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 Ezechiel Ritchie, Country Manager ANZ & SEA,Jellysmack:
Time in current role/time at the company:
Five months in current role at Jellysmack
How would you describe what the company does?
Jellysmack is a global creator company that detects and develops the world’s most talented video creators through technology. We identify video creators and media companies with the most potential and then optimize and distribute their content across all social channels, building engaged audiences and unlocking new revenue streams on their behalf.
What do you do day-to-day?
I lead a very talented team of individuals that work across various sides of our business such as partnerships, success, marketing and operations. I also work very closely with the global teams to make sure we are aligned in terms of priorities and working towards the same goals.
Define your job in one word:
Empowering
I got into marketing/advertising/media/tech because:
I’ve also always had a passion for video and content creators since my early days at Google working with YouTube. It’s a fascinating industry that is evolving and innovating constantly and its future is going to be very interesting as more industries converge with tech (healthcare, finance, etc.).
What’s the biggest challenge you face in your role?
Growing a business at a very fast pace whilst making sure we keep a great culture and environment where the team is able to give its best and be successful.
What’s the biggest industry-wide challenge you’d like to see tackled?
I’d like to see a lot more video creators making a living out of creating content
Who has been a great mentor to you and why?
I have had a lot of mentors throughout my career. Earlier during my studies, Mark Hurt, Director of Marketing at the University of North Carolina, took me on as an intern and really helped me figure out what I wanted to do. Later, once I started at Google, Richard Wolstenholme was always a great mentor and role model for me.
Words of advice for someone wanting a job like yours?
Nowadays knowledge is ubiquitous, so the most important skill you need to develop is being able to lead people. Your success is your team’s success so your priority as a leader should be to create an environment enabling everyone to fulfill their potential.
If I wasn't doing this for a living, I'd be:
Doing something manual. I love building and renovating things in my house and garden. Maybe a landscaper!
My mantra is:
Don’t sweat the small stuff
My favourite advert is:
The Tourism Australia ad with Chris Hemsworth. I actually watched it for the first time at St George Open Air Cinema with the Opera House and Harbour Bridge in the background. It made me realise how lucky I am to live in such a beautiful country.
Music and TV streaming habits. What do you subscribe to?
I love YouTube and Netflix, the two platforms I watch most things on.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
That I’m not actually French despite my accent…!
In five years' time I'll be:
Still doing something I love, wherever that is and hopefully at Jellysmack!
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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