Our Industry Profile takes a weekly look at some of the professionals working across the advertising, ad tech, marketing and media sector in Australia.
It aims to shed light on the varying roles and companies across the buzzing industry. This week we head to Sydney to speak to the senior director of programmatic TV at AOL Platforms ANZ, Yasmin Sanders.
Duration in current role:
It’s been six months on the dot. Fingers crossed I’ve passed probation!
In one sentence, what does your role involve?
Working with partners internally and externally to collectively learn, educate and deliver end to end programmatic TV (PTV) solutions.
Within the last six months/year, what stands out as the company’s major milestones?
It’s fair to say that the last six months have been extraordinary and we are now well on our way to becoming the number one global mobile media technology company.
We launched AOL Platforms in Australia and South East Asia; brought the HuffPost to the Australian market with Fairfax Media; partnered with MCN to launch the world first private programmatic television marketplace; expanded our global strategic partnership with Microsoft in advertising and search; and of course we were acquired by Verizon Communications, which brings our scale to the size of Facebook and Google.
Best thing about the industry you work in:
The pace, the energy but most of all having the privilege to work alongside some of the smartest, savviest people in our industry. We’re at the forefront of innovation and we’re getting a lot of traction globally about the great things we’re doing in the Aussie market, it’s exciting, terrifying and extremely addictive.
Previous industry-related companies you have worked at:
I’m a TV gal through and through. Started my media career in sales 14 years ago for Seven Network and Multi Channel Network (MCN). My inner geek surfaced after working through my Christmas holidays in 2005 where I presented a strategic operational proposal to MCN management, which led to me being appointed to a newly created role of training supervisor. Since that time my roles have evolved and grown including heading up operations and systems development at Network Ten, where IT was all about driving operational efficiencies by identifying and implementing user-friendly and innovative system solutions, to meet dynamic business requirements of media professionals across the sales, digital, traffic, research, revenue integration and finance divisions.
Career-wise, where do you see yourself in three years time?
Being able to call myself a ‘screen native.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you:
I used to dream about being one of Janet Jackson’s backup dancers. I suspect the team probably won’t be surprised by this revelation after my recent performance at our APAC conference when ‘the worm’ and ‘running man’ may have made an appearance.
Top networking tip:
It’s not so much a networking tip as a general life tip I use in all facets of my life – and it’s pretty simple. Be warm, authentic and honest and you’ll find it often leads to trust. If your colleagues and clients trust you, you’ll all have the confidence in each other to reach your end goals.
Favourite restaurant for a business lunch is:
The Greens at North Sydney, mainly due to its relaxed vibe and delicious food.
Favourite advert is:
I love a bit of humour, so the Old Spice ‘the man your man could smell like’ did it for me. A close second would have to be ‘Its Time, Get Up’ for marriage equality. Its viral success shows just how powerful clever content can be.
Must have gadget is:
Not sure it’s a gadget but I suppose you could call it a big one… my Pioneer MP3 decks
Favourite media:
TV of course!
Favourite TV show:
Curb Your Enthusiasm
Last book you’ve read:
“Turquoise: A Chef's Travels in Turkey”. I tend to read cookbooks from cover to cover on rainy Sunday afternoons (then cook and eat for the remainder of a Sunday evening).
Mantra/philosophy:
‘1% inspiration and 99% perspiration’ – alternated with ‘No risk, no reward’.
I got into advertising/ad tech/marketing etc because:
Like some of my colleagues, I fell into it after completing my degree and have never looked back.
If you weren’t doing this for a living:
I’d be a culinary trendologist… yes, it’s actually a real job!
In five years time I’ll be:
Working with innovative international partners leading a division known for making revolutionary leaps in the ad tech space who love their job just as much as I do.
Define your job in one word:
Programmation
What’s your poison?
Mai Tai.. several.
Did you catch these other Industry Profiles?
Industry Profile: Archibald/Williams' ECD, Matt Gilmour
Industry Profile: TubeMogul director Jared Levitt
Industry Profile: Strategy head for McDonald’s at OMD, Gideon Hornung
Want to take part in Industry Insights or have some one to nominate? Email pippachambers@yaffa.com.au
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