Our Young Guns profile takes a weekly look at some of the buzzing young talent across the advertising, ad tech, marketing and media sector in Australia. It aims to shed light on the varying roles, people and companies across the buzzing industry. Last week we spoke to Adshel marketing executive, Andrew Lowther.
This week we head to Perth to speak to Nine Entertainment Co. director of sales Kate McMahon.
How long have you been in the industry?
Seven years.
Duration in current role/time at the company:
I have been at Nine for five-and-a-half years and in the director of sales role for just over a year.
What were you doing before this job and how did you get this gig?
Group integration manager at Nine Entertainment Co.
Define your job in one word:
Epic.
What were your real and cliché expectations of working in the industry?
There is a ‘glamour’ associated with working in television, which I am still trying to find… If only I was around 30 years ago!
How does the reality match up?
Media isn’t as glamourous as one would hope, but there are some great perks and I have experienced some very cool things, which I have been incredibly grateful for.
How would you describe what the company does and what does your role involve?
Nine Entertainment Co is an entertainment and content company at heart. My role is to give advertisers the opportunity to tell their brand stories in amongst our incredible entertainment platforms.
Best thing about the industry you work in:
The amazing people you meet every single day.
Any major hard learnings in the job so far?
Managing my amazing Perth team through the passing of a much-loved team member a month into the job was by far the hardest thing I have had to do in my time at Nine (and in life).
If you had to switch over to another department, which would it be and why?
Marketing. I love the Nine brand and would love to promote it to our Australian audience.
What's exciting you about the industry right now?
The unknown.
What concerns you about the industry and its future?
The unknown.
Who's your right hand person/who guides you day-to-day?
Nine Entertainment Co. director of sales, broadcast Richard Hunwick and chief sales officer Michael Stephenson.
And your almighty mentor that you hope to dethrone?
Lizzie Young, director of innovation, partnerships and experience at Nine Entertainment Co.
Career-wise, where do you see yourself in 2020 and how do you plan on getting there?
With the way this industry is evolving, I am certain the way we do things now won’t be the same in four years, and I am open to tackling new things! Staying on top of trends, remaining digitally savvy and embracing change will be imperative for me to keep moving on up.
What is the elephant in the room? The thing that no one is talking about – but they should be.
Back to basics. I think we have moved away from some basic principles in marketing that need to be brought back into the spotlight.
Where do you turn for inspiration?
The beach, and my dad.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
I eat the same thing for breakfast every. single. morning.
Favourite advert is:
Snickers 'You aren’t you when you’re hungry' TVC… Story of my life!
What’s your personal motto?
Li. Lo. La… Live Love Laugh.
I got into advertising/ad tech/marketing/media because:
It gives you the opportunity to influence change.
If I wasn't doing this for a living, I'd be:
A primary school teacher.
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
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