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.
For our last Young Gun, we spoke to BBC Advertising programmatic account manager Luke Fox.
This time we chat to Atomic 212 group account director/client architect Ashleigh Hall.
How long have you been in the industry?
Five years.
Duration in current role/time at the company:
I've been in my role for 18 months and at the company for two and a half years.
What were you doing before this job and how did you get this gig?
Prior to this role I was at Mediacom (Westpac Group) after travelling around the world for seven months. I got this position through connections – never burn your bridges.
Define your job in one word:
Dynamic.
What were your real and cliché expectations of working in the industry?
I’d never heard of the media industry prior so I was flying blind. Friends and family think all I do is lunch and get to go to fun events.
How does the reality match up?
Meetings, meetings, meetings and more meetings with the occasional lunch.
How would you describe what the company does and what does your role involve?
Atomic 212 aims to bring creative media thinking into our client’s business. My role is about bringing different minds in the business and media landscape together to create great outcomes.
Best thing about the industry you work in:
The constantly changing world of media means you are forever learning, which is a great thing in life.
Any major hard learnings in the job so far?
At the end of the day, we aren’t saving lives. Take a moment to slow down, absorb and re-connect to the reason you enjoy what you are doing.
If you had to switch over to another department, which would it be and why?
Data: I love numbers and spreadsheets.
What's exciting you about the industry right now?
How brands and agencies are using data to better connect with audiences along with the constant evolution of technology and changing consumer habits.
What concerns you about the industry and its future?
Fragmentation; will it ever be possible to connect all the dots? Alongside the shift in marketer’s approach to short term results which doesn’t necessarily equate in the right decision for brands.
Who's your right hand person/who guides you day to day?
Our leadership team particularly Barry O’Brien – his wealth of knowledge and experience is invaluable.
And your almighty mentor that you hope to dethrone?
Claire Fenner, GM of our Melbourne Office. She is an inspiring leader and all round awesome person.
Career-wise, where do you see yourself in 2020 and how do you plan on getting there?
I couldn’t say - but wherever and whatever it is, I plan to get there through constant learning and taking on as many challenges as possible.
What is the elephant in the room? The thing that no one is talking about – but they should be.
The race to the bottom for agency compensation and if this is the best way to partner and foster great business outcomes.
Where do you turn for inspiration? Medium, for genuinely really interesting life stories.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
I climbed Mt Kilimanjaro a couple of years ago (highly recommended).
Favourite advert is:
Sony Bravia Bouncy Balls
What’s your personal motto?
There is always more than one solution.
I got into advertising because:
I fell into it but have stayed here because of the unique challenges we work towards each day and the constant opportunity to learn and develop.
If I wasn't doing this for a living, I'd be:
Owning a little wine bar with the most delicious cheese assortments.
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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