Ian M Lewis
Many believe that once you get a job at bpTT or any of the oil companies, you’ve won the professional lottery. Ian Marcus Lewis was successful at attaining a job at this oil juggernaut but he left after three years. For some, that’s a crazy decision but Ian had another plan and other goals which he wanted to accomplish. He knew exactly what he was doing. Here is Ian’s journey into the marketing field:
I grew up in Valencia where my childhood was filled with lots of fun group activities. Neighbours would often gather to play street cricket or riding through difficult terrains, on evenings and on weekends. These activities were fun and to this day, I still appreciate that warm and familial environment of our community.
My father left our home when I was fourteen years old and my mother, effortlessly fell into the role of dual parent. Her determination to provide for all her children, from secondary school up to tertiary education, was something I needed to honour. In my mind, there was no other way to thank her than with a successful, happy career. I am the fruits of her labour and I take that job seriously.
On the day of the Common Entrance exam, I drew a complete blank. It may have been the stress of the exam or the fear of disappointment that paralyzed my mind. When the results were announced, I saw Sangre Grande Junior Secondary printed on the results slip. My dream of studying at the prestigious Queen’s Royal College was shattered. Against my family’s advice to repeat the exam, I convinced myself that “I will go to this school and make it!” It was my first real life plan and I was successful. After spending the three years at Sangre Grande, I went on to Arima Senior Comprehensive School to complete my secondary school education. After A’ levels, I moved on to The UWI, St Augustine to major in Management Studies.
Although my major was Management Studies, marketing captured my interest because it allowed me to merge my own creativity and elements of business into one and find joy. During the three years at UWI, I not only excelled in the marketing courses but I decided that I wanted to make a career out of marketing: perhaps as a Marketing Manager and then hopefully as a Vice President of Marketing later in my career. The latter being an ultimate goal.
After leaving The UWI with my undergraduate degree, I was fortunate to earn a place in bpTT’s fiercely competitive Graduate Challenger Programme and was assigned to the Communications and External Affairs Department. It was my first major job conquest! I was ecstatic as bpTT was a dream for me and I remember thinking that I had struck gold and was going to stay in the company until I retired. Notwithstanding the great experiences, I still had aspirations of being a Marketing Manager and at that time, there were no opportunities to learn and explore retail marketing at bpTT . So, three years into my role, I knew I needed to move on. Very few people understood my logic for leaving such a revered company. I took my leap of calculated faith (and a pay cut) and entered the world of Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) as a Brand Manager. During interviews for jobs after bpTT, the interviewers often commented that they found my move to be “backward.” Nevertheless, I had my plan and I was determined.
Since then, every career move that I made, was always with growth in mind. I had a plan and I knew I needed to hone certain skills to strengthen my marketing skills. After fifteen years, I can proudly say that I have worked in the energy sector, FMCG, telecommunications, technology sector and optical industry. I set out to learn more about marketing and I believe that I gained much more as I also developed a deeper appreciation for commercial business.
I am grateful that through it all, I have always had the support from my family and friends. From testing new ideas and concepts to venting about a work situation: they have always provided a listening ear with sound, unfiltered feedback.
The journey hasn’t always been smooth. I remember once failing an interview because I did not have the experience. A few years later, after honing the skills, I successfully got another shot at an interview and was able to better articulate the ins and outs of the business. I soon landed a job at that same company!
In assessing my career thus far, my plans for the future and where my journey started, I am pleased with every win and every loss. I believe that I might not always understand God’s plan in the moment, but I am assured that He has the best of intentions for me. I made a promise to my mother and myself on that day when I received my Common Entrance results and I can proudly and humbly declare that I have delivered!
To the young man who is confused and still searching for a career path,
- It is ok to fail… just ensure it is fast and full of lessons! When we embrace this stance, stepping out into the unknown, becomes an adventure. You either win or you learn! (my life motto)
- Do not let where you start determine where you finish… end strong!
In addition to his undergraduate degree in Management Studies, Ian also holds a Master of Science degree in Strategic Leadership and Management, with distinction, from The UWI, St. Augustine. He is currently the Senior Manager, Sales and Marketing at Ferreira Optical Limited and has held managerial positions in marketing at Microsoft Trinidad and Tobago, Digicel Cayman Islands and Alstons Marketing. He also worked at state-owned telecommunications provider, TSTT.
