Ten things I learned from my time in media

I’ve worked in media & marketing for the past 16 years, most recently as Chief Digital Officer at Hearts & Science, but I have recently made the move to launch my own business - a start-up in the food industry. It is a space I’ve always been especially passionate about and as I embark on the next chapter in my career, it’s also been a chance for reflection. It is clear to me what a tremendous springboard the media industry has been, so I wanted to share a few things I’ve learned and how it got me to where I am today.

However, becoming a mum was a catalyst for change. It made me re-assess my priorities, project further into the future, and rethink my life plans. It made me want to better myself, lead by example and act on a passion point that I’d been thinking about for a while. I had spotted a gap in the market and decided to start my own business in the food industry.

PreppedFRESH is a direct-to-consumer start-up with a vision to give all home chefs across Australia better access to solutions to streamline meal prep, while also reducing food waste.

What I didn’t expect is for my media background to be so valuable with many transferable skills that will hopefully set me up for success. So what are the things I’ve learned and some of the most critical skills that a career in the media industry can help foster?

1. Vision – In a highly competitive and commoditised industry, a clear vision is critical to stand out. It helps agencies win new business pitches and media owners cut through the plethora of media options, and is crucial for any new business to cut through.
2. Culture and values – as a people-first industry, retaining and growing talent is everything for media agencies. IP, knowledge and creativity is transferred via our human capital and needs to be nurtured for the best results.
3. Presentation skills – Storytelling is at the heart of any strategic recommendation, and even more so in the WFH era, the narrative needs to shine through, whatever the format or style of presentation.
4. People & management skills – with access to high quality performance management and people development training. Despite the high workloads, agencies really do invest in their people and the people management experience is invaluable.
5. Commercial acumen – media and advertising requires business smarts to drive the optimum outcomes from two distinct angles, spotting opportunities for clients and building a sustainable business model for agencies.
6. Connections – it’s a very tight industry in which mutual support and relationships really matter. I’ve made great friends and incredibly valuable connections.
7. Customer-first thinking – understanding the customer need/want and levers of receptivity as a starting point. Consumer research, shopper insights, media consumption data is always available whether client, industry or publisher-led.
8. Stakeholder management – As a trusted advisor, managing and negotiating large marketing budgets is an invaluable experience, building trust, sharing the required information with key parties and understanding different perspectives are essential.
9. Negotiation – the art of getting the best deal transfers to all aspects of life including investment discussions, through to purchases of property and white goods!
10. Personal Brand - from sharing thought leadership to being known for honesty or integrity, it will go with you and support you for your entire career.

I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve had in media - the growth, support, upskilling and training access I had over the years - and I’m excited to embrace "what’s next" – with greater clarity, confidence and a deeper appreciation for what the media industry has to offer as a career path and career builder.

If you want to follow my journey further, you can visit https://preppedfresh.com.au/ sign up to our newsletter or follow our socials. I would love to hear from you and keep in touch!

With a business leadership, marketing and digital advertising background, Isabelle has also had a life-long passion for cooking and inspiring her friends and family to try new, exciting meals. visit www.preppedfresh.com.au to find out more.