Saacha Neilson.
In this series, AdNews spotlights young talent in the Australian media, marketing and advertising sector. This time it's Pedestrian Group's native content editor Saacha Neilson.
How long have you been in the industry?
Six years now? I got my first industry job during COVID. Who knew it would take a global pandemic to crack the media industry?
How did you get here? Was this always the plan?
I knew I always wanted to work in media, but I think ‘plan’ is too generous a term. Like anyone working in media, my career trajectory has hardly been linear and I’ve had to have a lot of tenacity and grit. I got my first big job working in production at The Project (RIP) and had to hustle to turn that into editorial work. Here at PEDESTRIAN.TV, I was originally hired late last year as a Native Content Producer on a short-term contract, just to help see the team through to the end of the year. Three months later and I’m now working as the Native Editor.
Who is your right-hand person?
There are too many to count, but Madi O’Nions is a wealth of knowledge and someone I rely on deeply. Anyone who’s learned the art of managing clients and creatives is someone you should always listen to. And when it comes to the art of the hustle, there’s no better tutor than Simran Pasricha.
What is the best thing about the industry you work in?
The opportunities for joy and authenticity. Media brings a lot of challenges, but alongside that comes scope to bring personal passions, creative projects and just real human emotions into our work. The fact that no two days are ever the same means that there’s always a sense of excitement that something great could be coming around the corner.
And the biggest challenge?
The constant renewal and evolution of culture and subculture, especially online, makes it difficult for any strategy to have real longevity. How do you keep up when culture and communications are moving at a mile a minute? And more importantly, how do you make sure you’re at the forefront and not playing catch-up?
Whose job have you set your sights on in the future?
Sabrina Carpenter’s job looks pretty fun. In my own industry, though? There’s no specific title, but I do know I’d love to have some say in the stories that get told. There’s always someone at the top of the food chain who gets to set the agenda, and I’d love that to be me one day.
Where do you turn for inspiration?
My colleagues inspire me daily. Not just through their ideas, but their work ethic, management styles—basically everything I see them do, I jot down to help inform my next day. Beyond them, I’ve started to look outside of social media for inspiration. As TikTok attention spans start to exhaust people, I think we’re going to see a rebound to more long-form content; so, I’m stepping away from the algorithms and out into the world for my inspiration.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
I’m terrible at scuba diving.
In five years’ time I will be:
Despite all the AI fears, I plan to still be writing. Over the past few years, I’ve taken some risks with my career and so, in five years' time, I hope to look back on those risks with pride and feel confident they were the correct choice.
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.