Our Industry Profile takes a look at some of the professionals working across the advertising, adtech, marketing and media sector in Australia. It aims to shed light on the varying roles and companies across the buzzing industry.
This week we speak to Bastion Brands founder and CEO Simon Davies.
Time at the company:
Eight years.
How would you describe what the company does?
Australia’s leading health marketing agency.
What do you do day-to-day?
Helping create great and effective work for our clients, making sure our people and clients are happy. New business, marketing.
Define your job in one word:
Intense.
I got into advertising because:
I studied commerce and majored in Marketing. I liked the mix of business and creativity and got my first job as a graduate at George Patterson Bates.
What’s the biggest challenge you face in your role?
Managing competing priorities and ensuring our team are all rowing in in the same direction.
What’s the biggest industry-wide challenge you’d like to see tackled?
Agencies need to stop having to do massive pitches where we basically do all the work… It is too costly and time intensive. There is no other industry in the world that does this amount of work to win a contract.
Previous industry related companies you have worked at:
George Patterson Y&R, The Reality Group.
Notable campaigns you have worked on:
Our Pro Bono work with One in Five and our campaign to raise awareness around mental health, with a tribute to the late Danny Frawley.
Who has been a great mentor to you and why?
Chris Savage ex-COO of STW. Been my chairman for five years. Seen it all before, 20 years more experience than me and understands the big picture as we well as the small details. Chris has helped me believe in a bigger, brighter business and gives me a good spray when required.
Words of advice for someone wanting a job like yours?
Set goals, work hard, get mentors, be real with yourself and understand your strengths and weaknesses. Commit fully and Have a crack.
If I wasn't doing this for a living, I'd be:
Living in Byron bay, running a different less intense business.
My mantra is:
Have a crack.
My favourite advert is:
Apple 1984. Great story, different, cuts through.
Music and TV streaming habits. What do you subscribe to?
Netflix, Amazon Prime, Spotify and Scott Galloway podcasts.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
I think they know most things…
In five years' time I'll be:
Running Australia’s largest and most successful health marketing and advertising agency.
Have something to say on this? Share your views in the comments section below. Or if you have a news story or tip-off, drop us a line at adnews@yaffa.com.au
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