In this series, AdNews spotlights young talent in the Australian media, marketing and advertising sector. This time it's IAS's customer success manager Harrison Rook.
Time in current role at the company:
I have been in this role for about a year and a half.
How long have you been in the industry?
I have been working in the industry for nearly three and a half years.
How did you get here?
The power of LinkedIn! I had never heard of adtech and honestly hadn’t considered it until I stumbled across a job posting for the Technical Account Management team while exploring new opportunities.
Was this always the plan?
Not at all. After university, I had been considering a research career in chemistry and was enjoying my work as a linguist before the disruption brought on by COVID. It was around then, I came across an opportunity at IAS, that completely shifted my career path, and I stepped into the world of media and adtech with little prior knowledge. I haven’t looked back since.
Who is your right-hand person/who guides you day to day?
Quite a few! But I have been particularly fortunate to work with Jess Reid and Katherine McVeity (Kat).
Jess was instrumental in shaping my early journey in the industry, offering guidance, sharing her wisdom, and most importantly, encouraging me to step outside my comfort zone. It was her push that gave me the confidence to take a leap into a more commercial role, something I wouldn't have considered without a big nudge.
Kat is my go-to person for my day to day. As my manager and biggest champion, she welcomed me to her team and advocated for me throughout my transition. She listens attentively, empowers me to hold my own, and provides thoughtful feedback, guiding rather than directing. Under her leadership, I feel truly supported to explore new ideas and directions.
What’s the best thing about the industry you work in?
It has to be the people at the end of the day. There are such different perspectives, skills and experiences when you get to see as broad a slice of this industry as we do. Getting to work with and for such a broad range of people is a great opportunity.
The biggest challenge?
I look after a wide range of clients including our Independent Agency patch in ANZ, and meeting their needs is sometimes tricky given the constant change in the industry. Staying up to date and being adaptable as products, partnerships, and trends in the industry change is a constant race.
Whose job have you set your sights on in the future?
Has to be Kat’s! She’s brilliant at understanding the team's needs, playing to our strengths, and always advocating for us. I’d love the chance to lead with that same clarity and care.
A little further afield, while I'm not even close to as big a personality as Sam Buchanan, the work him, and the team do at the IMAA is amazing. Seeing how they work to foster talent in the Indie space, advocate for Australian companies, and agencies, give back through efforts like the King’s Narrative, and Female Leaders of Tomorrow program, and a million other programs is inspiring to me.
Their work has a much bigger impact than just the day-to-day in media.
Where do you turn for inspiration?
First and foremost, my wife. She’s always quick to support me, challenge me, and remind me of what’s important. Conversations about the big things, our faith, family, and how we want to use our time and our lives, are always great for avoiding getting stuck in the weeds.
The other answer, though, has to be my cat, Jingle. That’s not a joke; she may have heard more of my presentation practices, strategy ideas, and life reflections than anyone else.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
I used to play cello and still dabble with piano.
In five years' time, I'll be:
Hopefully I’ll still be spending time with fun, smart people with weird ideas and helping them come to life
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
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