Hannah Elsbury (2014): From Santa Maria to Global Brand Media Manager
Hannah Elsbury (Class of 2014) has embarked on an extraordinary journey since her high school days. With a thirst for knowledge and a passion for marketing and communications, Hannah’s path has taken her around the world, and today, she serves as a Brand Media Manager for a tech unicorn, Employment Hero. Let’s delve into her remarkable journey and the role that defines her present career.
Post-Santa Maria Pursuits
After graduating from Santa Maria, Hannah enrolled at the University of Western Australia. There, she pursued a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Marketing and Communications. Her thirst for knowledge and global perspectives led her on an incredible adventure. She first ventured to Singapore, immersing herself in the world of live television production and scriptwriting. Then, she headed to London to gain expertise in marketing strategies tailored to global businesses.
Hannah’s commitment to learning didn’t stop there. Following her undergraduate studies, she dedicated a year to researching psychological contract theory and conducting interviews with business leaders across Australia. This research formed the foundation of her Honours Thesis in Marketing and Management, showcasing her dedication to scholarly pursuits.
Navigating the Career World
Hannah’s journey into the professional world began with two enticing job offers: one in marketing research in Perth and the other in the media industry in Sydney. Faced with a pivotal decision, she chose to embrace the challenge and embarked on her career in Sydney’s bustling media landscape.
It was in the media industry that Hannah truly found her calling. She was drawn to the rapid pace of change and the intricate interplay between consumer behaviour and investment decisions. Over the years, she has worked with a range of prestigious clients, including Facebook, Spotify, Foxtel, Volvo, Dyson, and Tourism New Zealand.
Her career trajectory continued to evolve, leading her into a strategic partnerships position at realestate.com. Most recently, she transitioned into a client-side role as a Brand Media Manager at Employment Hero. This fully remote role allowed her to return to her roots in Perth allowing her to spend quality time with her family, including her grandparents.
The Role of a Brand Media Manager
As a Brand Media Manager, Hannah’s responsibilities are multifaceted. She oversees the development and execution of media strategies on a global scale. This involves creating and managing advertising campaigns, optimising media budgets, and ensuring consistent and effective brand representation across various channels. Hannah works closely with cross-functional teams to drive brand awareness, engagement, and, ultimately, business growth.
A Day in the Life
A typical workday for Hannah entails a mix of strategic planning, data analysis, and collaboration. She begins by assessing campaign performance metrics and market trends to inform her decisions. Meetings with her team are essential for project updates, priority setting, and problem-solving. A substantial part of her day is devoted to liaising with external partners, agencies, and vendors to ensure the brand’s message reaches the right audience. Hannah also sets aside time for brainstorming sessions and creative discussions to keep media strategies fresh and innovative.
Passion and Challenges
What Hannah loves most about her job is its dynamic nature. Each day brings fresh challenges and opportunities, which she relishes. Being part of a global team enables her to gain insights from diverse perspectives. Witnessing the impact of media campaigns on brand success is deeply rewarding.
However, she acknowledges that staying ahead of the swiftly changing media landscape is a perpetual challenge. Adapting strategies to evolving technology and consumer behaviour is an ongoing endeavour. Striking a balance between data-driven decision-making and the creative aspects of branding is another challenge she embraces with enthusiasm.
Memories from Santa Maria
Reflecting on her time at Santa Maria, Hannah’s favourite memory is the Year 10 trip to Canberra. Exploring a new city rich in history and learning to ski with friends made for unforgettable experiences. She humorously recalls a mishap during the trip when she tried to warm her socks in a microwave, offering a valuable lesson about microwave usage.
Influential Figures
One person who profoundly impacted Hannah during her time at Santa Maria was her Politics & Law teacher, Mr King. His passion for the subject and mentorship played a pivotal role in shaping her values and work ethic. Mr King instilled in her a love for politics that she continues to nurture outside of her career.
Key Career Lessons
Hannah has learned the importance of building strong relationships through her professional journey. Both personal and professional connections are foundational to her success and fulfilment. She emphasises that nurturing trust-based relationships with colleagues, clients, and mentors facilitates effective collaboration and fosters a positive work environment where innovation thrives. Maintaining personal relationships outside of work also provides balance and emotional support, enhancing overall wellbeing. These lessons have taught her that success is not solely about individual achievements but also about the meaningful connections forged along the way.
Downtime Pursuits
Hannah is currently training for a marathon, a pursuit that occupies a significant portion of her time. Her love for travel has taken her to nearly 40 countries, facilitated by her remote job, allowing her to work in diverse cities around the world.
Inspirations and Role Models
Hannah draws her deepest inspiration from her grandmother, a woman distinguished by her remarkable wisdom and impressive achievements. Their shared birthday and mutual passion for literature create a unique bond. Hannah’s Nanna’s resolute choice to return to university in her 50s and not only excel but truly shine in her academic pursuits serves as a powerful testament to her unwavering determination. Hannah is profoundly moved by her Nanna’s steadfast devotion to family, nurturing friendships, and active involvement in the community. She considers herself fortunate to have her Nanna as both a trusted confidant and a next-door neighbour.
Hannah’s journey from Santa Maria to Brand Media Manager is a testament to her dedication, adaptability, and passion for learning. Her career is a reflection of her resilience in the face of challenges and her commitment to building meaningful relationships both personally and professionally. As she continues to thrive in the dynamic world of media, Hannah’s story inspires us all.
- Featured
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
From the President – March 2025
Another month, another update! Read about the fantastic alumni reunion, the delicious catering, and upcoming events, including the Biennial General Meeting (BGM) on 17 March. Plus, a warm welcome to the Class of 1975, the new Golden Girls. Stay connected with the alumni network!
2025 OGA Movie Night!
The 2025 OGA Movie at Palace Cinemas watching Bridget Jones Mad About The Boy. Our charity partner for this event is Zonta House Refuge Association a not-for-profit organisation that provides support and accomodatino services to women experiencing family and domestic violence.
Your Invitation to the Old Girls’ Association BGM
You’re invited to join us for the BGM of the Santa Maria College Old Girls’ Association. This meeting is a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow alumni, hear about the Association’s recent achievements, and share ideas for future events and initiatives.
