Today’s Notable Young Professional is advertising pro Caitlin Bryant, who’s made it a priority to incorporate a high degree of Corporate Social Responsibility into her work and career philosophy. We caught up with her to find out what advice she has for other young professionals and where she likes to wine and dine in Toronto…
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WORK
Describe what you do in less than 140 characters. Go.
I bring ideas, events and campaigns to life through various digital platforms.
What was the inspiration for your career route?
I am easily and heavily influenced by advertising of any kind – print, TV, online, anything! I became fixated on how advertising influences the consumer so I knew I had to be a part of the process. I love bringing ideas to life and selling a product. With so many different ways to reach the consumer today, the possibilities are endless.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years, 10 years, 20 years?
Great question… I barely have a plan for next week!
Within the next five years I see my career continuing to develop into the area of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). It’s a growing area for many companies and I would love to be a part of a team that is conscious of its impact. Looking even further ahead, within 10 years I would like to be managing a team that grows the impact of its CSR division.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Start building your personal brand early and always be aware of it. Consider how you present yourself, your online profiles, how you treat others and what activities you are involved in – this is your brand and it is incredibly important.
Also, ASK! You won’t get what you don’t ask for and only you are responsible for your career.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is it (or they) important to you?
There are so many amazing organizations and causes that need support, but the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides as well as the Humane Society are very close to my heart. I wish I could adopt every animal that needs a home!
What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
Learning not to take things personally. I am still growing as a young professional and constructive criticism is a part of that process, so it’s important to understand how to apply the lessons and let go of the rest. It’s not always easy when you are really passionate about your work but it gets easier each time, especially when you have supportive team members.
What does the word notable mean to you?
Standing out from your peers in a positive way.
PLAY
Where is your favourite place to wine/ dine in your city and why?
I am a huge sports fan, so during hockey and basketball season I’m usually at Real Sports. But for a nice dinner in a great atmosphere, I absolutely love The Gabardine.
What’s the most visited website on your Internet browser? The most played song on your phone?
Most visited site would be Vice.com.
Most played song would be Black Tambourine by Beck.
Who’s one person you think everyone should be following on social media?
Easy: Norm Kelly! His tweets are simple, topical and hilarious.
4. What’s your favourite country to visit and why? And what’s the next one you plan on travelling to?
My friend and I travelled through Africa after graduating from university. We met a lot of amazing people and had some memorable experiences, but South Africa was my favourite. Not only is it politically and historically significant, it is very diverse. The food, wine, and surf are simply incredible. South Africa will always be special to me.
Next on my list would be either snowboarding in Japan or sailing in Croatia.
What gives you the greatest FOMO?
I don’t really understand the notion of FOMO. I think everyone should be happy wherever they are, doing whatever they are doing. It doesn’t make sense to worry about what others are doing – seems like a waste of energy.
What’s your guiltiest pleasure?
A nice bottle of CabSauv and Netflix! Master of None was my last Netflix marathon.
What’s something you wish you didn’t spend so much money on? What’s something you wish you spent more on?
I wish I didn’t spend so much money on rent but I live very close to work so the commute is short.
I wish I would spend more money on travelling – there are so many places to see, cultures to experience, and stories to hear.
And finally, what does success look like to you? Work, play, or otherwise…
Success to me is achieving your goals – no matter how big or small. While working to succeed, learn the lessons within the setbacks and focus on being better than you were the day before.
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