Meet Em, she’s been at MM for over 18 incredible years. As one of the original team members since the creation of the Media Merchants Sydney team, Em has seen it all. We sat down with Em to learn about her experiences and all the changes she’s seen during her 18 years with Media Merchants.
The Beginner: Starting Out at MM
What do you remember about your very first day at MM?
I was one of the first team members to be hired in Sydney in 2007. We were located at 100 Harris Street Pyrmont, in a big brick building filled with warehouse-style offices. On my first day, I remember a few of us working from a small meeting room in our clients’ office, computers huddled around a small round table because we didn’t have our own office yet.
NARTA was our very first client in Sydney and a team of us were hired to service their advertising needs. As more people got hired, we graduated to a larger meeting room. Then eventually, we moved into our own office across the hallway, which gave us our own space to work and play.
What was your first role, and how did it feel stepping into it?
I was hired as a graphic designer. I was excited to join a new team and keen to learn more from people more experienced than me.
How was MM different back then compared to now?
We were only a small team in Sydney. The work we were doing was heavily catalogue and print based, before the digital world took off. Fast-forward to 2025 and Media Merchants is a lot more multi-faceted.
We are now a full-service agency, with media, performance, programmatic, digital, creative and content teams. We’ve grown in size, but also in skill and service.
Your Career Journey at MM
Who have been the most influential colleagues or mentors along the way?
One of my favourite projects was being part of a team that created the National Product Review website. I was responsible for the logo development and creative direction and branding of the website, as well as rolling out the design to a multitude of pages in time for launch.
Another highlight was when MM won an award at the Australian Real Media Catalogue Awards in Melbourne in 2019, for a Betta Home Living Lookbook that I had designed – being recognised in an industry setting was a proud moment for me.
How has your role grown or changed over time?
I have had a few changes in roles over the years. I was a Graphic Designer, then Lead Graphic Designer, then a Junior Art Director, then was a stand-in Studio Manager and then finally an Art Director again.
Just this year, after 17 years at Media Merchants in Sydney, I’ve made the move from Sydney to sunny Queensland and now work as an Art Director from our Brisbane office, and still working across the Sydney client base.
Were there any big challenges you’ve faced, and how did you overcome them?
Like any job, creative work has its structure, routines, and repetition. It’s not always about big ideas and breakthroughs – it’s often about showing up, solving familiar problems in slightly better ways, and refining what works.
To keep motivated on a daily level, I try to approach each brief with a new lens as much as possible. How can I solve a similar problem in a new way? I can give the client exactly what they’ve asked for, but also suggest other ways of looking at it (for them to consider).
People & Culture: Your Experiences
Who have been the most influential colleagues or mentors along the way?
Tony Carrier was a great support in his years at MM. He gave me the opportunity and the confidence to learn the ins and outs of managing the creative studio during my stint as a stand-in Studio Manager. And in a broader sense, the MM management team (Michael, Justine and James) have always been supportive and positive, and I think their outlook does a lot for keeping the team motivated and excited for the future.
What makes working with your team special?
Media Merchants is blessed with really good, talented people, many of whom have also been here a long time. I am grateful to be part of a team where we can learn from each other and support each other both as colleagues and as people.
Do you have a favourite memory or funny story from working with others?
Our Sydney office is a very lively place at times. I remember at one stage, having remote controlled helium sharks swimming around the office while we were working. We also had a much-loved speaker system where everyone would type anonymously on their own computers and the speaker would spit out your words to the entire room. I remember this being a great source of laughs and a stress release during tight deadlines.
Over the Years: MM’s Evolution
What changes have you witnessed at MM over 18 years?
MM has expanded into a full-service agency, offering media, performance, programmatic, digital, creative and content services. We’ve grown – and so has the quality of what we deliver.
How has the industry itself changed during your time here?
Although it can add value, print is no longer dominant and digital has become the default for scale, speed, and measurement. The tools have changed, and the industry has shifted, but MM has had the foresight to keep up with this evolution.
What do you think has stayed the same about MM’s values or culture?
I think MM does a great job of a “people first” approach, focusing on a supportive workplace for the team, as well as having a client-focused commitment to delivering results. This is proven by MM’s track record of high staff tenure and client retainment. The MM team takes pride in the work we create in partnership with our clients.
Your Personal Reflections
What keeps you motivated after 18 years?
After many years in the same company, the challenge is to stay motivated. Role and responsibility changes throughout the years have kept me learning and provided a change in focus. I think if you can keep learning and challenging yourself, both at work and in your personal life, this can make a big difference.
18 years tenure doesn’t mean standing still, it means evolving, adapting, growing through challenges, and learning new things in every season.
What skills or lessons have you learned that you value the most?
Stay kind – you never know what someone else is carrying.
Stay curious – because asking a question is braver than pretending to know.
Do your best – because even on your hard days, it still counts.
What does being part of MM mean to you personally?
MM has seen me through different seasons of life, and I’ve grown alongside it – not just professionally, but personally too. 18 years at the same job is basically a long-term relationship. We’ve had challenges, made great memories and weathered more than a few changes. And through it all, I’ve been lucky to be part of something that’s grown with me.
Looking Ahead
What excites you about the future of MM or the future of your role?
Looking ahead, I’m excited to see how MM continues to evolve in an ever-changing industry landscape, and eager to keep challenging myself and discovering new ways to grow.
Do you have advice for new team members starting their journey here?
Bring your authentic self, diversity of thought and experience which will make the team stronger.
