Lucy McNaughton.
In this series, AdNews spotlights young talent in the Australian media, marketing and advertising sector. This time it's EDGE's project manager Lucy McNaughton.
Time in current role/time at the company:
I've been with EDGE for just over a year, working as a Project Manager.
How long have you been in the industry?
I've been working in digital marketing for almost 2 years.
How did you get here?
I studied a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Media and Communications. During my studies, I completed an internship at a PR agency in Melbourne before making the move from Melbourne to the Gold Coast for a lifestyle change. Once moving here, I gained further experience via another internship at a Google Ads agency, but realised I was drawn less to the specialist side of marketing and more to the people, communication, and coordination that keeps the momentum moving. That ultimately led me to my current role at EDGE.
Was this always the plan?
Not exactly. I wasn't sure where my Arts degree would take me, and I never pictured myself in project management. However, looking back, it's been the perfect fit. Project management plays to my strengths as a communicator and gives me the opportunity to collaborate with people across every team. It's a career path I discovered along the way, and one that's pushed me to grow both personally and professionally.
Who is your right-hand person/who guides you day to day?
As a Project Manager, I work across every department, so rather than having one mentor or go-to person, I'm lucky to learn and be guided by a wide range of talented people. Every department at EDGE brings a different perspective, and I'm constantly picking up new skills and insights.
What's the best thing about the industry you work in?
The pace. It's an industry that's constantly evolving, which means no two days are ever the same. There's always a new challenge, idea, or technology to learn, which keeps it mentally stimulating.
And the biggest challenge?
The digital landscape is changing faster than ever, especially with the growth of AI. Staying ahead means being willing to continuously adapt and embrace change, which can be challenging but is also what makes the industry so exciting.
Whose job have you set your sights on in the future?
I don't have my sights set on a specific job role. As AI continues to reshape our industry, I'm more interested in developing the skills that will always matter - communication, leadership, and adaptability. Hopefully, that leads to a role where I can lead my own team and be a mentor to others.
Where do you turn for inspiration?
I love listening to podcasts featuring successful women in business. I enjoy hearing how they've built their careers, the lessons they’ve learnt, and how they’ve developed their own leadership styles.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
At work I'm very Type A, I'm all about details, structure, and planning. But outside of work, I'm as Type B as they come. For example, I've never once created a travel itinerary - I just book the flights and figure the rest out when I get there.
In five years' time I'll be:
Hopefully 5 years wiser.
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