In this series, AdNews spotlights young talent in the Australian media, marketing and advertising sector. This time it's OMD Australia investment director Emily Arce.
Time in current role / time at the company:
Just over five years with OMD. My first three years was spent with OMD Sydney and I’ve just ticked over two years with OMD Brisbane.
How long have you been in the industry?
Seven years.
How did you get here? Was this always the plan?
In primary school the age-old question “what do you want to be when you grow up?” came up for an assignment, and I remember not having a clue what I wanted to do. One of my classmates said she wanted to “work in advertising” and I, not really knowing what that even meant, remember thinking it sounded very sophisticated and grown up. A seed must have been planted and from that point whenever that question was put to me, I’d always respond with “work in advertising”.
As I became more aware of what working in advertising meant, I always thought I’d work on the client marketing side of things, but I got my break in TV sales when I moved to Sydney in 2016. It wasn’t long before I moved over to the media agency side of the industry, and I haven’t looked back.
Who is your right-hand person / who guides you day-to-day?
I have an excellent team who make my day-to-day so enjoyable. I’ve also been fortunate to work with some fantastic industry leaders who I’ve been able to learn from and be mentored by.
In my current role, James Lucas (head of investment) is someone I continue to learn so much from. I am very fortunate to be mentored by someone with the level of industry knowledge and experience he has.
What’s the best thing about the industry you work in?
That it’s ever-evolving and fast-paced – no two days are the same. Working in investment, I love the thrill of negotiating with the media, implementing a campaign for a client and seeing this through from start to finish. It’s also exciting to mentor and train younger staff members and watch their passion for the industry develop. I’d also be remiss to not mention how awesome the culture and people in this industry are!
And the biggest challenge?
That it’s ever evolving and fast paced! This industry keeps you on your toes which can be challenging at times. I don’t think being challenged in your role is a bad thing, typically during those times is when I’ve seen my biggest personal and career growth.
Whose job have you set your sights on in the future?
I don’t have my eyes set on anyone’s job specifically but do hope to continue progressing within the business and move into a more senior leadership position in the OMD investment team one day – big footsteps to follow in and this is an ambitious goal for sure!
Where do you turn for inspiration?
I’m so lucky to have a wonderful husband, family and group of friends who are my greatest sources of inspiration. Disconnecting on the weekends and enjoying life is what inspires me the most and is so important.
I was fortunate to be selected as a member of OMD’s Exec Next committee this year which has allowed me the unique opportunity to build greater connections with our executive leadership team through one-on-one mentoring. Overall, I’ve found the experience to be invaluable as I’ve been able to turn to the leaders of our business for first-hand experience, advice and guidance. Working alongside the cohort of seven other committee members has also been inspiring – each person has provided a unique point of view and been a source of support throughout the year as we’ve worked through briefs, presenting ideas and initiatives.
I’m also a huge podcast fan – my favourite is ABC’s Conversations which gives you a glimpse into the lives of people who have interesting stories to tell which I often find gives me perspective outside of my day-to-day life.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you:
I think my team can attest to the fact that there isn’t much they wouldn’t know about me. I love to tell a long-winded story and am an open book, so you’d have to ask them!
In five years time, I’ll be:
Honestly, who knows! Life is about to get a whole lot crazier for me personally with my first baby due in June, so I imagine in five years’ time that life will be busy!
Reflecting on the last five years, I know if I could go back in time and show myself where I am now in my career, I’d be amazed. I’m fortunate and grateful to be in the position I am and the sky really is the limit!
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