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.
Fiona Walters, data analyst, Orchard
Time in current role/time at the company:
Six months in my current role, and almost three years at Orchard.
How long have you been in the industry?
Three years in digital marketing.
How did you get here? Was this always the plan?
Not even close! If you told younger me that she would leave the U.S. to go to University in Australia, study Economics and Marketing, then become an analyst…I would have thought you were crazy.
I always thought I would go to school to study fashion and live a glamorous life in New York or maybe London – but with age comes change, and I think there never really is a concrete plan.
At university I was able to itch the parts of my creative and analytical brain, so choosing at path in digital marketing was a no brainer.
At Orchard I initially started in account management. I feel so lucky to be part of an agency that has allowed me to follow my passions and provided the opportunity for me to move into the role I am in now as a digital analyst.
Looking back its funny to see how I got here today, but I can honestly say I love what I do.
Who is your right-hand person/who guides you day to day?
Firstly, Julian Bright – he's been instrumental in shaping my current role by teaching me the hard skills to do the job. He’s a great mentor, my desk buddy, and an all-round great friend. I have learnt so much from him thus far and honestly, he teaches me something new almost every day.
Second, my manager Dan Taylor, he is a wealth of knowledge and experience. He pushes me to think differently and dive deeper. He serves as an excellent sounding board for bouncing ideas and he has helped me to elevate the quality of my work.
What’s the best thing about the industry you work in?
Definitely the people and being at the forefront of the latest technological trends. I love seeing the world evolve and discovering how we might bring the latest tech into what we do.
Digital is going through a boom, and I think our industry is going to be hit with a lot of changes. I’m excited to see what happens and the new skills I will have to pick up along the way.
And the biggest challenge?
I think the best thing about the industry is also the biggest challenge – keeping up with the times in a rapidly changing environment.
Whose job have you set your sights on in the future?
Our chief strategy officer Mikaela Crimmins - she’s an exceptional leader, a gun strategist, and an amazing person. Getting to work and learn from her is truly one of the best parts of my job.
Where do you turn for inspiration?
My fellow experience teammates and I would be lying if I didn’t mention TikTok.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
I am an open book, but I don’t think people know that I grew up around the music industry back in Seattle, WA. My mom managed musicians, so I spent a lot of time in recording studios and rehearsal spaces. I even dabbled in music myself recording a song or two.
In five years' time I'll be…
I would love to see myself climbing the ranks and be in more of a leadership position, while combing through the data and developing some killer strategies with my team.
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