Our Young Gun profile takes a look at some of the young talent across the advertising, adtech, 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 Archibald Williams account manager Natasha Polczynski.
Time in current role:
Eight months.
How long have you been in the industry?
Two and a half years.
How did you get here? Was this always the plan?
Quite honestly, I fell into my first advertising job on a lucky whim. I was referred to by a friend in an agency and after two interviews and a presentation I got the job!
Advertising was never the plan though. As a teenager I almost pursued a career as a professional dancer, but my love for chocolate overcome my passion for ballet so I ended up at university studying media and journalism.
Who is your right-hand person?
Kiran Kaur, (head of client and strategic services) what would I do without her. She is single-handedly the ‘super woman’ of our agency. I’ve never seen anyone pull together strategy decks as quickly or handle crazy timelines with such ease. She’s been a great mentor to me.
What’s the best thing about the industry you work in?
The diversity of my role. One morning I’ll be attending a TVC shoot in northern Sydney and the next, I’ll be presenting a strategy deck on a performing arts company. One day is never the same.
And the biggest challenge?
Staying sane on those crazy whirlwind days when everything is due and EVERYTHING is urgent.
Whose job have you set your sights on in the future?
I don’t think I’ll give that away just yet…
Where do you turn for inspiration?
I’m a people person - whether it’s a personal or professional problem, I find just talking to someone you trust and asking the right questions can save you hours of stress. As they say, two minds are better than one.
My favourite advert is:
The Snickers ‘you’re not you when you’re hungry’ campaign. Every time I see it I feel personally victimised for my ‘hanger’ issues.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
I once starred in a Nickelodeon ad for a Harry Potter video game.
In five years' time I'll be:
Wildly successful - either running my own agency or a CEO somewhere great. Who knows.
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