From Precious
July, 2008
Achala Odhavji
Media
Precious: Tell us about your route to the job.
I started out as a junior designer about 10 years ago! Fresh out of college, I attended the interview with a bursting portfolio full of ideas. I was so taken by what Media Reach did – where else could I get to do creative ideation and have my background and culture and identity make a difference and direct contribution to work. I was offered the job and have stayed here ever since.
Media Reach is the most amazing place for a graduate to start with. You get opportunities to experience work across a range of disciplines – tv, radio, press and more. I was like a kid in a toy shop and excited every day. I still am! As time went, on the agency attracted more talent and I began my career journey moving through to being an art director, then onto senior art director and studio manager. At this time I took some time out to have my son and returned to work part time. Then came the golden opportunity and biggest acknowledgement I could have received when the directors of the agency asked me to take over the management of the agency. This was a rollercoaster of role as I need to learn more management skills from familiarising myself in how to work towards having healthy finance as well as motivation of a 14 strong team. The team has been absolutely amazing they are young energetic and very passionate. Collectively we really call on each other to be the best you can be. With that and the constant guidance of the other directors I thrived and am amazed at the achievement over the last 2 years. As my son started junior school I really wanted to spend more time with him moving onto a more part time role – still active and focusing on generation of new business. Having a great team and the support of the founders has enabled me to have a great balance between work and home. Sometimes it can be challenging and you can feel torn – however the ‘family’ care that the agency extends has made a huge difference.
Precious: Describe a typical working day.
Having dropped Aditya to Nursery I head to the agency for 9.30. The first thing is to meet with the new business team and get an update on what we are all up to: the leads that we are following and the ones we are looking to approach. My time is split in 2.5hr focused slots – following new lead calls/referrals etc and the second half on proposals etc. Around 2.30, I prepare to leave to collect my son and hand over to my colleague in the new business team. Leaving happy and with a smile from a sense of achievement is very important to ensure we are motivated at all times, especially with just 5 hours a day at work!
Precious: What do you most love about your job?
The work and people! The work where our understanding an experience of different cultures and creating strategies and creative to reach them is just indulgent for me! The people: because with the directors they not only mentor you, but they are also just an amazing support – the team – well, you know when you were at University and were with friends doing work well? That’s what’s it like. Even when we have to pull in the late nights the sense of ‘team’ gets us to give unconditionally. I am just lucky and blessed to have the opportunity to work with the agency and the entire team,
Precious: Is there anything you really dislike about it?
Sometimes it is frustrating when briefs can be quite restrictive and creative license is limited due to the need to ‘play safe’, which is understandable but not fun! Report writing is a pet hate too; but helps keep a record, so is very much needed. Oh and the need to work indoors for sake of broadband access, when it is gorgeously sunny outside on the balcony or the lawn!
Precious: What's been the most exciting event of your career so far?
Wow so many. As a creative at heart, seeing the clients really get excited about the ideas and then also seeing them on television or in print! Being asked to manage the agency was definitely very much a high for me!
Precious: How do you see your career progressing over the next five years?
We are looking to continually develop the team and have them come up the levels just as I got the opportunity to do so – with this I would join the directors in a more consultancy and mentoring role. I also would like to assist MRA in the expansion of its services and lead a particular strand of it.
Precious: What do you do to relax?
Play with my son Aditya – I also love Alfresco dining and chilling with my husband and family. Good friends + Good food = makes good fun for me – the perfect combination that is guaranteed to have me relaxed!
Precious: What words of wisdom can you share with other women looking to get into your industry?
Ask and it’s given – this is what I believe – ask for an opportunity – don’t fear or question it you will be surprised at how many opportunities come up. Also, if you are starting out, be enthusiastic even with the simplest of opportunities – your attitude and who you are being in any situation will open up doors and opportunities for you.
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