Meet The Team: Lara Bailey, Account Executive.

Let us introduce you to our fabulous Sydney Account Executive, Lara Bailey.

Lara started her media career by joining the Val Morgan Graduate Program shortly after she graduated from the University of Newcastle in 2023. Her drive and passion quickly led to her landing a full-time position as Sales Coordinator for VMO before recently being promoted to Account Executive.

When she’s not working away, you can find Lara enjoying a beach day, indulging in delicious Italian food or visiting loved ones back in Newcastle.

Curious to learn more about? Read on.

You had a unique start to VMO through the grad program; tell us a little bit about it.

I started with the Val Morgan Graduate Program in February 2023 and really fell in love with VMO. The best thing about the program is that I was trained by a diverse group of people and was able to gain knowledge about Val Morgan Cinema, Val Morgan Outdoor and Val Morgan Digital. In June 2023 I was promoted to Sales Coordinator and felt very fortunate to be a part of such a supportive and motivated team. Throughout my time I have learnt valuable skills from each of my reps which has absolutely shaped me into the salesperson I am today and aided with my development within the business. In June 2024 I was promoted to Account Executive on a patch with my own clients. I really value the relationships that I’ve made and enjoy everything that my role entails which makes it easy to remain focused and motivated.

What’s your favourite campaign you’ve worked on so far in your career?

I’ve been a part of so many different campaigns throughout my career that all stand out for different reasons. During my time as a Sales Coordinator a campaign that really stood out to me was for a charity called ‘You Can Sit With Me’. When the campaign ended, it was so rewarding to speak to the founder and hear about the impact we had on raising awareness for the charity and the positive change that followed. As a rep on my own patch, I’ve really enjoyed working across all my clients’ campaigns - I simply can’t choose a favourite.

What’s one thing you’re currently trying to learn or improve on, personally or professionally?

Professionally I’m currently trying to overcome my imposter syndrome. In retrospect, this has come from how fast my journey has been and how fortunate I have been to have so many opportunities come my way early on in my career. I am making sure I embrace where I’m at in my career by remaining focused on learning and upskilling so I can become the best version of myself as a sales rep.

If you could host a dream dinner party, which three famous people (alive or not) would you invite and why?

Firstly, I’d choose to host a relative of mine from centuries ago so I can pick their brain on what that period was like (surely I have a famous relative at some point in history…) Secondly, I’d love to host Cleopatra because I feel she would be very entertaining and would give me the inside scoop on her famous romances. Finally, I’d invite Kris Jenner because how could I not.

Tell us one work tip or hack you swear by that makes your day smoother?

A hack I swear by is categorising your emails with little tags to keep track of things such as non-urgent tasks, emails you’re waiting on, and items to follow up on, just to name a few.

Any hidden talents?

Unfortunately I have no hidden talent that I’m aware of, however I’d love to be able to speak numerous different languages.

The best book or podcast you’ve consumed recently and why?

I’m too indecisive to pick the best book I’ve read recently so I’d have to say a few of my favourites have been, the Fourth Wing, Circe and Normal People. I never thought Fantasy would be my genre of choice but it’s right up my alley and both the Fourth Wing and Circe were exciting reads. Normal People is also a fantastic book which speaks volumes to the fact that it ended up being apdated for TV.

Share one piece of advice you’d give to your younger self starting out in your career.

I’d tell myself not to be too worried about making mistakes. When starting out in your career, mistakes are inevitable, and you learn a lot from making them. Instead, direct that time spent worrying into speaking up if you need extra clarification, support or guidance.

What would you do differently, if you were given the chance?

I’m a strong believer that everything happens for a reason and what is meant to be will be so I personally wouldn’t do anything differently.