What's your job about?
First of all, tell us in one sentence: What's your employer doing and what are your areas of responsibility? Bridgestone sells tyre and automotive maintenance/repair solutions for consumers and businesses. My role is to develop and manage the strategy to acquire and retain customers.
My role is varied. I’ll be heavily involved pricing analysis and demand trend analysis; the next minute I’ll be reviewing TV scripts, videos for YouTube, or new content we plan to launch in a social media campaign. I could be reviewing potential voice talent for a new radio campaign or conceptualising how we need to improve our customer experience in-store and through all our touchpoints online. We listen a lot to what our customers have to say and act accordingly. Budget management is also a large and important part of my role.
What's your background?
I grew up in Taupo, New Zealand, by far I feel the most important stage of my life was starting as a graduate in marketing. I felt I learnt more on-the-job than I had ever learnt at university. I applied as a graduate and got an entry-level marketing role. I’ve been doing this for 16 years and loving it.
Could someone with a different background do your job?
Absolutely, yes. I’ve worked with all sort of colleagues with different life backgrounds, and everyone brings something unique with their own skillset, and therefore they have their own value to add.
Let us also know which kind of characteristics or other skills one should have when it comes to your job! A role like this can have a lot going on, so a great work ethic is ideal, and a real drive to succeed ‘win’ and go that extra mile to achieve excellence. Interpersonal skills really helps, as you work a lot with agencies and other key vendors, as well as a lot of internal stakeholders (everyone from finance, sales, IT, legal people etc).
What's the coolest thing about your job?
I love working with data, and proving whether an idea works or not in marthe ket. Data doesn’t lie, and it’s satisfying to finally see an idea come to fruition after lots of hard work and then clearly demonstrate it’s success! I also love the sense of camaraderie that comes with working on key projects as part of a wider team. Working for this company in particular brings opportunities to collaborate frequently with people in different countries and get to know other markets that are different to your own, whilst understanding their best ideas and how they overcome challenges.
"My job is so diverse. Every day something new is happening!", "Every day is different." Be specific! While your team might be super cool, as well as your company car or canteen, please do focus on those points mentioned under point 1).
What are the limitations of your job?
There are a lot of things going on at once, so you have to be super-organised. It’s something that I found took a lot of trial and adjusting over the years, but you get there. If you don’t like multi-tasking and juggling priorities, then this type of role would not be for you.
“There is no limitation", doesn't count as an answer.
3 pieces of advice for yourself when you were a student...
Go back in time and meet yourself at university... What would you advise him or her?