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 The Trade Desk senior business development manager Zen McCrae.
Time at the company:
Two and a half years.
How long have you been in the industry?
Six years.
How did you get here? Was this always the plan?
I had no idea what I wanted to do when I landed a receptionist role for a SA owned news service called InDaily. I moved with the company to Melbourne, transitioning into publisher sales and later relocated to Sydney, where I was exposed to the world of adtech. I felt like I had finally found my path and set out on a mission to land a job within platform sales. It has been the best decision I’ve ever made.
Who is your right-hand person?
My manager, Steph Famolaro. She is the epitome of a strong, successful woman and I’m very lucky to have her guide me through my up and coming years.
What’s the best thing about the industry you work in?
It is ever evolving and presents endless possibilities for education and growth. We’re spoilt with opportunities to connect with all the different roles and functions which make it possible.
And the biggest challenge?
We often make things seem a lot more complicated than they are.
Whose job have you set your sights on in the future?
I’m coming for you Mitch! (our SVP South East Asia) Just joking. I am really interested in psychology and would love to somehow combine the two.
Where do you turn for inspiration?
Reflecting on areas which I perceived as weaknesses or times which were particularly challenging and realising the progress I’ve made – that can be pretty motivating. Other than that, our CEO, Jeff Green, is very inspiring!
My favourite advert is:
Nike hits the nail on the head when it comes to emotive advertising. The two campaigns which have stood out to me are Find Your Greatness and Dream Crazy.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
My mum worked on the set of Rabbit Proof Fence, so I was present (being a nuisance) for a lot of the filming. I also lived in the Pitjantjatjara lands for some time growing up and have many fond memories.
In five years’, time I'll be:
Changing the way advertising is bought and sold.
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