The Cannes Young Lions competition searches for the best young talent in media, marketing and creative industries to represent Australia at the 2018 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.
This year, teams from Bohemia, PHD, DDB, Blue449, Cummins&Partners and more have been revealed by APN Outdoor, official Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity representative in Australia, as the finalists for the 2018 Young Lions competition.
AdNews caught up with finalist Caitlin West, a media executive from Bohemia, to talk Cannes Lions, being a junior in the industry and what the competition means to her.
Time in current role/time at the company:
Two years and three months.
How long have you been in the industry?
Two years and three months. I first stumbled into media at Bohemia and love this agency. It's like a (too loud, in each other's pockets, but completely functional and brilliant) family.
What does being a Young Lions finalist mean to you?
Well, I was never exactly going to be an Olympian, so representing Australia wasn't on the cards for me. I'm so excited to have this opportunity to show the world the kind of Aussie talent we breed down here!
On a more personal level, it's pretty validating to have your hard work and crazy ideas pay off on such a respected stage, and to make my bosses and friends and family proud. My parents couldn't believe it (even though I'm still not sure they know what I do).
What are you most excited about seeing/doing at Cannes Lions?
Walking up on that stage to collect our winning Lion, of course.
But actually, the talks they hold each day look incredible. I've been looking through the programme and I'm already inspired.
(Obviously the parties, too. I'm not a saint, I am in advertising after all.)
What role do you think Cannes Lions plays in the industry?
It provides an opportunity for validation and recognition for all the long hours, stressful days, hard work and incredible thinking that happens in this industry. Everyone wants appreciation and reward. It's human nature.
What’s the best thing about the industry you work in?
The people, honestly. You'll never get so many talented, driven, hilarious, brilliant and strange people in a room as in media. The people I work with have become my best mates.
Getting to do the whole "professional career" thing but without the need for pencil skirts, heels and a stifling cubicle.
The opportunities to leverage our influence as advertisers to do some real good in the community and benefit charity.
Young minds are genuinely respected in media. You don't need 10 years’ experience before people start listening to you.
I could go on for a while, I love this industry. I've drunk the Kool-Aid, I'll admit it.
And the biggest challenge?
Switching off.
Whose job have you set your sights on in the future?
Chris Christofi, my boss and mentor. He's one of the most profound strategic minds in the country, and yet so incredibly humble and giving. So not only his job, but his attitude, is my goal.
My favourite advert is (and why):
I Still Call Australia Home - Qantas. It just makes my heart happy.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
I would say, "I can secretly sing pretty well," but everyone at work knows that because I never shut up.
In five years' time I'll be:
Back at Cannes, winning for a client campaign.
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