In this series, AdNews spotlights young talent in the Australian media, marketing and advertising sector. This time it's QMS senior account manager Courtney Johnson (CJ).
Time in current role:
I’ve been a Senior Account Manager for two-and-a-half years now and been with QMS since 2019.
How long have you been in the industry?
I’ve been in the media industry for eight years, cutting my teeth at Ikon Brisbane back in 2016.
How did you get here? Was this always the plan?
While in my final semester of studying Business and Marketing at QUT, I managed to snag a job at Ikon Brisbane working as a Coordinator on the Flight Centre account. Like most students, I had no real plans or any idea what a media agency was, but deep down I knew this was going to be an exciting step in my career.
Who is your right-hand person?
I’m very lucky to work with such an amazing and supportive team at QMS, but my superstar Account Exec, Reni, is my right-hand gal for all things big and small. Whether we’re going to meetings or making breakfast in the work kitchen, you could say we are joined at the hip! She’s the one I turn to for ideas, inspiration, and her killer fashion sense!
What is the best thing about the industry you work in?
I’m sure every Young Gun’s submission has the same answer... BUT the people within our industry really make it what it is. Over the past eight years, I’ve made some incredible, lifelong friendships along with mentors who have guided and supported me whenever I needed it. This is what makes our industry so unique and keeps me feeling grateful that I get to be a part of it!
And the biggest challenge?
The biggest challenge is the constant evolution and development of technology within the digital OOH space. However, working at QMS allows me to be exposed to the growth within our digital landscape and be at the forefront of any new opportunities for our agencies and clients.
Whose job have you set your sights on in the future?
While I am loving every minute of working in sales, in the future I’d love to try my hand at marketing to learn even more about the business and put my degree to use.
Where do you turn for inspiration?
I usually turn to Pinterest for inspiration, where I’ll manage to find new ideas or creative projects, but recently I’ve been enjoying early morning trips to the beach on weekends to watch the sunrise. Manifesting a coastal life and eventually moving to the beach would be the dream for my husband and I one day.
My favourite advert is:
I was lucky enough to work with Team Fresh (Subway) over at Publicis, which has allowed me to help bring some of their iconic campaigns to life across QMS’ premium national network. One of my favourites has to be the Footlong campaign that showcased an unbranded sandwich that was easily identifiable as a Subway masterpiece. A risk that paid off and looked amazing on OOH! You can’t tell me that your mouth isn’t watering right now.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
I’m terrible at trivia.
In five years’ time I will be:
Wherever I am within my career, I hope to still have an amazing team around me who continue to inspire me and help me grow. Wouldn’t say “no” to a place on the coast either.
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
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