Zoe Goodhardt
Current Role:
Client Relationship Manager, TAG Direct
Tell us a little about you, and your work? Why a career in media and communications?
I work at a Marketing agency, TAG Direct, full time, and when I'm not schmoozing with clients (show me a client, and I'll show you banter), I am (trying) to parent our three children.
I chose media and communications at university because I thought all I would need to do was talk all day. Little did I know, I spend half of my day writing marketing strategies and liaising with my team via Slack.
What does a day in the life of Zoe Goodhardt, Client Relationship Manager look like?
At the moment, I spend four hours a day with various clients on Zoom; and, the other half is spent scrolling through Instagram, Facebook and TikTok, as I plan content for our various clients, speak with our team and come up with silly memes for our clients.
Looking back, what professional advice do you wish you could give to 18-year-old you?
I am lucky to have two much older brothers who both told me that school and university are not the panacea.
I was encouraged to take each day (and each opportunity) as they present themselves – so, I'm not sure I would tell myself anything different.
What is it that you wish people knew about your field? Is there a myth that needs bursting?
I work in digital marketing, so people always assume I'm good with IT.
I am not.
Do you see your Jewishness expressed in what you do?
Some of our clients are Jewish not-for-profits, so that allows me to feel connected with my Jewish identity daily.
What does career success look like to you, and has the shape of that changed as you’ve progressed in your career?
Career success means enjoying your work every day. Nikki Gemmel wrote in The Australian Magazine, "Happiness in your profession informs every other aspect of your life". This statement really rings true for me. If I didn't enjoy my work, I wouldn't be a good role model for my children, who at the moment because of working from home life, get to observe me working every day.
Against the competing demands of family and work, how do you attempt to stay sane and motivated? Is balance achievable?
Every day I run around Caulfield Park which helps me stay sane and motivated.
With regards to balance, I think you can achieve it sometimes, depending on your workflow. If you can look at your week, month or year, and find time to be a good colleague, parent, family member, friend and make time for yourself and the community, then you're on a winning ticket – but you can't do everything in one day.
I look at the whole picture, and hopefully, I achieve that balance.