Michaella Williams.
In this series, AdNews spotlights young talent in the Australian media, marketing and advertising sector. This time it's WPP Media's connections planning group director Michaella Williams.
Time in current role/time at the company:
4 years at WPP but 4 months in current role in Open Era.
How long have you been in the industry?
12 years (8 in the UK, 4 in Australia).
How did you get here?
Studied media and communications at the #1 media school in Europe called Bournemouth (part of the Avatar movie was made there). This helped me get a job straight away in industry and haven’t looked back since.
Was this always the plan?
No, I had no idea planning media existed, but I fell in love with advertising in my last year where I did it as a unit as part of my degree and my eyes were opened. My role started as more of a buyer before venturing into client and then into connections planning.
Who is your right-hand person/who guides you day to day?
I wouldn’t say I have one right hand person guiding me. It really does take a village, I’m constantly learning and growing and getting support from so many of my peers as I navigate day to day.
What’s the best thing about the industry you work in?
The people. Whether that’s my colleagues, my clients, or media partners we have great people in our industry who love to work hard but play harder. I’m daily reminded how smart and curious we all are, and I love the work that this leads to.
And the biggest challenge?
Constantly juggling multiple work streams, in an ever-changing landscape with consumers that are constantly evolving and trends moving whilst we live in the past, present and future all at one time.
Whose job have you set your sights on in the future?
I think the thought of having a job in the future that doesn’t even exist yet is pretty cool.
Where do you turn for inspiration?
Others, I think you can learn the most from those around you.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
I’d like to think I’m an open book but I’m not sure everyone knows I’m a qualified life coach.
In five years' time I'll be:
Happy, healthy, and continuing to slay whatever I put my mind to.
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.