Jessamy Ross
Senior Copywriter at VMLY&R & QLD AWARD SCHOOL Head
Jessamy is a Senior Copywriter at VMLY&R. Over the past 10 years, she's earned her creative stripes working on campaigns big and small for some of Australia's most interesting clients (and others she's had to work to make interesting along the way). As a past Award School winner (2014) big, bold ideas get her out of bed in the morning. But, as a Masters-degree-qualified nerd, she also thrives on finding her way out of a strategic quagmire or behaviour change puzzle. Outside of advertising, her writing has been published in The Age, Sydney Morning Herald and Wellbeing Magazine.
Career & Background
What inspired you to do what you are doing now?
I’ve always had an unconventional way of doing things. I came back with ideas teachers didn’t expect. “Oh..” they’d say, half impressed, half perplexed “that’s CREATIVE”.
And now CREATIVE is my job description.
Where you are headed in your career right now?
I’m a Senior Copywriter at VMLY&R.
I’m head of AWARD school in QLD.
I’m obsessed with psychology – the way people think, and the way people all think DIFFERENTLY.
Once upon a time, I was Assistant Cruise Director on the Ruby Princess.
Your favourite food for thought
Books
IdeaFlow – Jeremy Utley & Perry Klehbahn
How Minds Change – David McRaney
How to keep house while Drowning – KC Davis
Podcasts / Thought Leaders
You’re Wrong About
Decoder Ring
What drives and inspires you
What are your core values?
- Diversity
- Kindness
- Making a difference
Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
I’ve never been inspired by people. Never been the ‘super-fan’ type.
I’m inspired by ideas and actions.
So, sorry Linh and Polina, I’m not inspired by YOU.
But what you’ve CREATED and DONE with the assisterhood program knocks my cotton socks off, year after year 😉
You as a Mentor
Why have you decided to become a mentor?
I just love to help people. So, bring me a specific goal, problem or idea you’re working on, and let’s work towards it together.
What are the top 5 skills or qualities you bring to mentoring?
- Compassionate
- Confident
- Non-judgemental
- Optimistic
- Passionate
Ready to be a part of Assisterhood as a Mentee?
We are now up and running in QLD and VIC – and we’re only just getting started! Let’s shoot for the stars – together!