This week’s Meeting of the Minds sees Jessica White and Jazmine Sey from full-service digital agency Dept reveal their leadership heroes, current streaming binge, and career goals.
The Mediaweek series showcases diverse perspectives, thoughts and opinions by bringing together two different points of view from an industry rookie and an experienced expert.
Jessica White, VP, Creative & Media, Dept Australia
Favourite podcast/read – My Favourite podcast is Performance Marketing Unlocked. It’s a UK podcast that comes out fortnightly. It helps me keep my finger on the pulse of the digital marketing world and has some really inspiring marketers as guests.
I also love Sheryl Sandberg’s Lean In book. Although it came out years ago, it is still so relevant today for young women moving up the ranks.
Current streaming binge – I am really into Outer Range with Josh Brolin. Never thought I’d get hooked on a Western series, but here I am binge-watching it religiously and only have one episode left!
Guilty pleasure content – It has to be Selling Sunsets. The houses are amazing, and the drama is hilarious, but I also love how BOSS the women are. They own who they are (often totally outrageous, way too dressed up). They also really know their shit and won’t back down for what they think is right.
What do you have on repeat – I could watch The Blindside with Sandra Bullock over and over again. It’s such a beautiful story about hope, hard work, trust and family, not to mention another strong female breaking the norms.
Best career advice – Never stop learning. Never try to blag your capabilities, get comfortable knowing you will not know everything. Nor should you. And surround yourself with people smarter than you.
Leadership hero – I look up to Dimi Albers. Dimi is an incredible leader. He is the perfect combination of big-picture thinking and visionary, while also understanding the granular detail required to make things happen. He balances empowerment, autonomy, and trust with mentorship, hard work, and good old-fashioned fun.
Best training course/session – Advertising Council Advanced Strategy. I learnt so much from that course that I’d strongly recommend it even if you don’t want to be a strategist.
I wish someone had told me – If you’re not making mistakes, you’re not trying to improve! People always say it’s okay to make mistakes, as it’s the best way to learn, but I wish people encouraged me to make mistakes, to try new things, and to fail fast. The faster you fail, the faster you learn!
Favourite place to network – At award events. Everyone is always buzzing with energy, they are proud to be there, to talk about their wins and to be inspired by smart people, ideas and brands.
Something that’s surprised you about the industry? – The industry is changing so quickly, we have to help our clients keep up or they’ll fall behind. We have to look at how to use technology to supercharge our initiatives – to be more engaging, more insightful, more efficient. I’m surprised to hear brands are still investing in free-to-air TV and struggling to find a budget for digital experiences. Traditional advertising vs investing in retail media, or a personalisation engine!
What is your hot take on the industry – We need to run towards technology to help get the most out of our marketing spend. To help our clients get ahead. Whether that is with AI, Commerce tools, analytics or a personalisation engine. Technology is an effort multiplier, embracing technology will supercharge our efforts and help us engage with our audiences on a deeper more authentic level.
Career goal for 2024 – Integrate technology into everyday problem-solving, whether for my own efficiency, my teams’, or my clients’ benefit.
Jazmine Sey, Marketing & Office Coordinator, DEPT Australia
Favourite podcast/read – I don’t have a particular favourite book, but I enjoy books written by chefs, bakers, and foodie people in general!
Current streaming binge – The Boys S4, House of the Dragon S2, and The Bear S3 are all in my current streaming binge. They are all very different shows but I love each series in their own funny, dramatic, and intense way.
Guilty pleasure content – The Royal Family and its history after I watched the TV series The Crown on Netflix.
What do you have on repeat – Taiwan food and travel vlogs on YouTube are my current rotation as it’s my way of researching for my upcoming holiday! But I also enjoy watching NPR Tiny Desk Concerts and Hot Ones interviews.
Best career advice – Be open to learning new things even though it may be out of the scope of your responsibilities or comfort zone. The ability to learn is so invaluable.
Leadership hero – Marjan Straathof is my leadership hero! She is a marketing and big-picture visionary and that inspires me. Juggling the responsibilities of her role and family life, but is always there for after the entire DEPT global marketing in all regions of the world and different timezones!
Best training course/session – Post-grad and additional training are things I’m very keen on doing in the future. I graduated from university at the end of 2023.
I wish someone had told me – The company culture and the people you work with at a company are so important to your mental health and play a huge part in enjoying the work you do. I’m so grateful that DEPT is a fantastic place to work at.
Favourite place to network – Big events with activations like SXSW Sydney are my favourite because you meet so many different people from various industries and fields.
Something that surprised you about the industry – The economic conditions of the industry play a vital part in the creativity and innovation process. More times than often companies must seek to produce more or achieve the goal at a higher rate with fewer resources than previously.
What is your hot take on the industry – The power of diversity and recognizing that inclusive representation isn’t just a moral imperative but a strategic advantage. While progress is being made, there’s still a gap in truly reflecting the diverse Australian society and culture in marketing, advertising, and leadership roles.
Brands must seek to authentically embrace diversity not only to resonate more deeply with consumers but also with internal and external teams and stakeholders.
Career goal for 2024 – Integrate tech automation into simple tasks and planning to maximise efficiency. Starting with my email inbox!
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Past editions of Meeting of the Minds.
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Top image: Jessica White and Jazmine Sey