The deadline to enter B&T’s 30 Under 30 awards is rapidly approaching (this Friday!). And because we love to spotlight young go-getters, we sat down to hear from entrant and sales superstar, Georgie Witt.
Our 30 Under 30 Awards are where we shine a bright light on the young movers and shakers in our industry. And while these rising stars are spread out all across our vast and at times quirky industry, we know Georgie Witt is one of them.
Witt is a Sales Executive at Seven Network and a woman going places. She’s also been nominated by Seven to enter this year’s B&T 30 Under 30 Awards, and for good reason.
Witt is a sales gun, objectively so, having been shortlisted for the Television Sales Person of the Year at 2021 Media i Awards.
And the achievements extend to out of office, as Witt has recently been appointed as co-chair for NGEN in Sydney – an MFA initiative that exists to hone and shape the skills of up and coming adlanders. Not exactly small fry stuff!
B&T: What attracted you to the sales industry?
GW: My job at Seven happened midway through my degree, and when you haven’t got any media experience it doesn’t matter what the job is, right? And I think my love of sales came after that. I realised that it’s such a great way to build relationships and build your confidence as well.
B&T: What have you enjoyed most about your time in the biz so far?
There are so many incredible opportunities that come with just being a part of the media industry, in general. And being part of that has not been lost on me, but to be honest, the best thing that I found during my time in the business is just the people that I get to meet. I have such a love of getting to know different people in different jobs that they do.
Also being able to be at the forefront of Australians coming together and connecting together is just absolutely incredible and so inspiring.
B&T: How did it feel to have Seven recommend you for the 30 Under 30 awards?
30 Under 30 has been at the top of my career goals wish list ever since I found out about it. Seven putting my name forward to enter is just so incredible, especially this early on in my career.
I’m the kind of person who shies away from talking myself up, it’s something that I’ve had to learn how to articulate. But it’s definitely helped me to feel a lot more confident about what I can bring to the table.
B&T: Why do you feel it’s important that we celebrate young people in the industry?
Obviously, the past couple of years have been hard and celebrating young talent in the industry is super important. You know, you go through that slog, you work really, really hard, and sometimes it feels like it’s not going anywhere.
Having something like 30 Under 30 to aspire towards and to remind you that there is value in going above and beyond your day-to-day, or value beyond just achieving within your role keeps you motivated through those trying times.
B&T: What has been your biggest struggle as an under 30 in your industry?
Initially, it was really finding my voice and being confident in what I can bring to the table and what I can offer. But also, staying humble and remembering, there’s always more that you can learn, there’s always more you can know.
B&T: As a young woman, do you often feel people can underestimate you?
I mean, I think it would be a little naive of me to say that there haven’t been challenges. I think that’s a sentiment that is shared with every single woman that I’ve met.
But there are such incredible women in senior positions in Seven. Which means it’s something tangible, that you can see and work towards, right? You can see women in these roles, like our national sales director and Sydney sales director.
B&T: What advice would you give to upcoming young people in the industry?
I would say, utilise your resources, talk to as many people as you possibly can. There is so much experience in any workplace that you’re in, learn about what they do, and really try to understand the things that have helped them.
The offset of that is not letting what people think of you influence your decisions – not letting that hold you back from going for things that you want, or coming up with an idea or joining a committee. As long as you’re staying true to yourself, what you believe, and what makes you happy.
Entering is a chance for Witt to look back on her career and what she has achieved so far. At the same time, it reminds her to look forward. Witt said: “For me, it’s a huge motivator, to continue to, you know, force myself to be better and do better.”
Taking note and reflecting feels more and more important in these times when time is no longer landmarked by social events. That is why this year it feels particularly important to be celebrating our younger talent who have been working hard, sometimes from their share houses.
So for all you rising industry stars out there, if you haven’t already, don’t miss your chance as entries close this Friday!