In this series, AdNews spotlights young talent in the Australian media, marketing and advertising sector. This time it's Resolution Digital investment manager Zilia Li.
Time in current role/time at the company:
I joined Resolution Digital as an investment manager in May, earlier this year. I am responsible for leading the investment process and media buying delivery across Resolution Digital's brand portfolio.
How long have you been in the industry?
I have been in the industry for around four and a half years. Before Resolution Digital, I started at OMD in December 2019 as a trading assistant working on the McDonald’s account before moving teams as a trader to work on Michael Hill, Village Roadshow, and Sealy before finishing my time at OMD as an investment manager on Amart and Super Retail Group.
How did you get here? Was this always the plan?
Like many graduates, I finished university with a Bachelor's degree and little clarity on my career path. With a degree in Business (Economics & Marketing), I initially aimed to pursue a career in economics. However, it soon became clear that it wasn’t my true passion or the direction I wanted for my career.
At the time, I had little understanding of what a career in advertising entailed—something not uncommon for those outside the industry. Despite my lack of knowledge, I decided to apply for a position in advertising. Although I was uncertain about where this path would lead, my background in numbers, data, and marketing helped me secure a role as a trading assistant at OMD. The rest is history.
Over the past four and a half years, this journey has brought numerous challenges, opportunities for growth, leadership experiences, valuable friendships, and countless memorable moments.
Who is your right-hand person/who guides you day to day?
My years in the industry have allowed me to work alongside some truly talented and inspiring individuals. In my previous role, Emily Arce, the investment director at OMD, was a significant figure in both my professional and personal life. When Emily returned to OMD, she became my manager and quickly turned into a close friend. She played a pivotal role in guiding me through key milestones both within the workspace in personal life, such as my promotion to investment manager and buying my first home. Her inspiration, motivation, and challenge were instrumental in my career growth.
In my current role, I am guided by Sarah Truong, the head of investment at Resolution Digital. Working closely with Sarah has been incredibly inspiring due to her extensive industry knowledge and experience. Like many, I faced a steep learning curve and struggled with imposter syndrome when starting my new role. Throughout my initial months at Resolution, Sarah has been exceptionally supportive and understanding, continually motivating me to strive harder and excel.
What’s the best thing about the industry you work in?
The people. As cliche as it may seem, you get to meet some of the most truly fantastic, awe-inspiring and captivating people in this industry. Some of my closest friends to this day are the people I met in my first week on the job.
Oh, and the lunches and parties are a nice little perk too!
And the biggest challenge?
The biggest challenge in the media industry is its fast-paced and ever-evolving nature. I don’t think I've ever managed to completely finish my to-do list! However, this constant change creates unique opportunities for learning and experiences that you won’t find elsewhere. To thrive in this field, you need to be adaptable, resilient, and committed to pushing yourself to grow and embrace new experiences.
Whose job have you set your sights on in the future?
Currently I don’t have my eyes set on anyone’s job, however I do have a commitment to grow professionally and work towards the next position in my career.
Where do you turn for inspiration?
When I am lacking motivation or inspiration, I like to switch off and put self-care first above all else. Whether it’s going to the gym, focusing on my hobbies, or spending quality time with loved ones, I find that being able to surround yourself with who you love and what you love to do really inspires and motivates me.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you:
Hm, good question. There isn’t a lot about me that I hide so I’m pretty much an open book! Non-exclusive to work, but people do get surprised to hear that I was born and raised in Darwin. I moved to Brisbane for university after high school and have been here since! Most of my family are still in Darwin and I try to visit as often as I can.
Oh, and that I have a tattoo on my right ribs!
In five years’ time, I'll be:
Every time this question is asked, there is only one answer that comes to my mind immediately and that is to be happy. Not to say I am not happy now, it’s just that whatever I am doing in five years, I hope to be happy.
Also, watching the F1 on my yacht in Monaco would be nice, too, I guess.
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