Our Young Gun profile takes a look at some of the young talent across the advertising, adtech, marketing and media sector in Australia. It aims to shed light on the varying roles, people and companies across the buzzing industry.
Today we speak to George P. Johnson Melbourne account manager Megan Abela.
Time in current role/time at the company:
I’ve been at GPJ for five years in December and an account manager for the past four months.
How long have you been in the industry?
Six years, but it feels like a lifetime! (…in a good way!)
How did you get here? Was this always the plan?
Experiential was not even close to the plan! In 2013 I fluked an internship as a ‘Production Coordinator’ at the Sydney Opera House, thinking I was heading down a career path in tourism. I’m a firm believer in following your gut and after a few short weeks and a few great industry connections; I knew this was my ‘thing’.
Who guides you day to day?
I’m lucky enough to have a relatively small, multi-skilled team in Melbourne, so they’re all my right hand people! *Ahhh*…small office culture!
In saying that, Charles Turner (general manager, Melbourne) gave me my first full time gig and we’ve both relocated to Melbourne with GPJ, so whilst he will almost definitely roll his eyes at this, he’s always going to be a mentor to me.
What’s the best thing about the industry you work in?
If you know of any other industry where you can be a creative, an accountant, a politician, a foodie and a logistical wizard all in one day, please feel free to share!
The best thing is the variety of work, the pace, the adrenalin of all things ‘live’ and above all, the bonds you inevitably make with your team when you defy the odds and pull off the near impossible together.
And the biggest challenge?
Knowing when and how to ‘let go’ when you’re invested in the perfect delivery (…I’m not a perfectionist…I swear…). I’m slowly learning the art of overpreparing, then going with the flow.
Whose job have you set your sights on in the future?
I’m still working on that one…
Where do you turn for inspiration?
Blinkist! Best app ever invented! Who knew it would ever be possible to read three books in a day!
My favourite advert is:
At the moment, embarrassingly, I shed a tear every time I see the Cadbury TVC…you know the one where the little girl goes into the corner store and pays for her mum’s birthday chocolate with her toy unicorn? Tell me that doesn’t make you cry?
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
I spent a whole year of my life working as a balloon bouquet specialist. So, if you need a balloon bouquet, I’m your girl.
In five years' time I'll be:
Still in the ‘live’ game I’d say, but I’m hoping to take on more managerial and/or strategic responsibility.
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