Our Young Guns profile takes a weekly 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. Last week we spoke to MediaCom digital performance director, Sarah Goh.
Today we head to Sydney to speak to Domain national brand marketing manager, Emily Murren.
How long have you been in the industry?
Seven years.
Duration in current role/time at the company:
Two years.
What were you doing before this job and how did you get this gig?
I worked in brand in the online education industry. Head of commerce at Facebook Jacqui Cole referred me to the role at Domain. I have her to thank for having the best gig in the industry.
Define your job in one word:
Unpredictable.
What were your real and cliché expectations of working in the industry?
That no two days would be the same.
How does the reality match up?
Spot on. Every day is so different.
How would you describe what the company does and what does your role involve?
We help Australian’s find their dream home by providing world-class products, platforms and user experience. My role involves wrapping all of this up into our brand story and communicating this to Australian’s everywhere.
Best thing about the industry you work in:
Australian’s have such a passion for property. Everyone loves talking about it.
Any major hard learnings in the job so far?
You can’t do it all, and you sure can’t do it alone.
If you had to switch over to another department, which would it be and why?
Strategy. I like thinking big picture.
What's exciting you about the industry right now?
The rate of change. I love that technology has facilitated people with passion, ideas and drive to be influencers. We all carry a little tool around with us constantly that opens up the entire world. I love living in this time right now.
What concerns you about the industry and its future?
On the agency side, whether the expectations placed upon people realistic and sustainable. Work life balance is a #1 priority and our industry often struggles to find the balance between ambition and burning out.
Who's your right hand person/who guides you day to day?
Sarah Myers, our group marketing director. She has everything you need to be successful in business– smarts, style and a little bit of sass. We are two women who compliment each other very well.
And your almighty mentor that you hope to dethrone?
Melina Cruickshank our CMO. Would never dethrone! She is a born leader. Extremely sharp, endlessly inspiring and has me choking on my Riesling with laughter whenever we can steal a glass (or bottle) together.
Career-wise, where do you see yourself in 2020 and how do you plan on getting there?
Wow. That’s only three years away. Working hard, leading people. Helping women have the confidence to have their voice heard, be proud of their work and share their success.
What is the elephant in the room?
The thing that no one is talking about – but they should be. Big progress has been made in regards to gender equality, but the pay gap still shocks me.
Where do you turn for inspiration?
Instagram. I love the ‘Discover’ section for finding new people doing cool things.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
I’m a pretty open book. They probably don’t know that I love insects. My dad instilled a fascination of the natural world in me and my sisters – we used to put them under the microscope at home. Although spiders still scare me.
Favourite advert is:
Man in the Moon, John Lewis. Pure class. Raised incredible awareness for Age UK. Love a tear jerker.
Also the Qantas ‘Feels like home’ gets me every time.
What’s your personal motto?
We rise by lifting others.
I got into advertising/ad tech/marketing etc because:
It allowed me to be strategic and creative, work with energetic people with big dreams and showcase my ideas at scale.
If I wasn't doing this for a living, I'd be:
Writing stories, publishing books, exploring the world being paid $25k per Instagram post.
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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