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.
Kiandra Langdon: client solutions manager at Newsamp VIC
Time in current role/time at company:
I’ve been with News Corp Australia for little over six years.
How long have you been in the industry?
Six years.
How did you get here? Was this always the plan?
Yes and no. Media and communications was always the goal, I was hell bent on living the PR high life until uni, where I took a little detour through the world of finance, my friend who worked at News Corp Australia told me about an opening for an account executive in the old motoring magazine so I jumped at it. Six years later and I haven’t looked back (a lot has happened since my motoring magazine days).
Who is your right-hand person/who guides you day to day?
Hmm, a tricky one. I have so many people who inspire and guide me every day, can I have two? My fearless leaders at Newsamp, Ari Petropoulos and Charmaine Wu. They continually push me to be better every day. They are both such a wealth of knowledge and both really believe and back their team and strive to bring out the best in me.
What’s the best thing about the industry you work in?
There are so many career opportunities within the media world. I feel whatever your interests or passions are, there is something for you within media and advertising. I’ve been so fortunate to work across four different teams, across three different business units which I feel has given me a breadth of industry knowledge all within one company.
And the biggest challenge?
Sounds cliché, but no day is the same. One day you’re working on a major million dollar strategic partnership and next a $100K tactical campaign. You must always be on the ball and thinking fast. I love it, but boy is it a challenge at times!
Whose job have you set your sights on in the future?
The world of Total News Publishing is always changing, offering new possibilities. Right now, there isn’t anyone's job I have my sights on (not just yet!).
Where do you turn for inspiration?
I’m a recent Tik Tok addict so I definitely find a lot of inspiration there. It’s a big black hole of ideas and different viewpoints. I’m definitely on the lo-fi video shorts train.
My favourite advert is:
The Australian Tourism ad for the Super Bowl in 2018, oh how I wish it was a real trailer. Or any John Lewis Christmas ads - I’m not crying, you’re crying.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
As my leader Ari says, I’m extremely direct. I’m not sure there is much my team doesn't know about me.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Wherever I am within my career, I hope to still have an amazing team around me (hopefully successfully managing my own) who continue to inspire me and help me grow. As well as my awesome personal support network who I would be nowhere without. Hopefully all while living on a beach somewhere.
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