Our Young Guns profile takes a weekly look at some of the 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 met PHD Sydney planning executive Joe McCabe. Today, we meet Yahoo senior sales manager Jimmy Aoun.
Duration in current role/time at the company:
Coming up to three years.
How long have you been in the industry?
Five years.
How did you get here? Was this always the plan?
Was my plan to sell digital advertising? I don’t think it ever crossed my mind. My plan though was to work in a collaborative and inspiring environment, one that offered personal and professional growth. I have always enjoyed working closely with people and thrive off collective input. A role opened in 2015 for an account manager and after a positively challenging interview process, I was offered a full-time position. Working at Yahoo7 has offered so much opportunity for growth and development, and we have such an energetic culture here. Over the years I’ve expanded my digital knowledge and sales skills as our own products have developed in market. After a successful couple of years working across mid-market sales and as an agency lead, I was super proud to be promoted to senior sales manager working with Group M’s key accounts including Google, Westpac, Nestle and Vodafone.
Who's your right-hand person/who guides you day to day?
There are so many people I can honestly credit here! Today my guidance comes from two inspiring leaders at Yahoo7. The first would be my personal mentor Anny Havercroft, head of brand at Yahoo7. Anny has improved my commercial acumen and industry knowledge through her wealth of expertise. Together we have strategised tactical business plans that have helped me develop client insights that lead to positive and credible business relationships. The second would be Clare Rudduck, NSW sales director. Clare has helped me to understand the strengths that I bring to a project, which has been super encouraging over the last year and also effectively improved how I work with others.
What’s best thing about the industry you work in?
There is a never a dry day in the digital world. We talk about this ever-evolving space and it is literally just that, whether it’s a new interactive ad feature or an improved methodology for attribution, we continue to innovate and efficiently do so. The best thing about this industry is knowing there is so much yet to come. Virtual reality is finally taking off and seamless data activations using DMPs were unheard of a mere number of years ago, which begs the question, what's next?
And the biggest challenge?
While the boundless expansion of innovation is super exciting, thriving through all the changes within a business can prove challenging. Our industry as a whole is being heavily challenged by macro trends like data use, AI and consumer engagement habits. Prospering through this today is our, and every media company's, biggest challenge.
Whose job have you set your sights on in the future?
With the direction digital is headed in, I would say my dream job is yet to exist. I’d love to see myself as a product specialist in the tech space, leading a team and offering consultative support to both agency groups and clients directly.
Where do you turn for inspiration?
Simon Sinek is my big man crush. If there was ever a more intelligent and powerful presenter. This legend has shaped the way I work with people, through personable and tactical interactions that have helped with my business relationships. His rousing talks and books on Start With Why and Leaders Eat Last are some of my favourite reads.
My favourite advert is and why?
My favourite advert is P&Gs Thank You, Mom' Campaign from the Rio 2016 Olympics.
It’s my favourite advert because they can make a real man among us cry, the P&G advert drives personal and relatable emotion, it’s captivating and memorable. And on that point, I also love this Lynx commercial for tackling the misconception that real men don't cry.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
Seriously I don’t think I could be more of an open book at work. I spend a third of my day with the people here, some of which have become lifelong friends! Actually, here is a fun fact, I have twenty nine first cousins and I am older than all of them.
In five years' time I'll be:
Well five years closer to retirement, I guess?
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