Samantha McLean is a sales and marketing professional, editor and writer, with 15 years experience. She is the Managing Editor of Sold Magazine, a publication for Real Estate professionals.
What do you love about the media?
Our purpose is to educate our readers and help them do their jobs better. So it’s quite humbling in a way that working in the media you can really make a difference to people’s lives and their careers.
What was your first job?
My first job was at the age of 14, in a takeaway food shop, a family business. To this day, I still make a mean hamburger!
How did you start you career?
My career has taken several ‘twists and turns’ to get where I am today, I started my career as an Audit Trainee with Ernst and Young (a long time ago!!). I’m from the Central Coast and I really wanted to get to the ‘big smoke’, go to university, and make my own way in the world. So I found a job that gave me those things. It didn’t last long though, somebody should have told me that you need to choose something that you love as a career much earlier. Thankfully, I love what I do now.
Who has influenced your career and why?
I’ve had some pretty interesting managers and mentors in my time. Early in the piece I had a job as a computer operator with different chartered accounting firm. It was at the time that personal computers were just starting to become affordable (and necessary!). I was amazed at what you could do with a computer, and always found them easy to understand. The then technology manager resigned, leaving a gap wide open within the firm. The big boss decided to entrust me in the role. Looking back, I probably didn’t have the maturity or the experience, but I guess I made up for it with enthusiasm and willingness to learn. I thought it was a stretch at the time, was unsure if I could do the job. He made me believe I could do anything – when someone has faith in you it’s a pretty powerful driver to have faith in yourself.
Who inspires you in the Media?
Ita Buttrose has always been my hero. Sometimes in my Editor’s role, when I am faced with tough decisions or situations, I sometimes think to myself “What would Ita do?” And then it usually becomes pretty easy!
What are three tools you couldn’t do your job without and why?
My iPhone to record interviews. (I don’t use pen and paper much these days!) My iPad to answer emails on the run (as well as looking at proofs). And a spare charger of course!
What is your Media/Marketing Pet Peeve?
Plagiarism, without a doubt. Mostly our magazine is made up of contributions from industry experts. I’m not sure if people realise the first thing I do is check for originality, and then they get really upset when I let them know that we can’t publish what they have written. It’s really disappointing (and kind of awkward) for me as well.
What is the media moment that you are most proud of?
I’m proud every time a printed edition of our magazine comes out. There is something about the smell of a freshly pressed magazine.
Is there anyone you would like to say thank you to?
My Dad. I think he toughened me up sufficiently when I was younger and I think sometimes, that is also where my sense of humour comes from!
How can people find you?
My blog, www.samanthamclean.com.
