Young Gun profiles takes a look at the young talent across the Australian advertising, adtech, marketing and media sector. Aiming to shed light on the varying roles, people and companies across the buzzing industry.
Elly Smyth: general manager at Gordon Digital
Time in current role/time at the company:
Current role - 10 months, and three years at the company.
How long have you been in the industry?
I have been in the digital marketing industry for three years, prior to that I was in the events industry for 10 years doing large scale events such as exhibitions, fashion shows, conferences and special events.
How did you get here? Was this always the plan?
I relocated to Brisbane early 2020, just before COVID really kicked in. It was this that forced me to relook at industries and the opportunity with Gordon Digital came up so I jumped at it. I have always worked really closely with marketing and really support the synergy between sales and marketing, so I was keen to explore this industry and I haven’t looked back.
It was always my plan to get to management, general manager wasn’t something I had specifically set my sights on but I have always been ambitious and like to push myself to constantly learn and improve my skills. Leading a team and being a part of growth really resonates with me so this role has been a dream come true for me.
Who is your right-hand person/who guides you day to day?
Jess our founder and managing director, we really are two peas in a pod and work really closely together to not just support the growth of the business but our development as leaders. Being female leaders in this industry, we are really passionate about supporting each other to be the best we can be for our team and beyond.
What’s the best thing about the industry you work in?
The constant development and advancements, digital marketing is so fast paced due to the constant evolution of technology. I love supporting my team to continue to hone their skills to make us the best marketers we can be while delivering one of the highest levels of customer service within our industry.
And the biggest challenge?
Educating our customers around the importance of a long term marketing strategy, digital marketing isn’t a short term fix that you just turn on and it starts running. It needs to be a consistent plan within the overall business plan to ensure best success and return on investment.
Whose job have you set your sights on in the future?
Mine, I am really happy with where I am from a role perspective but I want to really build my skills to be the best leader I can be while fostering the growth and success of the business.
Where do you turn for inspiration?
Podcasts and peers, I love talking to those who have trod a similar path to learn from their journey and how I can perhaps bring that into mine. I love a podcast, anything I can listen to and learn from while walking or driving is perfect.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
I have a blog.
In five years' time, I'll be:
Leading one of the most skilled digital marketing teams in Australia, delivering strategies and outcomes to some of Australia’s biggest brands.
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