Andreas Schantz

Chief Commercial Officer

ARDVARK Competency Solutions

Yangon

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"People working and doing business in an environment like Myanmar have to constantly innovate"

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As a member of Uniteam Marine’s executive team, Andreas Schantz played a key role in the company’s powerful 2020 Save Our Seafarers campaign, which was among the year’s most highly regarded public affairs initiatives, and a top 10 global SABRE Award winner. Conducted mostly on Facebook, the campaign put in the public spotlight the plight of Myanmar’s seafarers, who couldn’t work during Covid because they weren’t deemed essential workers, leaving some stranded on ships. After a decade in Myanmar, Schantz relocated to Singapore earlier this year to join Ardvark Competency Solutions as chief commercial officer, as which he will help evolve the competency assurance/training module to meet the needs of clients across industries. 

How do you define innovation?
Thinking outside the box.

What is the most innovative comms/marketing initiative you've seen in the last 12 months?
Apple is turning privacy not only into a slogan but into a business advantage.

In your opinion, what brands and/or agencies are most innovative around PR and marketing?
Netflix, Amazon, Apple, Google etc.

Describe a moment in your career that you would consider 'innovative.'
People working and doing business in an environment like Myanmar have to constantly innovate. Moving there in 2011 was a very innovative and rewarding career move for me.

Who do you admire for his/her approach to innovation?
Innovators start thinking when others stop thinking.

How do you get out of a creativity rut?
Climb up that building or hill, soak in the sunset, feel the breeze in your face and take a deep breath.

What advice would you give to the PR industry around embracing innovation?
Invert the question. Think about how to stifle innovation in a company. Make a list with ideas. And then ensure your company does not do things which are on your list.

What would you be doing if you weren't doing your current job?
I'm industrious. I'm most happy when I work on something. I would do another job in another industry and another environment.

Which book/movie/TV show/podcast/playlist/other cultural source has helped you get through this year or provided inspiration?
Too many. But Farnam Street Blog is my stable.

What's your favourite time of day and why?
Awake time is my favorite time. I wish we could live longer and do more in our short life. Time flies. I gotta go :-)