In this series, AdNews spotlights young talent in the Australian media, marketing and advertising sector. This time it's Paramount ANZ account manager - ad sales Tom Voss.
Time in current role/time at the company:
I’ve been with Paramount ANZ for just over two years, and account manager for nine months.
How long have you been in the industry?
Paramount ANZ is my first employer post-university, so I’ve been in the industry now for just over two years.
How did you get here? Was this always the plan?
I think deep down, I always knew media was an industry I wanted to be involved in. Growing up in a TV household I was fascinated with the production side of television, as well as journalism and reporting.
Studying a double major in media and communications and social media and public relations, I had come to realise that the strategic orientation of campaign implementation and advertising was something that really spoke to me. Queue a few short months later after my degree, I had landed a job at Paramount. From there I took every opportunity to learn from others, network, and build genuine relationships within the industry – which has helped in my own growth and success.
Who is your right-hand person/who guides you day to day?
There are so many people I am privileged to work with and look up to. My manager, Travis Kirk, is incredibly good at what he does and I’m very fortunate to have the opportunity to learn and improve my own skillset under his guidance. My right-hand person is my account executive, Jessica Nguyen, as we work in lockstep. I have thoroughly enjoyed being a mentor to her and supporting her successes.
What’s the best thing about the industry you work in?
One of my favourite things about the media and advertising industry is how it shapes the world around us. It is constantly reinventing itself and moulds the way we think and understand the world. It’s incredibly exciting to be part of something so dynamic and so omnipresent.
And the biggest challenge?
One of the most difficult parts of the industry also works in tandem with my favourite part…how dynamic it is. You need to constantly embrace being adaptable and pivoting your approaches to succeed. Change can be challenging, but also incredibly rewarding.
Whose job have you set your sights on in the future?
I don’t have my eyes set on a specific job, but rather elements of a future job. I love the strategic and creative side of what I get to do, so I want to land myself in a position that allows me to embrace these ways of thinking.
Another passion point of mine is developing colleagues. As Paramount’s Sydney spokesperson for NGEN, an MFA initiative, I love leaning into the mentorship side of my job and I’m confident this will continue as I progress through my career.
Where do you turn for inspiration?
Luckily in media and advertising, there is absolutely no shortage of inspiration. There are so many incredible ideas, activations and creatives. Seeing successful campaigns and ideas energises me and cultivates my own strategic and creative acumen.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
A funny fact about myself is that I was a Junior MasterChef Australia contestant way back in 2011. I find it funny and ironic that I am now selling the ads for MasterChef Australia. I love the science behind cooking, and it’s something I delve into outside of work.
In five years' time, I'll be:
In five years I’ll be continuing to deliver impactful results for my clients, helping build team culture and community wherever I may be working, and further developing my own skills. I want to be recognised as a passionate innovator in the media industry.
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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