The MFA’s NGEN Award gives media agency executives with less than five years’ experience the opportunity to create positive impact by using their core skills: strategic thinking, creativity, storytelling and media execution expertise. NGENers were this year invited to respond to a brief for youth charity Musicians Making a Difference (MMAD).
AdNews presents, Meet the NGEN Award Finalists: Rebecca Cramer, Partnerships Executive, Rufus by Initiative and Lara Wainwright, Investment Partnerships Executive, Rufus by Initiative
How long have you been in the industry?
Bec: Coming up on two years.
Lara: Just over a year now.
What attracted you to working in a media agency? Was this always the plan?
Bec: Media was always the plan, although it’s hard to grasp what that looks like when you’re outside looking in. Initiative turned out to be the perfect mix of sh*t-hot work, talent, and culture, and I haven’t looked back!
Lara: Friends and family were in the industry, and I was always intrigued by the innovative ideas that agencies produced. When I was looking at where to work, Initiative’s clients and culture cemented it as the best fit for me.
What were your greatest lessons from the experience of entering the NGEN Award?
Lara: Ask anyone and everyone to listen to your idea to really help refine it. Also, you can never start too early! While we thrived during the final push, we definitely could have done with a bit more sleep.
Bec: Start early and use a ‘no strings attached’ brainstorm kick-off session to get all your ideas on the table. You’ll have to sift through a lot of nonsense until you find something that sticks.
What’s the best thing about the industry you work in?
Bec: Definitely the people. Working agency side allows you to connect and build relationships with incredible people. And it’s so damn fun!
Lara: Absolutely it’s the people. Whether it’s our incredible team, media partners, or clients, the culture in this industry is energetic and infectious.
What does the MFA industry purpose of ‘We Are The Changers’ mean to you?
Lara: I believe it gives a voice to young people in the industry and puts the spotlight back on the impressive work that the industry produces.
Bec: It serves as a reminder to take a step back from the hustle and bustle and appreciate the purpose and impact our work can deliver.
Where do you plan to be in five years’ time?
Lara: Hopefully still working on a fast-paced account like Amazon that keeps me on my toes, maybe even overseas.
Bec: Hopefully still working with an amazing team that produces high-quality and impactful work, but ideally in more of a creative/strategy role.
The winners of the NGEN Award will be announced at the 2023 MFA Awards gala dinner on Thursday, September 21.
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