In this series, AdNews spotlights young talent in the Australian media, marketing and advertising sector. This time it's Alliance Outdoor's account executive Jenny O'Connor.
Time in current role/time at the company:
I’ve been at Alliance Outdoor since November 2023. I started as the co-ordinator & now I’m an account executive, so almost 2 years!
How long have you been in the industry?
I worked at Sky Media Ireland before coming to Australia, so this will be my 3rd year in the industry (with a gap year in between!).
How did you get here?
I had to travel halfway across the world to get here! I moved over to Australia from Ireland in 2022 & did the backpacker starter pack, which was travelling along the East Coast & completing my regional work in Airlie Beach. When I landed in Sydney, I was ready to get into a role I loved, it was time to add a bit more productivity to my life! I knew I wanted a role in the Marketing/Sales space after completing my degree in Marketing at home. I landed this role, quite unknown to the media industry at the beginning, little did I know I’d absolutely love it!
Was this always the plan?
I don’t really think I ever had a set plan of my life, which perhaps is a good thing. I, like a lot of people, came to Australia with a mindset to only stay one year & do some travelling. I guess life had a different plan!
Who is your right-hand person/who guides you day to day?
I’m very fortunate to be surrounded by an incredible team of leaders, with years of experience in the industry to guide & support me. However, I do have to shout out my manager & no.1 right-hand woman Harriet Newton. She’s an amazing leader, has taught me so much about the industry & building client relationships. It also helps we enjoy working together, and we’ve kept things strictly professional (most of the time)!
What’s the best thing about the industry you work in?
Without a doubt, it’s the people! I get to work daily with some incredible people, both internally at Alliance Outdoor & also across our amazing client network. It’s the day-to-day conversations & agency catch-ups that fuel my energy & creativity. I am also extremely lucky to work alongside OOH veterans & legends! One of them being, Adam Whitford, from Civic Outdoor. His knowledge & passion of the sector have only fuelled my own enthusiasm for the channel.
And the biggest challenge?
One of the biggest challenges is also one of the most exciting parts, the constantly changing nature of the OOH industry. It means we have to always remain one step ahead, keeping a close eye on what’s next! At Alliance Outdoor, we are constantly analysing this shifting landscape & coming up with new innovations in the space to assist in combating our clients' pain points. It’s exciting to be a part of a company & industry that’s in an incredible growth phase!
Whose job have you set your sights on in the future?
Our National Partnerships & Trading Director, Nathan Moon, seems to have a good gig, I’ll have a pair of Louis Vuitton runners in no time.
Where do you turn for inspiration?
I turn to the people around me for inspiration. My friends, my family, my colleagues. My Dad has always been a big influence & inspiration around what hard work & determination looks like. Also, I will admit, a good chunk of my news & cultural insights comes via Tiktok… sorry!
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
If you get enough drinks in me, I might perform the Irish jig.
In five years' time I'll be
Whether I’m in Sydney, Ireland or who knows where! I hope to be leading a team who are kicking goals & having fun doing so! I want to be known as a leader who champions growth, creativity, and teamwork, while delivering big results for our clients and the business. I also hope to be richer, with no wrinkles or grey hairs…yet.
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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