CB Hot Suit Takes: Marija Ewan, Business Partner, Chemistry New Zealand
CB Hot Suit Takes is our new Q&A series for extremely busy CEOs and senior leaders across the industry ~ covering careers, creativity, challenges and the song that sums it all up. Next in the hot seat is Marija Ewan, Business Director at Chemistry NZ.
1. What made you get into advertising?
I actually started out wanting to be a creative. When I was in my final year of college, we went to an agency and I was inspired by how all these incredible campaigns were made. I was really intrigued watching creatives and designers bring their ideas to life. While I didn’t end up in creative (although sometimes I try, much to the joy of my ECDs), it was the atmosphere and the passion of the people in the agency that I was attracted to.
2. Which piece of work are you most proud of – and why?
Caltex ‘Helping fuel school sports’ sticks out in my mind. Caltex is a proud sponsor of school sport through their partner New Zealand Sport Collective.
In 2023, we worked on their first ATL campaign promoting the partnership. I worked with the amazing Rob Waddell and his team to recruit the schools and the kids who participated in our TVC – and I was so impressed with young people and their passion for sport. We asked them to be on set at 5am and they were all there with smiles on. It was a hyper-local launch across TV, OOH and online, meaning local Caltex stations could show off their support for schools in their neighbourhood.
More recently, I’ve loved helping MTF Finance bring their new brand campaign ‘We see you’ to life. The ads are inspired by real moments of connection between franchisees and their customers, which made it extra special. And working with the endlessly talented Paolo Rotondo from FISH made every day on set fun.
3. What’s the biggest challenge you face in your role right now?
This is something that most parents can relate to – the old kid juggle! I have two kids at primary school and trying to be both a present parent and a valuable colleague is a constant challenge. Having the flexibility to be there for my kids has been pivotal in my career and I truly think it’s made me a better suit. You don’t know multitasking until you have a sick child at home and a calendar of back-to-back meetings!
4. What’s the most recent thing you’ve learned – professionally or personally?
Resilience is the new competitive advantage – stay focused, adapt quickly and stay strong in the face of change. I think this applies both personally and professionally. Personally – the world may feel like it’s falling apart, but staying focussed on the things you can control and the things that are important is all that matters. Professionally – my clients need me to remain solution-focussed and be their safe pair of hands. This is what builds strong relationships and results in great work!
5. What song best sums up your career so far?
Sia, Never give up. Talk about a power anthem! For me, it speaks to never giving up and rising up above challenges over and over.
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