Jordan Smith
Group Business Director at PHD
Jordan has almost 20 years' experience in media agencies, crafting clients' audience-led media strategies, and is now a core member of PHD's leadership team. She has worked across a variety of client categories, with particular expertise in the Financial Services sector, joining PHD as Group Business Director to lead the ANZ Bank account in 2017.
She is drawn to roles that have a strong people focus, with an enthusiasm for developing emerging talent within the agency to unlock their full potential, as well as building meaningful relationships with clients and key partners. Outside of work, Jordan's passions are for Eurovision, craft beer, F1 and she's a long-suffering St Kilda supporter.
Career & Background
What inspired you to do what you are doing now?
I’ve always been interested roles that involve building relationships and nurturing talent, a focus on the people more than the technical – although you need a healthy dose of that too. My current role leading the media agency team for ANZ Bank is complex and involves a huge amount of stakeholders across ANZ, PHD, our partner agencies and media owners. I enjoy the consistent challenges and need to adapt that this role throws at me – there is genuinely never a dull day.
Could you tell us a bit about your professional background and where you are headed in your career right now?
I have worked in media agencies for almost 20 years, across several of the major holding groups and a wide variety of clients and industries. I started out in junior agency roles focused on campaign planning and implementation, before taking on more client and team leading roles in the past decade. As for where things are headed now and next… I’m working on that.
Your favourite food for thought
Books
- ‘The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F$%^’. I found it genuinely useful in framing what was important to me.
- Not a book, but The Conversation is a good source more in-depth reporting on issues. Thinking about the wider world outside of your career can help add a bit of perspective.
Podcasts / Thought Leaders
- ‘You’re Wrong About’ – good podcast to learn more about a wide range of topics.
- ‘Grammar Girl’ – great tips to communicate more effectively, and it also happens to appeal to the pedant in me.
- ’60 Songs That Explain the 90s’ – highly entertaining look at the recent history of music.
What drives and inspires you
What are your core values?
- Authenticity
- Humour
- Trust
Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
I have the privilege of working alongside three of the strongest, smartest, most empathetic and funny people in media as my fellow Group Business Directors at PHD. They are all extraordinary women and a constant source of support and good advice.
You as a Mentor
Why have you decided to become a mentor?
I would have loved access to a program like this earlier in my career, as I spent a lot of time second-guessing myself and my skills. This feels like a great opportunity to share whatever wisdom I’ve picked up along the way, and hopefully be a helpful sounding board to the next generation of talent coming through.
What are the top 5 skills or qualities you bring to mentoring?
- Collaborative
- Direct
- Great listener
- Open
- Respectful
Ready to apply?
The best time is right now. Take a chance – you never know where an Assisterhood mentor can take you.