We are delighted to bring you a Member interview with James Smyllie, Founder of Taman Warna Pte Ltd.
What’s your golden rule?
Be polite and courteous
Who has been your biggest influence and why?
Will Swayne at Dentsu Media has been my biggest influence. He gave me my start, supported my moves across markets, and mentored me throughout my career. He showed me that leadership is about opening doors for others and backing people, a lesson I try to carry forward every day.
What is your most hated business expression?
I think ‘Humbled’ can sometimes be overused in business contexts. For me, humility is best shown through actions, and achievements resonate more when they’re shared with sincerity.
What’s the smartest business idea you’ve ever had?
A few of my best ideas are under NDA! But what I can say is that the smartest ideas I’ve seen succeed are the simplest, ones that solve a clear problem and scale easily.
Which leader do you admire most and why?
I admire John Major, UK Prime Minister from 1990 to 1997. He showed that leadership doesn’t have to be flashy to be effective. Coming from modest beginnings, he rose to the top job, won an election against the odds, and left office with a strong economy, proving that steady, principled leadership can deliver lasting results.
What is on your mind the most right now as a marketing leader?
The next generation. I believe we need to make sure our industry stays exciting, relevant, and rewarding for bright, young talent, creating an environment where they want to build their careers in marketing.
Why does marketing matter to you?
Marketing matters to me because it shapes culture. It’s where business, creativity, and people meet, and when done well, it has the power to create real societal impact, not just drive sales.
Tell us something that’s not on your CV
Outside of work, I care about raising awareness of neurodivergence, it’s close to my heart and I’ve seen how important it is to recognise and celebrate different ways of thinking. When I’m not working, you’ll find me in the kitchen cooking for my family, out on my motorcycle, or playing a bit of tennis. Those things give me fresh perspective and energy that I bring back into my professional life.
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