Up close and personal with BreadTalk Group’s VP of HR

Bryden Toh, Vice President of HR, FA Division, BreadTalk Group, chats with HRM Magazine about his work and personal life.
By: | June 21, 2017

Who is Bryden Toh and what defines him?

I am a strong believer in the value of strategic HR. I also believe that flexibility and adaptability are keys to ensuring we remain relevant in the ever-changing world.

What would you be doing if you were not in HR?

I would have a career in marketing.

Why marketing?

Because of my outgoing nature.  What interests me most about marketing is the viral nature of things.

How did you get your start in HR then?

I am a marketing graduate. But I got into HR because I love talking to people, and HR shares a lot of similarities with marketing in that we are selling our strategies and plans to the business.

What is the best part of your job?

I get to see the differences in cultures across the six countries I oversee today.

And the worst part?

The travelling!

What has been the greatest moment of your career so far?

I would say seeing my team members spread their wings and fly, even if it is always a bittersweet moment. A simple “thank you for your guidance” warms my heart, and further affirms my decision to nurture my juniors.

Why is that? Most people love travelling.

Well, at the beginning, travelling was a great opportunity and motivator. But after getting into a regional role, I’m not as motivated by it anymore. But I do understand the excitement of going overseas for younger staff as I was once in their shoes.

How do you unwind after work?

I’m a gym-goer – I love to exercise. I am also quite the movie -buff.

What’s one thing you can’t live without?

Definitely my family. Family is one thing that drives me and keeps me going. Life is not just about my career and job.

What do you hope your future will hold?

I would say that I wish to see the development of my company and my own HR staff. That would give me lots of job satisfaction.