Member Interview with Carol Chan

We are delighted to bring you a Member Interview with Carol Chan, Managing Director, Comms8

What’s your golden rule?

Either don’t do it at all, or do it with your best effort

If something isn't worth committing to fully, it's probably not worth doing at all. Mediocrity is a choice, and not one I’m interested in making. I believe excellence is an attitude, and doing things wholeheartedly, even the small things, sets the tone for everything else.

Who has been your biggest influence?

My dad, an unsung hero who never complains.

He’s the embodiment of grit, humility, and quiet resilience. Never made excuses, he just did what needed to be done, day in and day out. Watching him showed me that leadership isn’t always loud; sometimes it’s the silent determination behind the scenes that drives the real change.

What is your most hated business expression?

“ASAP” and “I have no budget figure” are definitely at the top of my list.
One is often a substitute for poor planning disguised as urgency. It creates unnecessary stress and doesn’t respect the process. And when someone says they have “no budget figure,” it usually means we’re flying blind. Budget transparency doesn’t kill creativity; it enables it.

What’s the smartest business idea you’ve ever had?

The smartest business idea I've ever had is developing our own SaaS influencer marketing platform, InfluenConnect. We created it to empower brands of all sizes to authentically connect with Asian influencers worldwide. We started with the simple goal of making cross-border influencer marketing less intimidating, and it's grown into a globally recognised platform with over 105,000 influencers.
What makes it smart is how we simplify the whole process, from discovery to campaign management and ROI measurement, across different languages, cultures, and platforms. By using transparent data and an AI-driven solution, we became the only platform in the market that covers both Western and Asian platforms. At its core, it's about helping brands, big or small, engage diverse audiences with purpose.

Which leader do you admire most and why?

Michelle Yeoh – a true role model who champions diversity and empowers the Asian community in Hollywood through her talent, resilience, and groundbreaking achievements. From Ipoh to the Oscars, her journey is a masterclass in reinvention and cultural impact. She shattered stereotypes not through provocation, but by staying true to her heritage while boldly rewriting the rules. It reminds me that success doesn’t always have to follow conventional rules. It can, and should make space for others.

What is on your mind the most right now as a marketing leader?

For me, the real challenge lies in scaling up during tough times while still retaining great talent. It’s a clear paradox: Growth often requires speed and pressure, while talent flourishes with purpose and balance. So, it’s not just about scaling the business, but scaling it sustainably. In a post-pandemic world shaped by resilience and renewed purpose, I believe that the way we grow matters just as much as how fast we grow.

Why is being part of The Marketing Society important for your career?

Being part of The Marketing Society allows me to continuously learn, grow, and stay inspired in an ever-evolving industry. Marketing today is not just about campaigns, but it’s about leading change, driving impact, and staying ahead of the curve. The Marketing Society provides a unique platform where I can engage with bold ideas, access thought leadership, and learn from the experiences of seasoned professionals around the world.
What makes it especially valuable is the global community it brings together: Forward-thinking marketing leaders who are not only shaping brands but also influencing culture and society. The opportunity to exchange insights, challenge conventional thinking, and be part of conversations that go beyond the day-to-day gives me fresh energy and perspective.

Why does marketing matter to you?

Because we have the profound power to shape sentiment in society. Used right, it can create lasting positive impact for generations, used wrong, it risks becoming the devil in the room.

Tell us something that’s not on your CV

I still play in a mixed basketball league and won a 3-on-3 tournament last year. It keeps me active, competitive, and grounded. Plus, there’s nothing like the energy of a game to keep your spirit sharp and focused outside the boardroom. Also, it’s still a lot of fun!