Career Spotlight | 5 questions to Winston Hou

Winston Hou | Manager, Distribution & Logistics, Nissan.

1)??How did you find your way to where you are today? Share a little about your professional journey.

?I have always had a passion for cars since I was little.?My dad used to fix cars in our garage, so I had the opportunity to learn how to change batteries, oil, brakes and tires.?It was also a family tradition to attend the Toronto Auto show every year to see all the new and exciting products being launched.?I took a keen interest in car audio and spent countless nights taking apart my car to install high quality speakers, subwoofers, amplifiers, head units and capacitors; all of which provided the most captivating power and sound quality. You may not have seen me, but you definitely heard me!

?This resembles my career in automotive.?I spent countless hours learning and working hard gaining experiences that would help drive my career.?I started my automotive career working at Honda Canada, where I spent 14.5 years in Credit, Collections, Customer service, Sales Operations, Vehicle Operations and the Prairie Regional office.?The experience gained in these roles ultimately led me to Nissan Canada, where my professional journey continues with new experiences and opportunities to expand my career.

?2)??What was the best advice you have received? What would you tell someone starting out in their career?

?Nothing is impossible when you put your mind to it and put in the extra work!

“Whenever you face defeat, get back up and try harder!" is a quote that resonates with me. Throughout my career, I have faced some challenges and setbacks.?However, I have always considered setbacks as learning opportunities.?No one is perfect, we all make mistakes, but learning from your mistakes helps you become a stronger person.?I believe that hard work and perseverance is the key to success.?You must believe in yourself, keep working harder and the sky is the limit.

?There are many opportunities for growth at Nissan Canada, but it’s up to you to take on new challenges.?Don’t be afraid to try new things even if they seem foreign to you.?Regardless of level or experience, we are all learning new things every day.?Starting a new career is your opportunity to shine!

?3)??You work with a very diverse and dynamic team, how do you help foster your team's culture and stay connected to other teams in the company?

?Over the past 6 years, I have built many solid working relationships at Nissan Canada. The “One Team” culture has created a positive atmosphere that allows everyone to work together toward the same goal.?I continually foster this culture within my team by keeping open channels of communication.?I believe that good communication and transparency is the key to building trust and confidence.?When there is trust, the atmosphere is positive and there is a willingness to take on new challenges.?These are some of the qualities that have become part of the Distribution team’s culture helping create synergies within other areas of the company.

?4)??What would your advice be to someone who is afraid of failure, starting over in their careers or perhaps bouncing back from a setback like a project not going as well as they wanted or not getting next career move?

?Life can be full of challenges, but it’s up to you whether to accept defeat or face the challenges head on and become a stronger person.?It is easy to be complacent than to accept new challenges, however when life presents a challenge, it opens the door to a new opportunity. Overcoming challenges prepares you for new opportunities.?Seize the moment and run with it.?Nothing in life is easy, but if you take ownership of your actions, then you can learn from your mistakes and progress.

?5)??What is the Nissan Way principle that speaks to you the most and which you keep top of mind every day?

?Be accountable, act proactively! This principle resonates with me the most because it is near and dear to me.

?Being a good leader means it is my job to ensure I am transparent with my expectations of results and maintain a positive influence system.?This ensures goals are met and when they are not, accepting full responsibility.?This is true accountability.

?I believe in approaching every situation with a sense of proactivity and always thinking about potential outcomes.?This eliminates any guess work ensuring all basis are covered.