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.
Today we speak to Oath sales manager Lana Selimovic.
Time in current role/time at the company:
Three years at the company (formerly Microsoft to AOL to Oath) and two years as a sales manager.
How long have you been in the industry?
Three years. This was my first job after graduating university.
How did you get here? Was this always the plan?
Whilst I was in my final year at university, a good friend of mine was working at Microsoft as an
account manager. She was telling me all about her job, the lunches she had been on and the great people she worked with... my instant reaction was, ‘wow, now how can you help me get a job here?' Fast forward three months, I had a degree and was interviewing at Microsoft (AOL), securing my first job in media.
Who is your right hand person/who guides you day to day?
I am extremely lucky to work with a team of brilliant and talented individuals. I feel even luckier to have a leadership team of fierce, intelligent women, from my manager Megan McElderry who encourages me and guides me to achieve more on a daily basis, to my sales director Clare Rudduck who is a brilliant mentor and leader.
What’s the best thing about the industry you work in?
It has to be the people. I feel so fortunate to work in an industry that enables you to meet new people on a daily basis, whether it’s colleagues, agency contacts or clients direct, you are always meeting new faces and building strong relationships. It’s the foundation of our industry. For me, it’s one of the greatest appeals of this industry. #PeopleFirst
And the biggest challenge?
With our industry constantly evolving (which is brilliant and exciting), creating so many new products, creative features or targeting solutions you can get lost in including everything when sometimes keeping it simple can be the most effective.
Whose job have you set your sights on in the future?
It’s not a particular person’s job that I want, however, I am aiming for gold – once I get there I’ll let you know.
Where do you turn for inspiration?
My parents – they are true heroes who have always taught me to never give up. I also love talking to them about my latest work ideas as they don’t work in the media world and I think having an outsider’s perspective can help give you clarity to ensure you stay on track.
My favourite advert is:
An advert that can make a positive change on our world is always going to be a game changer for me. I saw this distracted driving ad from Volkswagen about three years ago and sent it to everyone I know. Simple, emotional and sends a powerful message.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
I went on a TV game show called “Can’t Touch This” (similar to “Total Wipeout”) in hopes of winning a brand new car, but instead I fully wiped-out on national television. At least I got my five minutes of fame!
In five years' time I'll be:
Who knows what opportunities will arise in five years time. I want to be happy, successful and probably looking to fill out an application for the ‘Middle-Aged Guns’.
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