Emma Petersen and Scott Williamson will be the first to say they are still learning, and they wear that proudly. As co-leads of Paramount’s RAP Working Group External Pillar, they believe the most meaningful progress comes from asking the right questions and acting on the right opportunities.

Tell us about your roles at Paramount Australia.

EMMA: I’m the Senior Marketing Manager for Paramount+, looking after Entertainment and Sport. I oversee the go-to-market strategies for our local originals, international titles and sporting content – considering the audience, positioning and the best ways to connect viewers with the shows.

SCOTT: I’m responsible for creating and implementing scheduling strategies for our network promos on the 10 Streaming platform. A lot of the work involves balancing business needs with platform algorithms – essentially battling robots! It’s part Jenga, part Tetris: adjusting one element can have an unexpected ripple effect elsewhere. I also work closely with a range of local and international teams to help accommodate different business needs and requests.

What inspired you to join the RAP Working Group?

EMMA: In a previous chapter of my career, I spent five years at SBS which included three years working closely with NITV – Australia’s National Indigenous Television and Media organisation. During that time, I led campaigns for Always Was, Always Will Be programming around January 26, NAIDOC Week, and a range of commissioned series. That experience had a lasting impact on me, and I’m passionate about continuing to learn, listen and contribute in a meaningful way through Paramount Australia’s RAP Working Group.

SCOTT: During the COVID period, my family and I were living on Yuin Country on the Far South Coast of NSW. Around that time, I participated in Paramount Australia’s Cultural Awareness workshops with Paul Sinclair, which opened my eyes to the Country I was living on and to a deeper connection beyond my own experience. Spending time observing and walking on Country, and engaging mindfully with an open heart, led to meaningful personal growth and some truly awe‑inspiring moments. When I returned to the office, I wanted to continue that learning journey and found a natural fit in volunteering with the RAP Working Group.

What do you want to make out of this role, what are your ideas?

EMMA: For me, it’s about connection and listening first. I want to help ensure we’re working respectfully with community, understanding their needs, and identifying where Paramount can genuinely offer support and create positive impact.

SCOTT: I want to continue contributing as an ally, standing side‑by‑side with our Indigenous brothers and sisters. Where there is work to be done, I’ll always be ready to jump in and offer support where I can.

How have your skills been valuable in this?

EMMA: I bring strong communication and project management skills, along with experience as a connector across teams and stakeholders. My time at SBS and NITV also gave me valuable insight into working collaboratively with Indigenous-led organisations and community partners.

SCOTT: In my day‑to‑day role I work with many different departments, each with their own needs, which has made active listening one of my most valuable skills. Within the RAP committee, this has been just as important – helping to create space for voices to be heard and ensuring information is shared respectfully. There’s still much for me to learn, and I’m committed to continuing that learning.

What do we have coming up in your Community Pillar?

EMMA: We’re looking forward to strengthening the way we work with community – particularly during the listening phase – to better understand needs, gaps and opportunities. Previously, the pillar has partnered with organisations like NCIE and sales clients, and there’s real opportunity to build on this work in a thoughtful and meaningful way.

SCOTT: At the moment, we’re focused on building our strategy and identifying the right opportunities and projects to pursue. It’s important that we take considered and respectful steps, and I’m confident that in time this will lead to meaningful outcomes.