Gaelle has two years of proven experience in media planning and media reporting. She is currently handling key accounts such as Kering Group and BSH Group within the MENA region. She is skilled at developing comprehensive marketing strategies and media plans involving digital and traditional media to achieve business goals. In fact, a big part of her job is to ensure that the marketing tactics deployed will help her clients find the subject and medium that best fit their unique identity.
Why did you choose this career path?
Having completed my bachelor’s degree in marketing, I always fancied working in the media field. Being able to plan marketing campaigns for global brands and assisting in the execution of these campaigns is something that I had my heart set on since my high school days.
How did you land this job?
Dentsu is a reflection of my personality and ambitions. I didn’t second-guess my decision when my current director, Diala Hamad, reached out to me on LinkedIn to apply to this position. During the interview process, I saw glances at the culture at Dentsu, and I knew that this was the right move for my career.
How do you compare your work life vs what you imagined it would be?
I can’t imagine my life without my current role [in it]. The tasks and the workload became part of my routine, which I enjoy. As the media industry is evolving, I learn something new every day, and this is exciting and challenging for me.
What do you wish you had been told before you started working?
“You’re busy doubting yourself while others are intimidated by your full potential.” I wish I had been told this piece of advice before joining the work life, to boost my confidence back then as I used to always fear failure and doubt my abilities.
What is the best thing someone could tell you about your work?
Any positive feedback lifts me up and motivates me at work, from the approval of the strategies and media plans by the clients to the appreciative feedback provided by my director that boosts my motivation, my personal development, and my productivity.
What is the worst thing someone could tell you about your work? Negative feedback should be presented in a constructive manner to focus on the results that need improvement; it should be balanced with positive feedback to show that it’s focused on the future and not based on past mistakes. Therefore, I always appreciate negative comments as they help me improve myself.
What’s the most valuable lesson you have learned at work so far?
One of the most valuable lessons I learned so far is that no matter how challenging the situation is, a combination of hard work and good communication is key to overcoming any obstacle and submitting an outstanding deliverable.
Who’s your role model?
Without any doubt, my dad is my greatest influence. He has always shown me that success comes from hard work. He inspires me and teaches me to always believe in myself, and he has always supported me in the decisions I make.
If not this, what would you be doing?
If it was not for this role, I would probably see myself as part of the marketing department of one of the luxury and high-end fashion brands. The world of luxury and fashion is an incredibly competitive place; with trends rotating and fading in and out, the industry is ever-changing and stimulating.
What do you see yourself doing in 10 years?
In 10 years, I see myself as part of the Dentsu management hierarchy, where I am contributing to creating more success stories for this lovely organization.
The 30 Under 30 ranking was first published in Communicate's Q1 2023 print issue.