In this series, AdNews spotlights young talent in the Australian media, marketing and advertising sector. This time it's Carat's senior investment manager Nicola Dow.
Time in current role/time at company:
1 year in my role and 2.5 years at Carat
How long have you been in the industry?
Just ticked over 5 years.
How did you get here? Was this always the plan?
Honestly, no this wasn’t always the plan. I originally thought I was going to be a creative. I did an internship at a creative agency, but pretty quickly realised it wasn’t the right fit for me. After that, I just started applying for jobs. I was keen to get stuck into something (so were my parents). I ended up landing a role in TV buying at an indie agency, and like so many people in media, I kind of just fell into it. Once I started, I realised how much I loved the pace, the people, and the trading. It’s not where I thought I’d be, but it’s absolutely the right place for me.
Who is your right-hand who guides you day to day?
Ev Jones and Georga Payne. Their passion for both investment and people is something I look up to every day. They’ve both backed me in every challenge I’ve taken on and constantly encourage me to grow, ask questions, and push myself. Having leaders like them in my corner has made a huge difference.
What’s the best thing about the industry you work in?
The people 100%. The team I’m part of now is unmatched. It’s a big team working on Woolworths, but every single person brings something unique and there’s an amazing energy that makes coming to work enjoyable. But it’s not just this team, some of my closest friends are people I’ve met in previous roles. There’s something about this industry that attracts great humans, and that’s what makes it so special.
And the biggest challenge?
One of the biggest challenges I see is burnout, especially amongst new starters in the industry. The pace of media is fast, and there’s a lot expected early on, so it’s easy for people to feel overwhelmed. I really want to make sure people can grow without burning out and there is a clear path for progression, not just more work. Helping the next generation in our industry feel supported, valued, and excited about what’s ahead is something I’m really passionate about.
Whose job have you set your sight on in the future?
Georga Payne for sure, and she knows! (Chief Investment Officer Woolworths @ Dentsu)
Where do you turn for inspiration?
I get a lot of my inspiration from my family. My parents have worked incredibly hard, they’ve instilled a strong work ethic in both me and my brothers, and this has really shaped who I am. Being the youngest, I’ve also learned a lot from watching my brothers navigate their own paths. They’ve shown me the value of ambition and what it means to back yourself, stay humble, and keep pushing forward. That foundation is what drives me every day.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you:
That I’m actually a bit of a softie outside of work. At work, I’m very results-driven and focused. But outside of work, I’m probably more led by emotion than anything else. I’m pretty sentimental and really value those around me but it is a side of me that doesn’t always come through in the day-to-day hustle.
In five years’, time I’ll be:
Hopefully leading an amazing team and driving strong results but if I am happy and healthy that is all I can ask for!
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