Our Industry Profile takes a 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 speak to P2 general manager and partner Marc Collister.
Time at the company:
Eleven years ago P2’s founder convinced me to move back from Melbourne and join him (Eleven years! Where does the time go?!). After various roles/titles I became GM three and a half years ago, and never looked back.
How would you describe what the company does?
P2 are the creators of standout content, challenging clients to create their own beat.
What do you do day-to-day?
Drive the business forward, remove obstacles so the team can get on with it.
Define your job in one word:
Satisfying.
I got into advertising because:
I love storytelling. I started out in the industry 20 years ago as a TVC editor and the idea of telling a compelling story in 30 or 15 seconds was exciting to me.
What’s the biggest challenge you face in your role?
The biggest challenge is also what makes it fun…the juggling of multiple responsibilities, day to day operations, finance, HR, some creative input etc…there can be a queue outside my door some days!
What’s the biggest industry-wide challenge you’d like to see tackled?
The commoditisation of the creative industry in general. We all recognise the value of content creation and how it can drive a business forward, but often the proper value isn’t placed on the expertise it takes to create that content.
Previous industry related companies you have worked at:
In North America: The Players Film Company, relish (evolved into Tendril), Doner Advertising. In Australia: Zero1Zero, Complete Post.
Who has been a great mentor to you and why?
My first boss, he saw some potential in me and gave me opportunities early in my career that guided me to where I am today.
Words of advice for someone wanting a job like yours?
Never stop learning.
If I wasn't doing this for a living, I'd be:
A pilot.
My mantra is:
Be the person your dog thinks you are.
My favourite advert is:
The 2018 Tide Superbowl Ad – the TVC itself is entertaining, and it effectively hijacked every other Superbowl TVC…Brilliant!
Music and TV streaming habits. What do you subscribe to?
Music, I use Spotify and there’s usually some random playlist streaming on my Sonos. For TV, thanks to The Mandalorian, I now have ALL the subscription services.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
In high school I was an actor and won the drama award for my graduating class.
In five years' time I'll be:
Continuing to guide the team to help brands NEVER. NOT. STANDOUT
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