Women In Media: It’s Wink Model’s Taryn Williams
It’s another Women in Media profile and today’s subject is the lovely CEO of The Right.Fit and Wink Models, Taryn Williams.
What’s the most challenging thing about your job?
Keeping a million balls in the air at one time can be challenging. It requires a lot of attention to detail, and an ability to be incredibly decisive and pivot quickly. I don’t have the luxury of spending days agonising over decisions – as such I have to be very decisive and luckily have a pretty good instinct for quick decision making.
It is important to me that in all my roles that we are always measuring and testing and using that information to make informed choices to move forward.
One of the biggest challenges is running two companies. My companies are very different and at different stages of their corporate lives in such they require different styles of nurturing and engagement from me, theright.fit is a high growth tech start up and Wink Models is an established agency.
But working with both in different capacities is a truly rewarding challenge and I do love a challenge!
What’s the hardest brief you’ve ever received or hardest job to execute?
Well I do always joke that over the 15 years I have been in the industry, I have seen just about everything, and received some of the wackiest briefs ever! We’ve had requests for models to pose with live poisonous snakes, dive off rooftops into backyard swimming pools, or skydive for an insurance TV commercial! !
In cases like this it is all about managing the expectations of the client and working with them to deliver a outcome that meets their vision. But of course it is really important to me to protect and support the people that work for me, especially from venomous snakebites!
What has been your favourite job in media and why?
Having always had my own companies or been self employed, it’s hard to answer, but my favourite part of the media industry is the diversity of each day, and the incredible people you get to work with.
I think media attracts some of the most creative, driven, accomplished people, being around that energy and intelligence is one of the things I love the most about my job.
What’s your proudest professional moment?
Making the Smart Company Hot 30 under 30 list in 2012 was pretty incredible. Being nominated for the B&T 30 under 30, and Female Entrepreneur of the Year last year would be on the highlights reel too!
What’s your quirkiest attribute?
I’m obsessed with the Good Weekend Quiz, and judge my upcoming week on the basis of the outcome. If I fail the Good Weekend Quiz, I’m convinced that I will therefore have a terrible week!
One thing no one knows about you?
That I can fly an aeroplane! I learned to fly at 15, so I could fly a plane before I could even drive a car.
What are advertising/marketing’s biggest challenges or threats?
Creating solutions to manage big data, given the complexity and volume of that data, and using this to connect with consumers in the most relevant way I think is a big challenge.
Also the ability to stay nimble, adapt to new technology and be able to pivot quickly, removing some of the layers of bureaucracy is also another challenge.
What do you think are the most exciting things in the marketing and creative world at the moment?
I’m pretty obsessed with VR and AI at the moment. I’m intrigued to see how agencies and brands embrace this powerful new technology to engage with consumers.
Hardest lesson you’ve had to learn (in or out of workforce)?
The hardest lesson I’ve probably had to learn, which applies to both work and my personal life, is to be OK with vulnerability. Learning how to lead from a position of vulnerability, was a really really hard lesson for me.
Brene Brown’s TEDx talk on vulnerability was a huge turning point for me.
Tea or coffee?
Coffee – long black with cold milk thanks.
Cats or dogs?
Neither – I’m not a pets person!
Guilty pleasure?
Ordering room service and in room movies every time I travel for work. Nothing better than a fluffy white robe, spag bolognese, and a Liam Neeson movie!
What’s your favourite TV programme?
The West Wing. Incredible characters and dialogue. I wish the banter my friends and I have was that witty and intelligent in real life!
What turns you on, emotionally, creatively, spirituality?
People who couple their drive with compassion. Making generosity part of your growth strategy – personally and professionally. That’s a huge turn on for me.
What turns you off?
Ego.
What profession would you not like to do?
Anything that involved cooking! I’m a terrible cook. My favourite thing to make for dinner is reservations.
Have you ever felt like giving up?
Of course. I think we all have those moments where the mountain seems insurmountable. It’s important when it all feels to much to surround yourself with a great tribe who get you through those moments.
It’s never as bad as it seems, and it’s difficult, because its meant to be. If it was easy, everyone would be doing it right?
What are the pearls of wisdom you know now, that you wish you knew when they were younger?
The two best pearls of wisdom where told to me by mentors and are things remind myself all the time.
They are “If you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room” and “Don’t waste time re-arranging the deck chairs on the Titanic”.
Please login with linkedin to comment
2015 Digital Trends Advertising Standards Bureau Dentsu Aegis taryn williamsLatest News
The Mars Agency Announces Latest Findings Of Retail Media Report Card
The Mars Agency has developed a scorecard that assesses the capabilities of leading platforms across key criteria required to optimally plan, execute, and measure effective retail media programs. The scorecard aims To help brands efficiently evaluate their spending options across retail media networks in Australia (and New Zealand). With spending on retail media advertising in […]
‘It’s The Lesser Of Two Evils’ – NRL Eyes US Betting Market As Aussie Regulators Circle
US betting firms will be delighted by the circa 50,000 Americans who could soon watch the NRL on their favourite app.
A-League In Deep Discussions With New Partner To Keep Games On TV After Production Company Enters Administration
The A-League's insatiable appetite for scoring own goals continues.
TV Ratings (27/03/2024): Jungle Members At War Over Concealed Lipstick
A heated argument between two jungle members did the numbers for Ten last night, with I’m A Celeb obtaining a total national reach of 1,282,000. Fans were delighted as Candice Warner and influencer Skye Wheatley got into it over a stick of lipstick, leading Warner to dub the Instagram star “selfish.” Wheatley, best known for […]
Is The Australian Music Industry In Trouble? Inquiry Launched Following Splendour Cancellation
Earlier this week, an inquiry was launched into the challenges and opportunities currently facing the Australian live music industry in the wake of multiple festival cancellations. On 25 March 2024, the Minister for the Arts, the Hon. Tony Burke MP, asked the Committee on Communications and the Arts to inquire into and report on the […]
Liana Dubois, Leandro Perez, Aimee Buchanan & More Gather For Inaugural Compadres Leadership Event
Didn't get the invite? Perhaps you're not as important as you thought.
Cathay Captures The Unforgettable Thrill Of Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Rugby Sevens, Via Publicis
Nobody does rugby like Hong Kong, apparently. Certainly nobody does it as badly as Australia.
Cocogun Nabs Christine Watts, Kirsty Reynolds & Shev Tan Bolstering Management & Creative Teams
Cocogun bolsters its team with new hires. Committed to purchasing a bigger sofa, too.
The Media Store’s Jacquie Alley & Sam Cousins Take The Plunge With Pro-Bono Work For Cure Cancer
B&T chats with The Media Store bosses about their great pro-bono work and sponsored swim.
Hawke’s Brewing Co. Taps Rocket Comms For PR Agency Following Competitive Pitch
We're expecting Rocket Comms productivity to crash in spectacular fashion following this win.
Spotlight On Sponsors: Patties Serves Up A Taste Of Home For Olympians & South Sydney Rabbitohs Recommit To Gambling Reform
While the Rabbitohs commits to gambling reform, B&T reckons the team should commit to a decent auto sponsor.
Google: “Inevitable” That Bad Actors Will Abuse Ads Platform As Advertiser Account Suspensions Double
Google maintains it's simply impossible for it to entirely stop bad people placing & paying for ads using its service.
Quantcast Expands APAC Sales Team With Appointment Of News Corp Account Manager
No pressure at all when you are appointed as a client success manager.
Publicis Sapient Tests Microsoft-Powered Gen AI Search Tool With Homes & Villas By Marriott Bonvoy
Given Gen AI's record for mangling stuff, B&T cannot see the problem with letting it decide your next holiday digs.
Volkswagen & DDB Group’s “Roo Badge” To Reduce Kangaroo Related Road Collisions
Watch out for RooBadge as Cannes Lions' most debated campaign this year.
Twilio Launches Unified Profiles & Agent Copilot Features To Boost Productivity & Engagement
Agent Copilot sounds like James Bond's less interesting cousin.
Reebok & Honda Among New Clients For onetwo agency
OneTwo finally lives up to its name with this double billing.
Ogilvy Report: Throw Out The Social Strategy Rule Book, The Rules Of The Past No Longer Apply
B&T was puzzled that all 'influencers' aren't, effectively, 'virtual', but here we are.
WhiteGREY & AKQA Merge In Australia, Lee Simpson Departs
Fortunately, the combined agencies aren't opting for a trite portmanteau for the new name.
Splendour In The Grass 2024 Music Festival Cancelled!
Music fans all over the country reportedly relieved they can pack away their rain coats and gumboots for another year.
TV Ratings (26/03/2024): “Fairy Bread, F***ing Disgusting”: Gordon Ramsay Slams Aussie Food In Food Stars Launch
Ramsay not one for mincing his words, even when it comes to minced meat pies.
Paramount+ International Boss Doubles Down On Aussie Content, Says Ad-Tier will Grow Audiences And Revenue
Good news as Paramount will not be binning I’m A Celebrity for re-runs of Frasier.
Brent Smart: Telstra Pushing For 50-50 Brand-Performance Split But Warns Numbers ‘Won’t Look Great’ Initially
The old brand vs performance debate continues. But here, Brent is firmly sitting on the fence.
Crowded House, Tones And I & Dom Dolla Win Big At The Shure Rolling Stone Music Awards
B&T staffer reports back with humdinger of a hangover & feeling seriously uncool after mixing with music types.
Opinion: Dyslexia “A Hidden Gem” For Brands & Agencies
Dyslexics offer underappreciated benefits in the corporate field, according to this op-ed.
David Jones Taps Criteo To Power Online Retail Media Arm
Want to see ads for things you probably can't afford? David Jones has got you covered with new retail media play.
oOh!media Sets Up Team To Target Business Audiences Across Airports & Offices
oOh! wants brands to harass you every minute of your next business trip.
QMS Launches Australian First DOOH & TV Partnership With Samba TV
Samba TV, of course, is not a channel dedicated to dancing. Much to our dismany.
Slew Of New Hires At Amplify
Four new faces join the Amplify offices. Team say desk scarcity becoming "acute".
Adobe Announces Content Authenticity Initiative Expansions To Counter Deep Fakes
Try as they might to enlighten them, we suspect Trump supporters will continue to watch and believe Fox News.
The PR Group Appoints TechCrunch Senior Reporter Catherine Shu As Director Of Content & Media
Catherine Shu makes the bold leap from journalism to PR. Says inevitable pay bump was "unrelated".
HERO Nabs Ebony Santin From AMPR
Rumours Santin cleared out the stationery cupboard before departing are as yet unconfirmed.
Karena Noble Checks Out Of EVT Hotels & Resorts To Launch Comms Consultancy
Noble still managed to squeezed in a continental breakfast before departing.
Canva Acquires Design Platform Affinity To Bring Professional Design Tools To Every Organisation
Canva & Adobe face off continues. We're not picking sides but keenly aware that Canva's office is next door to ours.
“Lean On Our Team To Help You Find An Audience”: Why Understanding Audience Engagement Is Essential In Journalism
Engaging the audience is critical to journos, apparently. We'd thought self-loathing & alcoholism were key.
Adobe Summit: Major Gen AI Developments, Data Concessions & Partnerships
What happens in Vegas stays there. Unless it's the Adobe Summit and then you get to read about in B&T.