Our Young Gun profile takes a look at some of the young talent across the advertising, ad tech, 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 MediaMath senior manager engagement Trisia Wiecek.
Time in current role/time at the company:
Five years this July! I started in a graduate position and have grown with the company.
How long have you been in the industry?
Just over five years. I worked with Kinected, a local launch vehicle for several ad technologies including MediaMath, for a few months before joining MediaMath.
How did you get here? Was this always the plan?
No, not at all. When I graduated, I was looking to work in an industry and company that was growing fast and where I could start making an impact straight away. Kinected, and shortly thereafter MediaMath, fit that bill.
Who is your right hand person/who guides you day to day?
My manager David Benjafield. He invariably operates with integrity, kindness and courage, which is how I strive to approach the work I do.
What’s the best thing about the industry you work in?
It’s the default answer, but the rate of change and innovation – it keeps my job exciting.
And the biggest challenge?
Advertising has a bit of a branding problem – ad spend is under the microscope, consumers are blocking ads at an increasing rate, and the mainstream media has zeroed in on consumer privacy in particular. On a personal level, telling people outside the industry what I do for a living often leads to a bit of judgment.
Whose job have you set your sights on in the future?
The industry is changing so quickly that jobs will undoubtedly look very different. I’ve always been interested in the industry-wide research and standard setting work that the IAB does, so that is somewhere I see myself potentially getting involved.
Where do you turn for inspiration?
I am a podcast junkie. It is a great medium where people from diverse backgrounds can be candid about how they have overcome challenges to find success. I especially liked hearing about Melanie Perkins’ journey in starting and growing Canva on How I Built This.
My favourite advert is:
I have always appreciated the Australian Defence Force ads for their emotive power and how they have embraced diversity.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
I have a Science degree and spent some time studying botany and zoology.
In five years' time I'll be:
Hopefully working with talented people in this industry and the technology we have at our disposal to improve perceptions of the advertising industry, and its contribution to social good.
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