In this series, AdNews spotlights young talent in the Australian media, marketing and advertising sector. This time it's Paramount ANZ brand partnerships executive, Melbourne, Clare Drenen.
Time in current role/time at the company:
I have been at Paramount for roughly three years, starting out as a sales coordinator in the Perth market, and now settling in my home city of Melbourne. I’ve been in my current partnerships role for one year.
How long have you been in the industry?
I feel very lucky that Paramount was my first media job, and its definitely stuck!
How did you get here? Was this always the plan?
I have always been obsessed with reality television, so I knew I wanted to work in the Australian TV industry – I just didn’t know how that would look. One day I saw a role pop up at Channel 10 and I reached out to my good friend Josh Hale, who put in a good word for me with Perth royalty, Paul Townsend.
Who is your right-hand person/who guides you day to day?
It would definitely be Alex O’Shaughnessy. She has been an incredible leader for me since beginning in partnerships, giving me the confidence to tap into a more creative role, something I never thought was a strength of mine. She gives me the independence to work through ideas, and still answers my 10,383 questions per day.
What’s the best thing about the industry you work in?
It’s so much fun! I get to work across some of the funniest and most entertaining formats on TV, and alongside the best creative minds in the industry (in my opinion!).
And the biggest challenge?
There’s definitely an expectation for new and innovative ideas, which keeps it fun and interesting, but also requires a lot of brain power.
Whose job have you set your sights on in the future?
I am so lucky to be in the role I am. Paramount have so many amazing, talented people so I am keen to keep learning and growing from them and see where it may take me!
Where do you turn for inspiration?
My Melbourne PBS team Alex, Nat and Sasch are my ultimate inspiration. Our midday brain dumps across the desk are always where we find our best ideas.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
My first job was actually at KFC, where I packed the potato & gravy. I lasted five shifts and realised I wasn’t cut out for the fast-food industry…
In five years time, I'll be:
Hopefully working my way up the ranks at Paramount, and in my spare time still binge-watching reality dating shows!
Have something to say on this? Share your views in the comments section below. Or if you have a news story or tip-off, drop us a line at adnews@yaffa.com.au
Sign up to the AdNews newsletter, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for breaking stories and campaigns throughout the day.