Welcome to my new fortnightly column Sparrow’s Nest for Mediaweek. I’m excited to have a regular spot that will cover a broad range of topics that matter to the industry. Importantly, I want to cover issues that matter to you the readers of Mediaweek.
Email me at [email protected] with your valuable suggestions.
I’m passionate about issues that matter to marketers, agency talent, media partners, plus the creative and production community.
I’ll also be regularly covering your questions regarding career advice in Sparrow’s Nest. So once again please email your questions on a confidential basis and I’ll give you my down-to-earth honest practical perspective after a lifetime in the business.
Top of mind for me at the moment – how do we guide our clients in their relentless pursuit for results and business growth, what are the industries pitching best practices, how do we reduce talent burnout, champion creativity that works, what are the best ways to drive innovation with our media partners?
The most frequently asked question from industry talent is what more can I do to supercharge my career?
As a starting point get a brilliant mentor and coach. Be curious, thirsty and hungry for every learning and development opportunity that comes your way. Plus, ferret out other training and development sessions that are in the market. Grab every opportunity with both hands and run with it.
Specifically, I’m a big fan of The Marketing Academy (in the interest of full disclosure I’ve been a foundation coach with the program for the last eight years.) Mark Ritson’s Mini MBA also garners good feedback plus the industry associations do a good job of covering a diverse range of subjects. Check out capabilities from the AANA, ACA, MFA NGen /5+, ADMA, IAB, IMAA and the Western Sydney Ad School.
Industry opportunities abound for those that are up for it and are brave, even as a quiet achiever please consider going out of your comfort zone and entering the Cannes Young Lions, 30 Under 30, Young Achiever of the Year, etc.
But, and there is a but, we still need to do more … with the industry staff churn at an all-time high (up to 34%), the Great Resignation/Reshuffle/Realignment, lack of international talent, we need to explore different recruitment strategies and market the industry better as a vibrant, fulfilling and purposeful career path. A real investment in training and development so it’s not just a tick the box or fluffy point on the credentials slide in a pitch presentation.
Supercharging or fast-tracking your career is possible however I can’t stress enough the importance of having respected leadership that models great leadership behaviour in your regular working environment. Plus surround yourself with great people that want to share on-the-job gold nugget tips and practical experience. The day-to-day culture that fosters, nurtures and encourages learning is invaluable.
Over my extensive career, I’ve been very fortunate to have great mentors, leaders I could look up to that supported me even when I stumbled or made mistakes. I’m still learning every day to be a better listener, demonstrate empathy, manage success and stress.
My goal is to pass on a wealth of experience, knowledge, wisdom and give back to the industry I love. I genuinely welcome the GIFT of feedback on the new column and the issues that matter to you to ensure our industry is an exciting, rewarding, inspiring, diverse and safe place to thrive in the future!
Greg“Sparrow’’Graham: Coach/Trainer/Pitch Doctor & Founder of The Nest Consultancy, and now, Mediaweek columnist.
Email me Sparrow’s Nest – [email protected]
See also: Mediaweek welcomes Sparrow’s Nest – The new fortnightly column from Greg Graham