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.
Lauren Tzilantonis, digital manager at Carat Melbourne
Time in current role/time at company:
9 months as a Digital Manager, 2 and a half years working at Carat.
How long have you been in the industry?
3 years.
How did you get here? Was this always the plan?
I was always pursuing a marketing career, but a role in media wasn't top of mind. Whilst I was studying, I was working at a start-up retail media platform called Brandcrush. However, when COVID hit I sadly lost that job. Once I had finished uni, I reached out to a friend of a friend who worked at Dentsu and that’s how I ended up at Carat.
When I first started, I was a client associate working on the L’Oréal account. I was fortunate to be able to hit the ground running, working on such a well-loved global brand. After a year, I moved onto the Medibank team as a digital executive and the rest is history.
Who is your right-hand who guides you day to day?
My director’s Jess Crosse and Tina King are my go to's - both incredible leaders, however more importantly friends, who I can turn to for candid advice. Both foster a safe environment at work, encouraging all to get out of their comfort zone and to try different things. I feel lucky to be surrounded by such strong-minded women in the workplace!
What’s the best thing about the industry you work in?
No two days are the same. Being a fast-paced industry, naturally every day brings new challenges. I love working in such a dynamic environment, enabling us to connect with people every day. We also have the opportunity to work with an array of brands and learn and impact their brand strategies.
And the biggest challenge?
Keeping up with the digital landscape. It's forever changing and there are constantly new aspects to learn. Particularly in the past year, the acceleration of consumer privacy demands has turned previous approaches to media and targeting on its head.
Whose job have you set your sight in the future?
Watch out, Richard Lehocz [Carat Melbourne general manager]
Where do you turn for inspiration?
Sounds corny but, I would say my inspiration is driven by the people I surround myself with. Whether that’s through my friends at work or outside of work, I would say I’m surrounded by some pretty amazing people who inspire me to challenge myself every day.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you:
To be honest, there wouldn’t be much that my co-workers don’t know about me. I’d say I’m a pretty open and honest person, and usually just say what’s on my mind to fill the void. Maybe people I work with would be surprised that I don’t particularly enjoy public speaking.
In five years’ time I’ll be:
Professionally, in a leadership position. Personally, sipping cocktails somewhere in Europe.
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