Jayd Watson.
In this series, AdNews spotlights young talent in the Australian media, marketing and advertising sector. This time it's EDGE's senior product manager Jayd Watson.
Time in current role / time at the company:
Coming up for three years at EDGE.
How long have you been in the industry?
Just over three years in digital marketing and four years working in marketing more broadly.
How did you get here?
I've always been interested in understanding why people make decisions and how great customer experiences can be created. After completing a double Bachelor's degree in Marketing and Interaction Design, At EDGE I've had the opportunity to work across strategy, websites, paid media, SEO and client management, and it’s that variety that first drew me to agency life and is what continues to keep me engaged.
Was this always the plan?
In many ways, yes. I've always been fascinated by marketing and the way people interact with brands. Even as a kid, I'd be setting up little businesses or thinking about how things could work better online. My career path hasn’t been completely linear as I spent years working in hospitality and property development before deciding to complete my studies. Looking back those experiences taught me a lot about people, communication and service which have become valuable skills to have in digital.
Who is your right-hand person? Who guides you day to day?
I've been fortunate to work alongside people who are incredibly generous with their knowledge, and I try to learn from everyone's strengths. But my biggest influence has always been my Dad, he's taught me to stay genuine, work hard and never take yourself too seriously.
What's the best thing about the industry you work in?
You're never done learning. Technology evolves, customer expectations shift and every industry brings a new challenge to solve. It's an environment that rewards curiosity, adaptability and continuous learning which is something I really enjoy.
And the biggest challenge?
Knowing when to simplify. Our industry has no shortage of new platforms, AI tools and trends but clients don't come to us for complexity they come to us for clarity. The real skill is understanding what matters, cutting through the noise and keeping people at the centre of every decision.
Whose job have you set your sights on in the future?
I've always been passionate about growing brands, connecting with audiences and creating marketing that genuinely delivers results. I have also developed a genuine appreciation for the systems, people and processes that enable great work and exceptional client experiences. Long term, I'd love to grow into a role where I can combine commercial marketing strategy with operational excellence to help build stronger brands, teams and experiences for both clients and customers.
Where do you turn for inspiration?
I'm naturally curious (and talkative), so inspiration comes from everywhere. Great campaigns and good design are obvious ones but some of my best ideas come from daily conversations or simply observing how people solve everyday problems.
Tell us one thing people at work don't know about you?
I'm an open book - if anything my colleagues would probably say I tell them too much. One thing many people don't know is that I spent most of my childhood growing up in Papua New Guinea. I come from a very multicultural family, and I think those experiences have shaped how I connect with people. They gave me an appreciation for different cultures and perspectives and a genuine curiosity about people's stories which has been invaluable in both my work and everyday life.
In five years' time I'll be...
Still learning, still curious and in a role where I'm helping businesses grow through meaningful experiences. If I'm leading meaningful work, continuously improving the way teams operate and making a positive difference for clients, I'll consider that a success.
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