In this series, AdNews spotlights young talent in the Australian media, marketing and advertising sector. This time it's Ryvalmedia business executive Duhan Davies.
Time in current role/time at the company:
I’ve been in my current executive role for eight months, though I joined Ryvalmedia just over two years ago, back in February 2022.
How long have you been in the industry?
I joined the industry when I joined Ryvalmedia, so just over two years.
How did you get here? Was this always the plan?
You could say this was always the plan, as I started a media and communications undergrad back in Perth, but detoured slightly to study arts management when I made the move to Melbourne. But after completing a Bachelor in Arts and a Masters in Marketing, I found my way back to the media industry and am really enjoying it.
Who is your right hand person/who guides you day to day?
I’d have to say my manager Cohen would be my right hand person. Cohen has been very supportive of my growth, while our skills also complement each other to make a great team.
What’s the best thing about the industry you work in?
The best thing about the industry would be the constant change. The ever-evolving landscape creates a challenging environment that makes working in this industry exciting.
And the biggest challenge?
Similar to my previous answer, staying ahead of the ever-evolving landscapes and advancements across both digital and traditional channels also proves to be the biggest challenge. But I’d much rather work in a challenging environment than something mundane.
Whose job have you set your sights on in the future?
A role in the leadership team in the distant future, would be a goal I strive for. Being a decision-maker who helps to empower and support the team to help them achieve their goals would prove to be very fulfilling to me.
Where do you turn for inspiration?
Probably a very common answer, but music is where I turn to for inspiration. You'll most likely find me with headphones on playing some sort of DJ mix when I need to focus.
My favourite advert is (and why):
I loved the UberEats campaign with Kim Kardashian and Magda Szubanski. It’s a great example of using a big-name star, as well as a someone who is locally famous, to help build a connection with the brand and the audience. Uber has always been great at creating some memorable campaigns that are quite funny and memorable. Another recent example being their use of F1 driver Valtteri Bottas to help promote their Uber Carshare service during the Formula 1 Melbourne Grand Prix.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
Probably something everyone in the office already knows about me, after all the Friday arvo Kahoot quizzes I’ve won, but I have strong knowledge of pop culture topics from the 2000s onwards.
In five years' time, I'll be:
Hopefully, in five years-time I’ll be in a director role managing my own team, probably still in Melbourne, but potentially even abroad.
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