Women In Media: It’s MediaCom’s Gemma Hunter

In today’s Women in Media profile, Gemma Hunter, executive creative director And head of MBA at MediaCom discusses the perils of the job, motivation, her affection for canines and a love of the Apple aesthetic…

What or who inspired you to go into this industry?
Combination of my parents – my mum, a journalist, and dad a marketing director.

What has been your biggest career achievement to date?
Coaching and mentoring amazing people from intern level onwards, many of whom are now running teams and businesses across the globe. Nothing makes me prouder than the success of my people.

What’s your ultimate career goal?
To create an an ad-funded drama series.

If you weren’t doing this particular job, what would you be doing?
Making documentaries about people experiencing things that have changed their life, like the HIV content series, ‘There’s Something I Want to Tell You‘ we did for the Queensland Government.

If you could change anything about the industry what would it be?
Compulsory dogs in offices.

What do you find most challenging about working in the industry?
This depends on the day of the week and the project at hand, but I love a challenge so it’s not a problem.

What are your passions both in work and outside of it?
In work – I love working with curious and brave people to create campaigns we truly believe in and get excited by. Out of work – fashion, street-art and my new puppy Flash Gordon.

How do you define leadership?
My role as a leader is to listen to and learn from my team, to inspire bravery, curiosity and passion, to always have their back, no matter what.

What makes you tick?
My husband would say a mixture of chocolate and madness.

How do you get others onboard with your vision?
Honesty, clarity, passion.

What do you think is the most exciting thing happening in the industry at the moment?
The marriage of data and creativity.

What are the qualities you seek in people you want to partner with and work with?
Curiosity, honesty and bravery.

What advice would you give to your 20-year-old self?
Trust your gut and don’t be afraid to fuck-up.

If you could be Prime Minister for a week what would you do?
Make gay marriage legal immediately.

Who’s your industry hero and why?
Jonathon Ive the head designer at apple because he’s made the world better, smarter and more connected; opening up media and creating consumer connections where none existed before.

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