Young Gun: Carat Sydney client manager Abi Fenn

22 April 2021
 

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 Carat Sydney client manager Abi Fenn.

Time in current role/time at the company:
One and a half years as a client manager, and three and a half years at Carat in total.

How long have you been in the industry?
Three and a half years.

How did you get here? Was this always the plan?
I had just graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Marketing and was going through the stress of applying for my first full time job. Carat was the first place I applied, and at that stage I honestly had no idea what a media agency even was, but two interviews later I got the job and haven’t looked back.

Who is your right hand person?
I definitely can’t pick just one. My client director, Samar Haoui and client lead, Adam Broad have been instrumental to my professional growth within the company, as well as always being around to provide daily banter. Throughout most of last year our team consisted of just us three, and they were my rocks in keeping me motivated.

What’s the best thing about the industry you work in?
Besides all the different learning opportunities and media events we get exposed to, the best thing has got to be the people. I’ve been so fortunate to have worked on a global client, Microsoft, allowing me to build a network of colleagues and lasting friendships all around the globe. I’ll absolutely be taking advantage of their couches once overseas travel is back.

And the biggest challenge?
More recently, and since COVID had us all WFH, being able to switch off at the end of the day has become a lot harder. Working so frequently with other markets I tend to find myself jumping back online in the evening or early morning when they are online just to ensure I don’t have to wait another day for a response. Also, being responsible for so much client money can be pretty stressful.

Whose job have you set your sights on in the future?
To be honest I haven't really thought about it, and as quickly as our industry adapts to new technology and evolves who knows what new roles could be around in the future. But if I had to pick, why not aim for the top - watch out Wendy Clark.

Where do you turn for inspiration?
Podcasts, I love an inspirational Ted Talk, whether it be on female empowerment, future technologies, or global news events. I take every opportunity to fit one into my daily walk or journey to work.

My favourite advert is:
You Can't Stop Us | Nike 

The first time I watched it I had goosebumps. It’s so powerful and moving, and the editing that would have gone into lining up every shot is very impressive.

Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
I’m a sucker for a musical.

In five years' time I'll be:
Climbing my way up the ranks and working overseas, hopefully somewhere in the US or Europe.

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