Employee Spotlight: Izzie Johnson

Where May has disappeared to, I don’t quite know… but I do know that we love shining a spotlight on our amazing team members here at Publisher Collective. 

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This month I’m chatting with Izzie Johnson, our Head of Delivery. 

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Let’s go…👇

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Give me an overview of a typical day for you within the Delivery team…

Each day is different, I always start the day with a team huddle and ensuring the Delivery team don’t have any issues to raise, otherwise it's dealing with internal projects, improving the team's efficiencies and supporting the Delivery and Direct sales team with any solutions they may need.

Do you have a favourite part of your role here?

Hmmm I enjoy a lot of what I do and the people I work with! Managing the Delivery team (I may be biased but they are a great team to manage), providing support whether it's for our Direct sales team or the Delivery team and working on different projects with different teams. 

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Thinking about your career overall, how has it evolved? 

I started off as a Junior Ad Ops Exec at Future (8 years ago!). When I first started I was asked where I will be in 5 years and I answered managing a team and I did exactly that, so managing the delivery team has always been one of my goals. I have some others I need to hit, so come back to me in 2 years time and I will let you know if I managed to hit them!

When thinking about inspiration, what’s getting you revved up? 

My colleagues, friends and family. I ensure I surround myself with people who inspire me on a daily basis. Who you surround yourself with is key to your own success!

Do you have a skill, habit or mantra that you think is essential when you’re a leader?

Good listening skills, open communication (every opinion matters) and building trust. 

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Thinking back to 8 years ago when you were at Future and starting out, what’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone in that same position? 

Allow yourself to make mistakes especially early on, it’s the quickest way you learn, ask questions (this is your time too!) and enjoy the process.

Oh and buy yourself a lot of notepads, you will fill them all with everything you have to learn. 

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When thinking about Delivery, what’s the most challenging part of managing live campaigns, and how do you handle it?

I don’t manage campaigns directly but my team does and I deal with any issues / challenges they may have. 

I would say the main challenge is coming up with solutions that work for everyone (Direct sales and Delivery) however I always get everyone's opinion as I feel all opinions are necessary to resolve any issues as someone may come up with a better solution than me! 

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As a leader, how do you best support and develop the people on your team?

I would like to think my team feels I do both by listening, providing solutions when needed, and being a voice for them when and if they feel they are not heard. 

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Are there any personal accomplishments that you’re most proud of? 

Overcoming imposter syndrome! This used to be a huge challenge of mine with being a young person in meetings with people who have had experience in the industry the length that I have been alive but I can confidently say I no longer struggle with this.

Finally, what do you do to relax outside of work? What’s taking up your chill time? 

I love going to the gym, socialising with friends and family.

Thanks to Izzie for sharing her career journey, her leadership skills and experiences that have shaped who she is today! I’ll check in with her in a few years to see how she’s getting on with those career goals… (no doubt she’ll smash them!!)

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