In this series, AdNews spotlights young talent in the Australian media, marketing and advertising sector. This time it's GumGum senior manager Gabrielle Mills.
Time in current role/time at the company?
I started at Playground xyz, now GumGum, more than six-and-a-half years ago as a digital media coordinator and am now senior manager, account management APAC. I feel like I’ve grown up with the business, especially with the company growing and changing so much along the way. It’s been amazing to be part of the evolution and contribute to our success.
How long have you been in the industry?
Close to seven years, which is WILD - Time flies!
How did you get here? Was this always the plan?
My career started in the vibrant world of fashion, where I worked as a Junior Brand Assistant, coordinating multiple Fashion Week shows. At the time, I thought my path was set in the fast-paced fashion world. But, as my contract was coming to an end, I stumbled upon a job opening for a Digital Media Coordinator at an innovative ad-tech startup and something about it sparked my curiosity, so I took a leap - It turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I’m incredibly grateful for the journey, the lesson that staying open to new opportunities can lead to the most incredible career paths in an industry that constantly challenges and excites me.
Who is your right-hand person/who guides you day to day?
Having worked at the same company for the duration of my career, I’ve been fortunate to build strong relationships with many of my colleagues who have become both mentors and friends. There isn't one single ‘right-hand person’ for me—it's more of a collective effort. From Scot Liddell to Maddie Navin or from local team members to now global ones, across different teams, I’m constantly learning from their diverse perspectives and expertise. Their support, guidance, and example push me to continually strive for growth and efficiency. They keep me grounded and focused, and I’m really grateful to be surrounded by such a talented group of people who inspire me every day.
What’s the best thing about the industry you work in?
This industry thrives on collaboration, where creativity and strategy come together to drive meaningful impact and drive success for our clients. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about working alongside passionate, like-minded people who challenge each other to think bigger, innovate, and celebrate every win together. The energy is contagious when you're surrounded by people who inspire and push you to grow every day, work transforms into something far more rewarding than just a job.
And the biggest challenge?
The speed at which this industry progresses is astonishing, there’s consistently new products, tech, and opportunities popping up which is invigorating but also can be challenging to stay on top of.
Whose job have you set your sights on in the future?
I don’t currently have eyes set on anyone in particular’s role, however, I know I love leading people and being part of big-picture strategy talks. I’m drawn to roles where I can make decisions, solve problems, and help a team succeed.
Where do you turn for inspiration?
The people around me are my greatest source of inspiration—I love hearing different stories and perspectives that challenge and shape the way I see the world.
I also find clarity and motivation through movement, whether it’s a Keep It Cleaner workout or a run. I truly admire the business that Laura Henshaw and Steph Claire Smith have built—it's uplifting, empowering, and the perfect mix of encouragement and energy.
And for those moments when I need an extra boost before a big day, my go-to hype playlist never fails to get me in the right mindset!
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
I’m a pretty open person who loves to yap so can’t say I have any secrets that people at work don’t know about me.
In five years time I'll be…
Oh my goodness - Five years feels like forever away but will surely pass in the blink of an eye. In five years time, I hope to be constantly growing and learning in a dynamic role that keeps my brain excited to start work each day, have a few more travel adventures in my memories, and maybe have reached an exciting fitness goal.
And instead of walking down Bondi beach, sprinting! I’m in my marathon era.
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