As you should very well know, B&T‘s annual Women in Media Awards are this week. Come Friday, the industry will come together to recognise and celebrate the inspiring efforts of the women around them – and we couldn’t be more excited.

But recognising the amazing women in this industry has to go further than an awards programme – which is why we’ve created a Women in Media Profile Series.

Next up is the impressive Carolyn Bollaci. She’s the head of agency at Facebook Australia, was featured on the 2015 B&T Women in Media Power List, and is the person to go to for restaurant recommendations.

Here are her key pieces of advice:

Live your best life

You have to be committed and passionate about the medium. You need to look at every day as a new experience. More recently I was reminded to always say yes to your friends and family when they want your time. You can never get those moments back.

Interacting with clients is invaluable

My sales background and interaction with clients over the years has been invaluable. I have been fortunate enough to work in many different sized organisations like Microsoft, News Corporation, Sizmek (formerly Eyeblaster), Innovid and now Facebook so I have worked with teams in various ways.

With that comes a lot of firsts, such as winning sales team of the year, attainment of largest targets ever in a company, new business wins in multiple markets globally, but when I am proudest is when my team is strong, wholly fulfilled and excited by the work they are doing. It motivates them to excel beyond what they originally thought was possible.

I am fortunate enough to be supported in times when I need it most and reminds me to pay those feelings forward.

I also once worked on a pro-bono piece of business for Earthwatch and in return they sent me to The Caribbean to work on a project for two weeks, where we researched and assisted in the migration and nesting of sea turtles.

Work for a company that’s filled with inspiring women

Our organisation (Facebook) is brimming with them so every single day I find moments of inspiration.

In general, I seem to have the fortune of surrounding myself with friends and family that are superwomen.

I have had the fortune of working with amazing women and men in my time. Both genders bring tremendous value to the workplace and when these skills are combined together they can make the biggest impact.

Never underestimate the power of empathy

Never sacrifice integrity for ambition. Being genuine and empathetic will always win.

B&T‘s Women in Media Awards 2018 will be held on Friday 17 August 2018 at Doltone House – Jones Bay Wharf. Grab last minute tickets to the event here and find all other info on the website.