Beyond the Desk with dentsu X's Katie Calvert
We’re back with another ‘Beyond the Desk by dentsu X’ feature, diving into the people, passions, and talents that make the agency so special. In this interview, we hear from Katie Calvert, associate media director, Local Investment, who shares insights about her career journey and experiences at dentsu X.
In this interview, Katie discusses the evolution of her career since joining the company, and the valuable lessons she has learned along the way. Join us as we explore Katie's insights and experiences at dentsu X.
Q> What does a typical workday look like for you?
Katie> My days can be quite diverse. Some days, I spend the entire day meeting with clients or planning teams. Other days, I may go a week without interacting with them and focus more on working with our buyers and associates on the Local Investment team. Additionally, I collaborate with the larger team on processes and procedures, which involves attending numerous meetings and checking in with our team managers to address any issues. In the midst of all that, I also work on client reporting.
Q> What was your first job, and what was the most important skill or lesson you learned?
Katie> I started my career as an assistant buyer at another agency. The most important skill I learned during that time was taking ownership and responsibility for my work. In the investment field, you are entrusted with managing significant amounts of money for clients. It was a transition from a theoretical college environment to the real world, where I realised the tangible impact of handling millions of dollars. As an assistant, I focused on billing, managing relationships with TV and radio stations, and learning how to handle these responsibilities diligently and without making mistakes.
Q> How has your career evolved since you first joined dentsu X?
Katie> I spent about eight years at Carat before joining dentsu X a couple of years ago. At dentsu X, my role has become more client-facing and I work across multiple accounts. It's a more significant role within our team, which involves overseeing operations, managing teams, and streamlining workflows. I'm also more involved in new business opportunities and local pitches.
Q> What is your favourite aspect of Dentsu X?
Katie> Since joining Dentsu X, I've particularly enjoyed the collaboration across teams. Previously, while managing accounts, I primarily worked with planning teams on cost-related matters. However, at dentsu X, the collaboration extends beyond just the planning teams. I now work closely with other investment teams, gaining insights into what we are doing for clients as a whole. It's fascinating to have meetings that involve discussions about social media, search, and other media aspects that I haven't touched. The collaborative environment is my favourite aspect of dentsu X.
Q> Is there an early working experience or somebody you met that shaped or exposed you to your current career?
Katie> Although it happened about halfway through my career, I consider being let go due to a client loss a significant experience that shaped my career. I started as an assistant buyer at an independent agency, which wasn't initially my career plan, but I ended up loving it. After ten years, being taken out of my comfort zone opened new doors and possibilities. Joining dentsu X allowed me to explore roles beyond buying. I realised I could transition into supervising, managing accounts, and working more closely with clients and planning teams. Despite the initial challenge, the experience turned out to be positive, altering my course.
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