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.
Brittany O’Brien-Smith: account director at Resolution Digital
Time in current role/time at the company:
For the last six and a half years, I have been working in various planning and activation roles across Omnicom Media Group agencies, OMD and Resolution Digital. I have recently been promoted to account director within the Client Partnership team here at Resolution Digital and have loved getting my hands dirty in digital strategy, while being exposed to some of the most prestigious brands in Australia.
How long have you been in the industry?
I have been fortunate enough to stay within Omnicom Media Group for my entire career. Prior to this I did a three-month internship at Starcom which I secured via my university degree.
How did you get here? Was this always the plan?
I knew I always wanted to do a business degree and after trialling a few subjects I decided to major in management and marketing. Like a lot of students, I had absolutely no idea what a media agency was! It wasn’t until I met my now best mate (whom I replaced in a retail job) that I became intrigued about agencies after seeing the fun culture and the endless events she was attending as an assistant at OMD. ‘How can a job be that fun?!’ I thought.
Now, I am an account director for David Jones and have never looked back. In my role, I wear many hats, but I primarily focus on campaign strategy, media planning, and client management. I oversee a team of five, alongside our very talented activation account director, James Foster.
Who is your right-hand person/who guides you day to day?
I honestly don’t know what I would do without my client partnership director, Monique Gilbert. She has provided me with endless support across our two years working together. She bridges the gap between myself and other stakeholders in our business, she has coached me to find growth opportunities for my clients and always provides me with sound advice whenever I need it.
What’s the best thing about the industry you work in?
Probably a bit of a cliché answer… BUT the people within our industry really make it what it is. I have been fortunate to meet some incredible and brilliant people in my six and a half years. Not only from a friendship perspective, but there are so many intelligent, passionate, and dedicated people that have had their part in moulding me into the person I am today.
And the biggest challenge?
The biggest challenge is really one of the greatest things about the industry. This being how it’s constantly evolving and fast paced. The constant opportunity for learning new things is challenging to keep up with at times, but so beneficial for your own development and growth. There are so many ways to keep up with this fast-paced industry. I tend to subscribe to newsletters from AdNews and other trade publications. More importantly, nurturing relationships with media reps is super important, as they always go above and beyond to help you when you need it. Plus, they send you invites to parties, which is always fun.
Whose job have you set your sights on in the future?
I find it challenging to answer this question, but one aspect I truly appreciate about working for Resolution Digital is the abundance of growth opportunities that align seamlessly with the intricate media landscape. While I haven't specifically set my sights on any particular role just yet, I am excited about the potential for advancement.
Where do you turn for inspiration?
For me it’s not necessarily ‘where’ I turn to but ‘who’. Whenever I am working through a complex campaign brief, I turn to Resolution Digital’s GM of evolution, Klaus Germann. Outside of being a hilarious person to talk to, he never fails to steer me in the right direction or provide advice around industry research, statistics and strategic channel and audience selection.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
I wish I had something interesting and exciting to share here. My colleagues probably aren't aware of the more wholesome side of me, where I spend my time reading a lot. Outside of work, I'm usually going for walks or spending time at my gym, Total Fusion in Newstead (look it up, it's very, very cool).
In five years' time, I'll be…
The two key things I’m thoroughly enjoying in my current role is a) strategy and solution development and b) working with clients within the ecommerce space. In five years' time, I’ll be working in either or both of these areas as they really allow me to tap into my skillset. My partner Charlie works in media sales at oOh!, one day we plan to move down do Melbourne for a couple of years with our little sausage dog, Frankie!
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