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.
Stephanie Jones: Client development manager at Xaxis
Time in current role/time at the company:
6 months in my current role and almost 4 years at Xaxis
How long have you been in the industry?
Almost 7 years
How did you get here? Was this always the plan?
There was no plan! Long story long: Weeks before my final Year 12 exams I was handed a book “A-Z Of Career and Jobs” by the career’s councillor. I didn’t get very far as I landed on ‘Advertising’ (page 4 from memory) ha! The copywriting section piqued my interest as 17-year-old me considered myself quick-witted, surely the ideal trait of a copywriter. The next day I applied to RMIT and went on to complete my Advanced Diploma in Advertising, noting that I was not as quick-witted as originally thought! I managed to secure my first job in media at Maxus (known currently as Wavemaker) where I was the jack of all trades for three years. I am now currently at Xaxis, GroupM’s programmatic arm.
Who is your right-hand person/who guides you day to day?
My daily sounding board would have to be Jade Watson, Head of Programmatic VIC/SA, GroupM. Over the last 3.5 years, Jade’s the one I call for work and personal advice. She isn’t afraid to speak the brutal truth which other people tend to dance around. Everything she says comes from the best possible place, with the best of intentions – a quality I admire in both a friend and leader.
What’s the best thing about the industry you work in?
Not to sound like a broken record, but the ever-changing and increasingly complex landscape is the best thing about our industry. We have the ability to constantly develop ourselves, growing and evolving alongside the wider industry as it demands more from us as marketers. It’s exhilarating! Special shout out to the social side of our industry as well, without it I would not be as confident and courageous as I am today, nor would I have attended so many (too many) AFL games.
And the biggest challenge?
Quite easily the best thing about our industry is also the biggest challenge. Being experts in our field, we’re tasked with staying ahead of the game, knowing the latest trends, using the latest technology, being curious data-driven forward thinkers. It’s a lot to take in! I’ve found that not losing track of my ‘why’ or ‘purpose’ helps overcome these challenges.
Whose job have you set your sights on in the future?
Nick Brignell I’m coming for you! No, all jokes aside, I would consider myself fortunate to be included in GroupM’s senior leadership team. The team are in it for the greater good, with every individual looking to improve our industry and cultivate a work environment where diversity of experience matters.
Where do you turn for inspiration?
Easy, my cheer-squad! Which basically consists of my parents, family, friends, and colleagues. Each person has helped shape who I am today, from encouraging words of wisdom, to acts of kindness and displays of support. I can always count on them to tell me what I need to hear, even if I don’t want to hear it. Additionally, I can always lean on a good podcast about social conditioning and self-confidence. I’m currently listening to ‘Unf*ck Your Brain’ by Kara Loewentheil on Spotify. Lend an ear if you haven’t already.
My favourite advert is: The Mercedes-Benz “Chicken” MAGIC BODY CONTROL TV commercialThis ad brings a smile to my face every single time I watch it. It’s simple, yet excellent in its execution. It’s also a huge bop!
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
I strongly dislike bananas. Like STRONGLY dislike. The smell, texture and taste is just not for me.
In five years’ time I'll be:
Hopefully returning from an extended European holiday to a leadership role surrounded by amazing like-minded people.
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