Our Industry Insights 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.
Duration in current role/time at the company:
Almost 18 months.
In one sentence, how would you describe what the company does?
We partner with our clients to deliver innovative business solutions that make a real difference.
In one sentence, what does your role involve?
My role is to foster an environment where an amazing crew of talented individuals can be at their best; and where our clients can achieve success.
Within the last six months/year, what stands out as the company’s major milestones?
We’re going through diverse transformation in our business, where we are planning with the future needs of our people and our clients at the forefront of our minds. I think the greatest milestone in all of this is the excitement of our people, seeing people rise to new challenges, and come forward with amazingly different and unique ideas of what our future will look like and how we’ll make it happen together.
Best thing about the industry you work in:
The people. Moreover, the industry’s capacity to applaud and embrace true individuality.
Previous industry related (ad land/ad tech) companies you have worked at:
I started out in the industry as a copywriter in a boutique creative agency (now defunct), went on to do marketing in the aviation industry (Smiths Aerospace) and most recently was with the Queensland Government.
Career-wise, where do you see yourself in three years time?
With MediaCom - continuing to drive positive change and transformation for our people and our clients.
What is the elephant in the room? The thing that no one is talking about – but they should be.
I believe industry bodies, and their agency members, have a greater responsibility to drive industry-wide issues, like diversity. It can’t just be about the launch of great initiatives, we have to tackle the practical reality of how can implement meaningful change.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
I’m a qualified ear piercer, and I pierced my own second set.
Top networking tip:
Smile at everyone, it’s also my top dating tip for singles. Seriously, I believe in being yourself – mean what you say, and say what you mean, but always remember your manners.
My favourite restaurant for a business lunch is:
Sake
My favourite advert is:
Dumb Ways to Die – I’m a sucker for a jingle, and I’m a behavioural change marketer by trade, so this ticks both boxes.
My must-have gadget is:
A flip chart and coloured pens – I think diagrammatically.
My favourite media is:
I regularly double-screen television with Instagram.
My favourite TV show is:
That’s like picking my favourite child. I am a genuine television addict with a list of favourites, but top picks would be Ally McBeal, Will & Grace, The Newsroom and Scandal.
The last book I read:
Man’s Search for Meaning, Viktor E. Frankl.
My mantra / philosophy is:
Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it only empties today of its strength, Ralph Waldo Emerson – I’m a massive fan and we share a birthday, though just a few years apart.
I got into advertising/ad tech/marketing etc because:
I was inspired by Richard Branson, and how his vision created a brand empire that changed the game. I wanted to be part of something like that.
If I wasn't doing this for a living, I'd be:
On Broadway. Pity I can’t sing in tune, but I would ace any game of Lip Sync Battle, you can’t name a song that I can’t sing along to, regardless of genre, and I can match it with dance video clip choreography to match.
In five years' time I'll be:
Still telling fibs about my age, and hopefully contributing to positive change in the world.
Define your job in one word:
Fast.
What's your poison:
Gin and tonic.
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