In this series, AdNews spotlights young talent in the Australian media, marketing and advertising sector. This time it's Thump Media's media manager Esin Nacakci.
Time in current role / time at the company
I’ve been at Thump Media for three months now as a Media Manager.
How long have you been in the industry?
Seven years! with 4 years in Turkey and just 3 years here in Australia.
How did you get here? Was this always the plan?
Absolutely not! Funny enough, it all started with a Turkish drama I watched as a kid. The lead character worked at a media agency and that somehow stuck with me. I actually studied music in high school and enrolled in a conservatorium to become a music teacher. But deep down, I knew it wasn’t what I wanted long-term. So, I switched gears and studied advertising at uni. I interned at Mindshare Turkey two years in a row during summer breaks, and after graduation, I took a gap year in Canada. Once I returned home, I officially kicked off my media career as an Executive at Mindshare Turkey and the rest is history!
Who is your right-hand person / who guides you day to day?
Honestly, it’s tough to name just one. The whole Thump team has been incredibly supportive since day one. But if I had to call it out, Andrew Morrill and Theo Zisoglou have really been my right hands. Their experience, guidance, and good humour keep me grounded and inspired daily.
What’s the best thing about the industry you work in?
For me, there’s nothing better than seeing a media strategy you’ve spent days, sometimes weeks working on come to life. Whether it’s spotting it on a bus while walking down the street or catching one of its ads on TV by surprise, those moments never get old. They always give me a little buzz.
And the biggest challenge?
Trying to get through the day with just one coffee. I’m usually on my third by lunch...
Whose job have you set your sights on in the future?
I love being in the media. The highs, the lows, the constant pace it weirdly keeps me sane. I can definitely see myself continuing in this space, whether it’s at another agency or on the client side. As long as there’s strategy, creativity, and collaboration I’m in.
Where do you turn for inspiration?
I get a lot of inspiration from reading Cannes Lions briefs. They always push my thinking. And every year, I look forward to seeing what brands pull off during the Super Bowl halftime show. The big, bold, creative ideas always spark something new for me.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
I studied music for years and once planned to be a music teacher. I can still play the piano and violin.
In five years’ time I’ll be...
Still in the media, still loving what I do, working with clients on their campaigns, alongside people I genuinely enjoy collaborating with.
Have something to say on this? Share your views in the comments section below. Or if you have a news story or tip-off, drop us a line at adnews@yaffa.com.au
Sign up to the AdNews newsletter, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for breaking stories and campaigns throughout the day.