Our Industry Profile takes a weekly look at some of the professionals working across the advertising, ad tech, marketing and media sector in Australia. It aims to shed light on the varying roles and companies across the buzzing industry.
This week we head to Sydney to speak to Leo Burnett head of connect strategy, Emily Taylor.
Duration in current role/time at the company:
I’ve been a Leo’s since July 2015 and head of connect strategy since April this year.
In one sentence, how would you describe what the company does?
We’re a creative solutions company.
In one sentence, what does your role involve?
Leading a team of multi-disciplinary strategic geniuses in creating value for our clients’ businesses.
Within the last six months/year, what stands out as the company’s major milestones?
We’ve had a great year. We’ve had some big new business wins, we’ve won some amazing creative, effectiveness and innovation awards, we’ve brought in even more great talent and we’ve had a lot of fun doing it all. Specifically, I’d say our focus on innovation and the development of Samsung brainBAND as part of this were a highlight; a piece of wearable technology to help combat concussion in sport.
Best thing about the industry you work in:
The brainstretch. It’s pretty amazing to work in an industry where you get to flex your brain in so many different directions; depending on the day, the brief and the client.
Previous industry related (ad land/ad tech) companies you have worked at:
Razorfish, AKQA and VCCP in London. Then back home; BMF, Mojo, a bunch of freelancing and then Moon and Leo’s.
Career-wise, where do you see yourself in three years time?
Co-presenting something amazing on the stage at SXSW.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
I have an unfinished apocalyptic first draft of a novel, which I plan to finish one day.
Top networking tip:
Avoid small talk, go for the interesting and random instead, its far more memorable.
My favourite restaurant for a business lunch is:
Fratelli Fresh.
My favourite advert is:
For its brilliance in FOMO inducement (and strategy/creative): Puma The After Hours Athlete.
For cultural impact and memorability: Lean Beef ‘Single Mum with a Daughta’.
My must-have gadget is:
My new Samsung Galaxy S7, but I would say that.
But in all seriousness, it’s brilliant – the camera is amazing and it works under water.
My favourite media is:
TV. Still by far my most consumed, followed by podcasts.
My favourite TV show is:
Of all time, for re-watch-ability I’d say Seinfeld or SATC. Now I feel old.
The last book I read:
Spoiled Brats, Simon Rich. Random and very funny.
My mantra / philosophy is:
Surround yourself with interesting; people, things and experiences.
I got into advertising/ad tech/marketing etc because:
Disillusioned with management consultancy as a grad, I chatted to one of my best friends from high school working in PR. She said, “I think you would make a really good planner”. The rest is history.
If I wasn't doing this for a living, I'd be:
Running Goodments full time (my on-the-side start-up, watch this space).
In five years' time I'll be:
Hopefully surrounded by interesting people, co-presenting at SXSW (again!) whilst drinking a margarita.
Define your job in one word:
EQ (I realise that is really two).
What's your poison:
Margaritas.
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 me a line at rosiebaker@yaffa.com.au
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