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
Revium Snags Peter Bauld From Deloitte Digital
Revium, a leading full-service digital and AI consultancy, has announced the appointment of Peter Bauld (lead image) as Executive General Manager. Revium is a full-service digital and AI consultancy with over 20 years of experience creating engaging digital experiences for leading organisations and their customers. Bauld joins Revium after an illustrious career spanning over two […]
EMG/Gravity Media Names New Managing Director
The makers of Australia's Got Talent has been a magnet for senior hires in recent times.
Opinion: Shark Tank’s Sabri Suby Slams Politicians Jumping On TikTok Ban Bandwagon
Are politicians actually scaremongering about TikTok or just fed up of you doom-scrolling in the work bogs?
TV Ratings: “Ivana Was Robbed” – Final Three Contestants Revealed On Australian Idol
B&T's unsure if these Idol contestants look extra young or whether we are as old as we feel.
Veridooh Snatches Prashand Menon From ScentreGroup
Out-of-home OOH) and digital media leader Prashand Menon (lead image) has joined OOH ad tech company Veridooh as group business director within NSW and QLD. Menon joins Veridooh from his most recent role as ScentreGroup’s group business director and brings with him more than 10 years of experience in Australian media. Previously, he held positions […]
Creative Content Studio OK COOL Answers APAC’s Call, Opening In Melbourne
Life set to get extra confusing for new agency staffers mistaking OK COOL for a pass-ag housemate text message.
Harry’s Cafe de Wheels & Hipages Launch New Pie To Fuel Tradies While On The Tools
The pies should apparently be better for tradies' health, apparently but won't be better for on-site ribbing.
Women Leading Tech’s Woman Of The Year Megan Dalla-Camina: What’s The True Cost Of Cutting DEI Spending?
Cutting DE&I spending might seem easy but you might change your mind when faced with Dalla-Camina's ire.
Thrive Introduces A Batch Of New Senior Leadership Roles
You could say that Thrive is set to thrive with these new hires. But that would be too obvious.
It’s Coming Home! Sponsors Make Subbuteo World Cup Finals Free
No idea what Subbuteo is? You clearly had a more exciting childhood than our editorial team.
Media Bigwigs Bet On Predictive Intelligence Platform Prophet In $5M Seed Funding
Prophet, profit, geddit? Must be laugh-a-minute in this startup's office.
CommsDeclare Brands Shell Energy An “Olympic Gaslighter” & Urges Agencies Not To Pitch For Creative Account
And we thought the gaslight Olympics took place in the Coogee Bay Hotel smoking area!
AFL Wins Battle With Warner Bros. As New AFL Team Is Revealed
There hasn't been this much wrangling over a cartoon animal since, well, ever!
BBC Podcasts Go Global With Amazon Music
Ironically, BBC podcasts unlikely to be available in the Amazon given the lack of signal.
Johnson & Johnson’s Former Consumer Healthcare Arm Reviews Creative
J&J inspired by Scottish term for knowledge 'ken' in its rebrand; nothing says 'wise' like a shot of Listerine.
Kat & Co Transforms Into THE WORLD OF Experiential Agency
After more than twelve years of producing experiences for some of the world’s most innovative brands, including Hermes, Van Cleef & Arpels, Louis Vuitton, and Tiffany & Co, Kat & Co has quietly metamorphosed into THE WORLD OF. THE WORLD OF is an experiential agency at the juncture of culture, technology and the human condition. […]
Adobe Brings Firefly Generative AI Into Substance 3D Workflows
Still unclear of what generative AI actually is? Steer clear of this story.
Clemenger BBDO Introduces Saucy Campaign With Declan Cleary & Lee Kum Kee
When we heard this was a saucy campaign, we thought it be the barbecue and ketchup showdown we'd been waiting for.
Gawk Acquires 40 Billboard Locations From Transad
Gawk makes it move out of VIC into NSW with acquisition. Has promised to stop going on about Melbourne nightlife.
All About Attribution: Commission Factory Releases New eBook
Ever wanted to dive deep into channel attribution? Consider this the perfect springboard.
SMG Studio Launches Risk: Global Domination X Dune Part Two
Through a licensing agreement with Legendary Entertainment, SMG Studio inked the rights to adapt Dune: Part Two into a game based on Risk: Global Domination, Hasbro’s interactive board game. Inspired by Denis Villeneuve’s cinematic masterpiece, Dune: Part Two, this new digital adaptation, RISK: Global Domination X Dune: Part Two, is poised to captivate players from […]
RMIT Study Reveals That 73% Of Employees Don’t Believe Gen AI Is Relevant
Noticing staff switching off when you tell them about gen AI? Understand why here.
Australian Eggs Launches Egg-citing New Campaign Via Connecting Plots
How do you like your eggs in the morning? We usually skip them and go straight for the darts and whisky.
Future Lions 2024 Invites Young People To Be Heard With Spotify
Future Lions, of course, is the AKQA-backed student initiative at Cannes Lions, not a feeder for the rugby team.
QMS: Taylor Swift, Lunar New Year & Mardi Gras Were Boon For OOH Market
Taylor Swift, Lunar New Year and the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival have had a dramatic impact on the number of people moving in and around Sydney over the past month, drawing big crowds into the heart of the city and its surrounding suburbs. New data from digital outdoor company QMS reveals a […]
Legend John McEnroe Joins Pepperstone’s Team Of Global Tennis Ambassadors
Despite the deal, McEnroe remains confused about difference between above- and below-the-line marketing.
LinkedIn Launches New Thought Leader Ads For Companies To Promote Member Posts
Though LinkedIn couldn't get any more insufferable? You thought wrong.
Latrell Mitchell Smacked On Wrist After Dropping Multiple F-Bombs In Post-Match Triple M Interview
Andrew Abdo has confirmed he is not angry... just disappointed.
TV Ratings: “When You Do Love Yourself, You’re Amazing” – Is This MAFS Most Heart-breaking Split?
Hold the press. MAFS groom and bride actually shown to be nice people.
Opinion: The Only Drag Marketers Should Be Worried About
Thought Transactional Drag was a lifeless club night in Newtown? Read this and you'll think again.
AWARD School Welcomes Class Of 2024
It's best to think of AWARD School like Survivor but with pitch decks instead of swimwear.
Interest In Motorsports Reaches New Heights As Formula 1 Grand Prix Revenue Expected To Surpass $100 Million
Need to get a dull sports client some quick results? Rustle up a Netflix series and watch the dollars roll in.
Chair Rob Murray To Depart As SCA Considers ARN’s Latest Takeover Bid
Struggling to make heads or tails of the SCA & ARN saga? Add this to your woes.
Adland Legend John Singleton Separates From Seventh Wife
Singo calls it quits with seventh wife as his race with Rupert Murdoch to become the most-married man continues.
ACCC Eyes Search Competition, Citing ‘Decreasing’ Quality & Rise In Generative AI
The only decline in search quality we notice is when B&T doesn't appear at the top of Google.
“Imagine A Career Above The Clouds”: Royal Australian Air Force Launches New Campaign Via VML
Don't worry about the forthcoming war with China - at least you'll get a bird's-eye view of the apocalypse.