Young Gun profiles takes a look at the young talent across the Australian advertising, adtech, marketing and media sector. Aiming to shed light on the varying roles, people and companies across the buzzing industry.
Zoe Stanek: strategy executive at Wavemaker
Time in current role/time at the company:
I joined Wavemaker in a strategy focused role just under six months ago.
How long have you been in the industry?
I have been in the industry for two years, working across Australia's top Group M agencies, EssenceMediacom and Wavemaker. During my time at both companies, I’ve worked across a number of esteemed clients such as The Queensland Government portfolio, Domino’s, Hawaiian Airlines and recently been involved in securing new business, Caltex for Wavemaker Brisbane.
How did you get here? Was this always the plan?
I don’t think any of this was part of the plan! Following gaining a 1st class Marketing degree in London where I was awarded the Dean of School Prize, I took a chance and booked a one-way ticket to Australia, not sure what was ahead. To be completely honest, I applied for (former) Mediacom, unsure of what I wanted my future to look like but I would not change anything for the world.
Since then, I’ve been recognised for my work in securing industry-first partnerships including my work for Transport and Main Road’s Seatbelts campaign, a first ever government and Uber collaboration. I love how fast moving the media industry is. I think its an incredibly industry for young people to get ahead in.
It doesn't go without recognition that I've been so fortunate to get into strategy so early on in my career and I definitely count my lucky stars every day!
Who is your right-hand person/who guides you day to day?
My answer to this would be, it’s less of a person and more of a mantra. Roy T Bennett was quoted as saying, ““do not fear failure but rather fear not trying”. I think we all, especially females, tend to underestimate ourselves. Realistically, I think you will find that if you commit and believe in trying to achieve something, you’ll probably get there. And ‘failure’… what’s so wrong with that?! Pick yourself up, dust yourself off and you’ll get it next time.
What’s the best thing about the industry you work in?
I don’t think we could work in a more fun industry?! The media world is so social and it’s a work hard, play hard feel. In Brisbane, it’s so lovely that we can all come together and celebrate our wins without jealousy or toxic competitiveness.
As mentioned before, I also love how fast moving it is. You are constantly required to question and learn more. You’ll find newbies teaching developments to those with 10+ years experience and I think that breeds a great learning ethic amongst us all.
And the biggest challenge?
Arguably, for agencies this is workload. I think we have to recognise that there will be sprints, for example when pitching. Sometimes these sprints can lack balance. It’s really difficult to navigate this. Especially if you are a driven individual, we always want to contribute more. It’s important to remember that these sprints aren’t sustainable long term.
Whose job have you set your sights on in the future?
The great thing about how fast moving the media industry is, I think it’s entirely possible that our future jobs don’t even exist yet! That being said, I couldn’t love strategy any more than I do. It breeds curiosity and is so exciting. The fact I am able to lead large-scale brands’ comms across markets is incredible and I want to keep scaling this. Outside of work, I have a huge passion for sports (weightlifting, running, triathlons) and I would love to lead the strategy for a brand that aligns with this.
Where do you turn for inspiration?
Books and podcasts. Uncensored CMO hosted by Jon Evans always inspires and sparks my curiosity – hugely underrated. I think its important to also get inspiration outside of your career. I’m currently reading ‘Endure’ by Alex Hutchinson which looks at the mind, body and the curiously elastic limits of human performance.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
I know a trick question when I see one.
In five years' time, I'll be:
Fingers crossed we onboard that dream sports/athletic client of mine and maybe I’ll be passionately leading its Australia and New Zealand strategy!
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