What was your starting position at dentsu?
My starting position at dentsu was as an Associate Media Director, overseeing the Burberry account. Drawing from my extensive background, I focused on luxury brands like LVMH, Chanel, Loreal Luxury, and TOD’s. This expertise served as a cornerstone in shaping my strategies and approach at dentsu, allowing me to tailor innovative and effective media solutions specific to luxury brands' unique demands and expectations.
What inspired you to follow this career path?
The seamless integration of my advertising and marketing degree into the media inspired me to embark on this career path. However, the true revelation came during my tenure at Carat, where I realized people's pivotal role in shaping our professional experiences. I discovered that the individuals we collaborate with can significantly influence our journey; they can either elevate or detract from the overall experience. I'm immensely grateful for every encounter and opportunity along my journey, as they've contributed to my reputation as a seasoned professional in the industry.
What was your experience of getting into the industry?
Reflecting on my two-decade-long journey in this industry, I can confidently describe it as a breathtaking rollercoaster ride filled with remarkable experiences. These past 20 years have been an adventure that allowed me to establish invaluable connections, mentor aspiring professionals, and accumulate a wealth of learning experiences.
Each triumph, setback, and learning opportunity has contributed significantly to my growth and development as a leader in the industry.
Overall, this journey has been an incredible tapestry of experiences that have enriched my professional expertise and defined my leadership style and approach.
What were some significant opportunities that shaped your career?
Three fundamental pillars—people, partners, and professional insight—have significantly shaped my career route.
The people I've collaborated with have been the cornerstone of my success. The individuals I've worked alongside, those I've been tasked with managing, and those I've admired and learned from have formed the bedrock of my professional journey, laying the foundation for my success.
Regarding pivotal opportunities that stand out, I would emphasize the impactful partners and accounts I've had the privilege to work on. Initiating with Chanel, a renowned brand synonymous with elegance and innovation, provided an incredible platform to hone my skills and understand the nuances of luxury marketing. Additionally, steering projects for prestigious entities, Mastercard presented invaluable learning experiences and challenges that propelled my growth within the industry.
These opportunities expanded my professional capabilities and contributed significantly to my career milestones, allowing me to leverage diverse perspectives and strategies in approaching media solutions for distinct audiences and markets.
What challenges did you face?
I've encountered various challenges throughout my career, each of which has presented itself as a valuable learning opportunity. I've realized that individuals often interpret information based on their perspectives and preferences in professional interactions. This has underscored the importance of clarity and simplicity in discussions. Understanding the nuances of effective communication has been pivotal in navigating through such situations, ensuring that conversations remain constructive and respectful despite differing perspectives.
Looking back, what opportunities do you wish you had when you were starting out
When I entered the industry, media sophistication was not as evolved as it is today. Reflecting on my early days in the industry, one key opportunity I wish I had was proper training and a structured induction process. During my initial six months, I primarily relied on self-teaching to navigate the intricacies of the media landscape.
A structured training program would have immensely benefited my foundational understanding and accelerated my learning curve. A more comprehensive and formalized induction process would have given me a stronger foothold in grasping the industry's nuances, allowing for a smoother transition into my role and a more informed approach to media.
If you could give one piece of advice to your former self, what would it be?
If I could offer one piece of advice to my younger self, it would be: 'Don’t be shy; continue to be transparent and genuine.' In the dynamic and competitive landscape of the media industry, I've learned that authenticity and transparency are invaluable. Embracing openness and sincerity in interactions fosters stronger professional relationships and cultivates trust and credibility, which are essential assets in this field.