I also like to challenge myself to come up with ideas of how to say and present conventional issues in a new, interesting way.
The health care industry is a growing opportunity for PR firms in Hong Kong. Overall, the PR industry is invigorating and is definitely fast-paced.
