In this series, AdNews spotlights young talent in the Australian media, marketing and advertising sector. This time it's Paramount Adelaide account manager for digital ad sales Luca Cimmino.
Time in current role/time at the company:
I’ve been account manager for digital ad sales at Paramount Adelaide for one year.
How long have you been in the industry?
I’ve been in the industry for three years.
How did you get here? Was this always the plan?
Towards the end of my marketing university degree, I was keen to get an idea of the industry by entering the workforce. Arry Tanusondjaja (one of the many superstars working at Ehrenberg Bass!), gave me Cameron Mudge’s contact details for a potential job opportunity at Paramount. After many months of persistence, I landed the opportunity!
Who is your right-hand person/who guides you day to day?
I’ve been so fortunate to have lots of people act as great role models at Paramount including Linda Anastasiou, Susie Mangan and Cameron Mudge. Each mentor has taught me valuable skills that I’m continuing to hone.
Thanks to my mentors, I have been given the opportunity to present ideas, which has grown my confidence in speaking and collaborating with our clients and agency partners. I’m a particular fan of Cam’s great sports analogies (even if I’m not too familiar with sport), which have a great focus on teamwork and growth. Something about boats, and not letting the water in?
It really does ‘take a village’ for any one person to grow and I am forever grateful to be part of such a strong community of media, marketing, and business professionals.
What’s the best thing about the industry you work in?
The opportunity to meet diverse people from all walks of life! We work in an industry of not just entertainment, but also storytelling and the capability to help brands achieve their marketing or business objectives. I’d consider myself a ‘people person’, so this aligns with the type of person I am - I love building connections and working with creative/like-minded individuals.
And the biggest challenge?
One of the biggest challenges is keeping up-to-date with the latest changes and trends in an ever-evolving media/marketing industry. Although, in saying this, it is an exciting challenge! I feel it’s critical to constantly hone your skills in these trends, understand what brands are experiencing, and be outside of your comfort zone. Digital is a great example.
Whose job have you set your sights on in the future?
Tough question! I would honestly be very grateful to continue being in roles where I can meet interesting people, build relationships/brands, and acquiring new skills. Something I try my best to aspire to is dream big and spark change.
Where do you turn for inspiration?
Most definitely my mum and dad. Corny, I know, but it’s true. Mum was diagnosed with Primary Progressive Aphasia/apraxia and has been losing her speech among other things across this eight-year journey. Despite all this, she always remains positive and continues to work her job as a hairdresser (crazy, I know!), which suffice to say is not easy when you have limited speech. She’s a true example of finding something you love doing and never giving up. Dad is the bedrock of my family and continues to support mum, our family and run a business. His sense of commitment, empathy, hard work, and community is something I will continue to strive for where ever I go. I’m sure you could ask many people; he’ll always have your back!
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
I feel like there are a lot of things people in the office would know about me, however, they may not know that I always wanted to be a film director growing up.
In five years time, I'll be:
Continuing to grow myself both personally and professionally. I hope to create exciting campaigns and would love the opportunity to explore the world. And most importantly continuing to make tomato sauce, (it’s an Italian thing!).
Have something to say on this? Share your views in the comments section below. Or if you have a news story or tip-off, drop us a line at adnews@yaffa.com.au
Sign up to the AdNews newsletter, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for breaking stories and campaigns throughout the day.