Our Young Gun profile takes a look at some of the young talent across the advertising, adtech, marketing and media sector in Australia. It aims to shed light on the varying roles, people and companies across the buzzing industry.
Nivedita Pillai, Programmatic manager at iProspect
Time in current role/time at company:
I literally just completed my one-year work anniversary on February 14. I remember because when I got my joining date and informed my Mum, she told me “Oh! It’s Valentine’s Day and you know what, you will fall in love with your job", I guess I have!
How long have you been in the industry?
I started in September 2010, so about 12.5 years! Worked across the EMEA, India, Singapore and now Australia. It has been a fun ride.
How did you get here? Was this always the plan?
Well, during schooling and high school all my attention and focus was on trying to be a doctor because most of my family members were in that field so I thought that’s what I should also be doing. But just like that, one day I learnt from someone that there is an actual course in media. Next thing I know, I have filled out the forms to apply for the media course. I couldn’t believe how much I enjoyed those years of my life because I truly loved everything that was being taught. I went on to top my college and consider those years as some of the best years of my life because it turned my whole life around!
Who is your right-hand who guides you day to day?
I am in touch with most, if not all my managers and colleagues who I’ve worked with in these last 12.5 years. I still ring them up when I need some guidance and honestly, even in my current role I am surrounded by so many wonderful people who are always there to help me in every way possible, both professionally and personally.
What’s the best thing about the industry you work in?
That it is not monotonous – the best thing is the ever evolving and ever progressing nature of how media works and how everyday there is something new that comes up for us to thrive and stay relevant in this constantly competitive market!
And the biggest challenge?
To keep up my knowledge of every new change that comes about so we are up to date and can make the best recommendations to our clients and colleagues.
Whose job have you set your sight in the future?
I think this could keep changing for me but with the growth of AI and related technologies, I would love to work with some team who helps use this to improve our media deliveries and effectiveness.
Where do you turn for inspiration?
My 2.5 year old son who is always so curious and keen to learn something new. Also, just to see how patient a kid that small is to get something done by trying to do it a million times over. They teach you a lot more than you do for them sometimes.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you
I love travelling and up until Covid hit us, I used to try and travel to one new country every year and my fridge is full of magnets from all these different countries, which is my most prized possession. So far, I have done Cairo, Dubai, Singapore, Thailand, London, Dublin, Scotland, Amsterdam, Paris, a lot of different cities across the US, many states in India and now live in Brisbane, Australia.
In five years’, time I’ll be:
Happy and healthy hopefully along with doing what I love doing, Also, hopefully being that mentor or like my associates call me “Mumnager” to all those who are just starting out.
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