AdNews spotlights young talent in the Australian media, marketing and advertising sector. This time it’s our partnerships and client growth manager, Clara Oakley.
Time in current role/time at the company:
1 year and 9 months but 10 months as partnerships and client growth manager.
How long have you been in the industry?
Three years.
How did you get here?
My first corporate experience in Marketing was at Helia, where I joined to assist with their rebrand, including their social media. After a break in my career to travel, I knew I wanted to get back into the world of digital marketing, which is when I found Attention Experts and haven’t looked back since!
Was this always the plan?
My fascination with advertising and the evolving digital landscape has always driven my curiosity and ambition. This passion naturally led me to pursue a Bachelor of Marketing and Media at university, where I quickly realised I’d found my professional calling. From the outset, I was drawn to Account Management, recognising it as the ideal path to harness my strengths: articulate communication, a warm and approachable manner, and a genuine passion for cultivating meaningful client relationships. It was clear to me that this was where I could deliver the most value and make a lasting impact.
Who is your right-hand person/who guides you day to day?
I work closely with Melanie Coint-Bavarot, Partnerships & Client Growth Team Leader at Attention Experts. Melanie has been a significant driver of my growth at AE. As a long-standing member of the team, Melanie truly embodies the core values we champion at AE — transparency, client-centricity, and forward-thinking innovation. We collaborate and motivate each other every day, working closely to improve both our internal workflows and the delivery of ROI to our clients.
What’s the best thing about the industry you work in?
What I love most about working in digital marketing is the ability to drive real growth — for both small and medium-sized businesses and major global brands. It’s incredibly rewarding to help SMEs scale in ways that were once out of reach, while also collaborating with household names to push creative boundaries and deliver high-impact campaigns.
Digital marketing has evolved into the backbone of modern marketing strategies, with everything coming back to data, not just pretty pictures. Whether we’re helping a local business expand its reach or partnering with a big brand to launch something bold, the value and versatility of digital marketing is what keeps me inspired every day.
And the biggest challenge?
The industry is growing and changing very quickly, and with this change comes a lot of misinformation. It is vital to stay ahead and correctly informed. Take hyperlocal strategies, for example — they’re not just trending, they’re transforming the way we connect with audiences.
Thankfully, at Attention Experts, we thrive on change. Whether it’s navigating new platforms or decoding emerging trends, we’re always ready to tackle the next challenge head-on.
Whose job have you set your sights on in the future?
I’m incredibly proud of the journey I’ve had at Attention Experts. Starting in the production team as a Client Success Administrator and growing into my current role, where I now lead key client relationships, drive campaign performance and help shape long-term growth initiatives. That growth has been fueled by a leadership team that’s not only supported me but also helped me harness my strengths and expand my impact.
Looking ahead, my goal is to step into a team leadership role where I can inspire, guide, and elevate the next generation of talent.
Where do you turn for inspiration?
Inspiration is everywhere at Attention Experts. I’m constantly energised by the leadership around me, especially Melanie, Qiuxian Cai, and our Founder and Growth Director, George Hawwa. Their vision and drive set the tone for excellence and innovation across the company.
At the same time, my role gives me a front-row seat to the real-world impact our campaigns have on clients. Seeing businesses thrive because of the work we do is incredibly motivating. It’s what makes each day meaningful and fuels my passion to keep pushing for even greater ROI and growth for the brands we support.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
Despite my evident interest in the digital world, I have always loved the outdoors. Before starting my role here, I spent three months living in a van, hiking through the National Parks of America, and it was truly one of the best experiences of my life.
In five years’ time I’ll be
I see myself staying in a client-facing role, whilst developing a stronger focus on partnerships and a team lead position. My aim is to build a reputation as someone who not only fosters exceptional client relationships but also serves as a trusted advisor for innovative digital strategies and solutions. I want to be known for driving meaningful results, mentoring emerging talent, and helping shape the future of digital marketing from the inside out.
Read the interview on AdNews here: https://www.adnews.com.au/news/young-guns-clara-oakley-at-attention-experts