In this series, AdNews spotlights young talent in the Australian media, marketing and advertising sector. This time it's Ryvalmedia Melbourne media coordinator Emily Thompson.
Time in current role/time at the company:
I've been media coordinator at Ryvalmedia for a year.
How long have you been in the industry?
12 months.
How did you get here? Was this always the plan?
I’m not sure there has ever been a real 'plan'. Leaving university, the opportunities truly felt endless. I was so naive to just how vast the media industry was. But I took the 'go with the flow' type attitude, and surely enough I found Ryvalmedia and the rest is history.
Who is your right-hand person?
I once read somewhere, that “you are the people you surround yourself with”, and I don’t think this could be any truer regarding both my personal life and professional career. I wouldn’t be anywhere without the love and support of family and friends but am also lucky to be a part of such an incredible team. From day one, Laura Hanna and Lauren Aytekin have been the embodiment of hard-working, supportive, and empowering women in media. Together their mentorship and friendship has allowed me to flourish, and together they have provided me the tools to feel confident and proud in the work I produce. I feel so grateful to be guided by them in the beginning of my career.
What’s the best thing about the industry you work in?
It’s no secret that the landscape we work in is constantly evolving. We are always being challenged to be more innovative, open-minded, and adaptive to exploring new creative ways of thinking. I find I thrive in fast-paced environments, so I'm being constantly challenged to think quickly and adapt efficiently. Similarly, the wide scope of opportunities is something that excites me about being so young and fresh in the industry. There is so much room for curiosity, learning and development.
And the biggest challenge?
Whilst the evolution of the industry is so thrilling and exciting, it can sometimes be overwhelming to wrap your head around how rapidly trends can change.
Whose job have you set your sights on in the future?
I don't necessarily have my eyes set on anyone's job. Being so early on in my career, I think there is so much room left for growth, development, and exploration in my own role. With the way the industry continues to evolve, I think there is so much room for progression, innovation, and self-discovery, which is an element of this work that really excites me.
Where do you turn for inspiration?
Throughout my personal life, I’ve been inspired by books and writing, songs, and movies. However, I think the biggest source of inspiration in my career are my colleagues. Having a curious mind, working, and collaborating with them is where I feel the most inspired and driven professionally.
My favourite advert is:
Having lived overseas during the pandemic, this ad really pulled on the heart strings. Call me a softie, but like most I think I may've cried the first time I watched it. This story, in the most cliché terms, really captivated the nation. The varying perspectives drew such a universal truth and audience, telling such a sentimental story at a time that was so uncertain for families and travellers. As a creative person, there's nothing that thrills me more than the perfect alignment and elevation a song can do for a story or a brand, and Tones & I's 'Fly Away' did just that.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
When I was 10, I thought I would be an Olympic Swimmer. Sadly, I didn't compete in Paris this year. I think in another lifetime (or maybe later in this one), I would’ve also loved to be a writer.
In five years time, I'll be:
I have no idea. I might be overseas, living in Europe or the UK. Or maybe I'll have a house and a dog in Melbourne somewhere. Only time will tell.
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