Izabella Paoliello, Client Development Manager at WPP Media Australia & New Zealand, won Media Salesperson at Mediaweek’s Next of The Best 2025 last Friday.
A week on from the win, Paoliello shared what the recognition means to her, her achievements and successes, and meaningful career advice that continues to inspire her.
MW: The awards have been judged by an all-star line-up, what does it mean to you to be recognised by this group?
Izabella Paoliello: When I first applied, I remember a colleague saying, “Have you seen who usually enters these awards? These are the biggest names in the industry.” So, even being shortlisted felt like a win, especially knowing I was up against some of the most established sales leaders out there.
This was my first ever award entry, and I was genuinely excited to share the work I’d done and the results I’d driven. To be recognised by such a high-calibre panel, leaders I’ve looked up to in this industry, makes this one of the proudest moments of my career.
It’s easy to underestimate yourself in a room full of big names, but this recognition reminded me that hard work, consistency, and a fresh perspective matter. And I hope it inspires others who are early in their journey, or working in smaller markets, to back themselves too.
MW: What’s been your proudest achievement as Client Development Manager at WPP Media?
IP: It’s hard to choose just one, because the past year has been full of moments that I’m incredibly proud of. But if I had to sum it up, it’s the combination of the people, the work, and the journey that got me here.
Starting out in a new country with no network or local media experience, I had to build my path from the ground up. Like many migrants, I had to find my way, and what I’ve built since means everything to me. From being the first hire in South Australia, to opening a brand-new market in Perth, to learning an entirely new product and doubling our DOOH client base in just one year, I’ve stepped into every challenge with persistence, adaptability, and a genuine commitment to doing things well.
But none of it would’ve been possible without the people. I’ve had the chance to work with incredibly supportive, inspiring colleagues and clients who’ve trusted me, backed me, and challenged me to grow. It’s that combination, meaningful relationships and meaningful impact, that makes this my proudest achievement. Not just what I’ve done, but how I’ve done it.
MW: What has been the key to success in your role?
IP: When you move across the world to build a life in a new country, you develop a level of resilience that shapes everything you do. For me, that resilience, along with adaptability and genuine connection, has been the key to my success.
I didn’t have industry contacts or local experience when I started, so I learned quickly to lead with curiosity, show up consistently, and build trust. . I focus on people as much as I do on results. I approach every opportunity with care, energy, and follow-through.
I also don’t wait for the perfect conditions, I create momentum wherever I can. That mindset has helped me grow markets that others overlooked, learn new products like DOOH quickly, and turn first-time campaigns into lasting partnerships.
Success, to me, is about turning challenges into opportunity, from language barriers to the constant pressure to prove yourself in unfamiliar environments. And I’ve learned that when you lead with purpose and persistence, you can make a real impact.
MW: Is there a piece of career advice you received early on in your career that still resonates with you today?
IP: When I moved to Australia, it took me years to finally break into the media industry, and when I did, I was embarrassed by my accent. I tried to soften it and even considered taking phonetics classes to lose it completely.
Until one day, a mentor said to me: “Iza, your accent is what makes you, you. People listen to you because you speak in a unique way. Don’t ever try to lose that, it’s your identity.”
That advice has stayed with me ever since. It made me stop trying to blend in and start embracing who I am. In my case, it was my accent, but the message applies to everyone. Whatever it is that makes you different, that’s your strength. Own it. Lean into it. That’s what people remember.
MW: What does the next 12 months look like for you in terms of how you’re thinking about your career?
IP: I absolutely love what I do. I thrive on the challenges of sales, the pace, the strategy, the relationships, I genuinely enjoy it. But I also have a deep love for learning, and over the next 12 months, that’s a big focus for me.
Programmatic is such a dynamic, constantly evolving space, and I want to go deeper. I want to expand my technical knowledge, stay ahead of emerging trends, and better understand how we can push the boundaries of what’s possible for clients. For me, growth isn’t about titles, it’s about becoming sharper, more versatile, and more impactful in the work that I do.
Top image: Izabella Paoliello