In this series, AdNews spotlights young talent in the Australian media, marketing and advertising sector. This time it's Paramount ANZ account manager – ad sales, Adelaide, Caitlyn Laing.
Time in current role/time at the company:
I have been with Paramount Adelaide for almost three years and have been an account manager for almost two of those years.
How long have you been in the industry?
This is my first role in media out of uni. I started out as a sales coordinator and was promoted after one year to sales exec.
How did you get here? Was this always the plan?
After finishing my Media degree at uni I wasn’t sure which pathway to take, given the field is so diverse. Thankfully, a friend of a friend was working at Paramount when I was knee deep in the job hunt, and she helped me score an interview. After a gruelling interview process where I was thrown questions such as ‘who do you want to win Survivor this year’, I landed a coordinator role, and the rest is history! Thanks, Cam Mudge, for taking a chance on me!
Who is your right-hand person/who guides you day to day?
Susie Mangan, the GSM here in Adelaide. Susie has the absolute pleasure of answering every single question I throw at her, from what should I have for dinner to please help me unpack this client brief. Susie is always there to support me when needed, offering guidance and advice.
What’s the best thing about the industry you work in?
I love the close relationships I have built within the Adelaide sales team here at Paramount. Given we are such a small team, we all work so closely together and support each other every day. We also play Taylor Swift non-stop so that’s a big plus!
I love the challenges that come with working in media sales, and the rewarding feeling of securing a campaign.
And the biggest challenge?
I would say the biggest challenge is how rapidly the landscape is evolving, and making sure I am on top of it all. We are presented with new products and information constantly, so learning to adapt and adjust is an ongoing task.
Whose job have you set your sights on in the future?
Grant Denyer 100%. The Deal Or No Deal encores are a daily fixture in our office and I would love nothing more than to be part of it.
Where do you turn for inspiration?
My friends inspire me every day! Each killing it in their own right, their passion and drive to succeed definitely inspires me to do my very best – not only at work but in everything I do. I’m so lucky to be surrounded by such an empowering group of smart, talented and funny women.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
Unfortunately, I am the world’s biggest over-sharer and I think my colleagues know every single detail about my life! One thing that might surprise some people is that I have a police record for non-suspicious arson after accidently starting a kitchen fire due to my lack of culinary skills.
In five years' time, I'll be:
Continuing to grow and thrive both personally and professionally. I’d love to be in senior role, and ideally living in my Hospital Research Home Lottery house (manifesting the win) and rewatching Grey’s Anatomy for the hundredth time.
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