This week, The Water Cooler got to know the delightful Namita Sopal.
Namita has just been appointed to the newly created role of Head of National Advertising Strategy (hold for applause). Namita gave us a crash course in the Advertising industry (which she has worked in for over 10 years) and why Paramount ANZ is a leader in this space.
Hello Namita! You’ve recently been appointed to the newly created role of Head of National Advertising Strategy. Tell us what this role entails.
This role gives me a focus on our ‘go-to-market’ approach and strategy. I strategise the stories we tell and how we tell them, ensuring our narrative is consistent and building a strong positioning.
If I am doing my job well, our clients and agencies know what we stand for, how we are unique, how our audience is hard to find and the many ways in which they can collaborate with Paramount.
In addition, I spend a lot of time on how we work with key clients and co-create strategic campaigns that drive attention and deliver results.
You’ve worked in the advertising industry for over 10 years in senior roles, how did your career lead you to Paramount ANZ?
The majority of my career has been spent in agencies. I loved working for lots of different brands, being exposed to different categories, facing varied challenges and servicing client’s needs.
Moving media-side, and specifically to Paramount ANZ, was a desire to be closer to the solutions and to make ideas happen – not just thinking them up!
I am naturally someone who feeds off the energy in the room and I had a good feeling from the moment I interviewed. We spend so much time with the people we work with – the vibe check was there!
How has this industry evolved over this time and what are you excites you about the industries future?
There has been so much change over the years I’ve been in this industry – more channels, new platforms and advancing technology.
I think change is important, it pushes us to keep thinking of new ways to look at the same problems. What excites me is the idea that there are solutions we haven’t even thought of yet and using technology that hasn’t been created.
If we keep celebrating diversity of thinking, who knows where we can go. The opportunities are endless.
What sets Paramount ANZ apart from the other competitors in this industry?
Aside from the people, what sets Paramount apart is that it stands for more than just the content it creates and distributes, it builds community.
Paramount is tapped in to culture here locally, as well as on a global stage.
I love that we have brands that my two year old son loves and is also loved by his cousins in the UK, and also shows that my mum is aware of and has watched for years.
Our brands have reach and resonance and that makes the work we do exciting!
What do you love to do outside of work?
I am a bit of a contradiction as I love to be doing a lot or nothing at all.
You will find me one of two places:
- On the move, whether that be the gym, going for a run or running after a toddler.
- Stationary, binge watching anything and everything. For someone who says they have no time, I clock many viewing hours.
