In this series, AdNews spotlights young talent in the Australian media, marketing and advertising sector. This time it's Vistar Media's account executive, Cody Westaway
Time in current role/time at the company
Just ticked over one year as an Account Executive (Demand) at Vistar Media.
How long have you been in the industry?
Three years.
How did you get here?
If by here you mean Vistar Media, I actually met my now-manager on a flight to Cairns Crocs two years ago, proof that sometimes it really does pay to spend that extra $30 to upgrade your Jetstar seat. You never know who you’ll end up sitting next to! How’s that for some ROI?
Outside of Vistar, I got my start in this industry thanks to a few people who took a chance on a girl with zero media experience but plenty of drive, curiosity, and transferable skills.
Was this always the plan?
Not exactly, but I’ve never been one to play by the rules. A quick scroll through my LinkedIn will show a few “pivots” (the PG way of saying quarter-life crisis, haha). I spent a couple of years at the Department of Justice (a very different kind of “client management,” if you will) before deciding marketing briefs were far more fun than legal ones. Everyone has their “I fell into media” story; mine just has a few extra chapters. My first gig was at PlaygroundXYZ (now GumGum), where I started as a Sales Coordinator before moving into selling across the Indies and direct brand patch. By day two, I knew I’d found my thing.
Who is your right-hand person/who guides you day to day?
I’m pretty lucky to have a number of mentors and an amazing support system in the industry, but day to day, it has to be my manager, Winston Stening, better known as Winnie. He’s been an incredible support since I joined Vistar, and I’ve learned so much from him. We bounce off each other, keep each other accountable, and give each other a “spirit lift” when needed. If you’ve ever seen Winnie present, you’ll know how impressive he is, and I love teaming up with him for our “Dog and Pony show,” as we like to call it.
What’s the best thing about the industry you work in?
Variety! Every day brings something new and challenging, whether it’s troubleshooting a client issue, chasing a target, or learning a completely new technical concept. This industry keeps you on your toes, constantly pushing you to level up… and just when you hit your goals, you get rewarded with an even bigger target to chase (cheers, Winnie).
And the biggest challenge?
There’s always something new to get your head around, which is both what I love and find challenging. You finally nail one thing, and the next day, there are three new things to learn in its place. For an absolute nerd like me, that constant evolution is exciting, even if the pace can be a little intense at times.
Whose job have you set your sights on in the future?
I’ve always been fascinated by people and what makes them tick. So, leading a sales team feels like a natural next step, equal parts cheerleader and Chief Long Lunch Officer, which pretty much plays to my strengths. Long term, I’ve got my eye on being my own boss… so stay tuned for the plot twist.
Where do you turn for inspiration?
I’m lucky to be surrounded by some of the best in the biz, so it’s not hard to feel inspired when the bar’s set that high. Vistar still has that start-up buzz, full of energy, go-getters, and just the right amount of delulu to keep things fun.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
I might work in sales, but I’m basically allergic to numbers and Excel, which keeps things interesting. Pivot table? Never met her. But adding a ‘creative sprinkle’ to the data to tell a story? I’m your girl.
In five years' time I'll be
With my track record of “pivots,” who knows what’s next? But if I had to guess… probably still trying to get my mum to understand what I do for work. (She thinks I work for the internet.)
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