Di Terlizzi: I live in Randpark Ridge, work in Sandton and play within a reasonable distance, so that my Uber fares are not too crazy. This varies from Fourways to the JHB CBD.
Di Terlizzi: I have been with FCB Joburg for almost 13 years and have worked my way up from an intern, fresh out of varsity, to an executive business director and a member of the Joburg EXCO team.
Di Terlizzi: Looking back on my career, it seems like a whirlwind since the day I wrote my last exam at RAU. I was lucky enough to be granted an internship at FCB during my honours year, even more lucky to be asked to join them as an AE the following January and, as a petrol head, EVEN MORE lucky to be asked to work on the Toyota business. Who could say "no" to working on a market leading brand, for one of the oldest and most world-renowned agency groups, having just stepped out of varsity?
After just over 12 years on the Toyota business, I have now taken over the FMCG portfolio of clients at FCB Joburg, which includes Wimpy, Debonairs Pizza, PPC, KOO, Ingrams, Bonitas and Netflorist, to name a few.
Di Terlizzi:
Di Terlizzi: Our ability to manifest change. The modern industry has the power to truly change people's lives and perceptions. This is evident in the world's marketing trends and at all the major award shows.
Di Terlizzi: No such thing as an average workday, but here goes:
Di Terlizzi: Same as most others: my Mac, my iPhone and a good Wi-Fi connection.
Di Terlizzi: FCB South Africa, of course! Our focus on new business and our creative drive over the last few years has really paid off. Our client list and awards cabinet are testament to this. I'm also enjoying seeing the smaller, through-the-line, media-agnostic agencies thriving.
Di Terlizzi: I am currently settling into my new portfolio and have some exciting projects coming up on PPC, Famous Brands and Tiger Brands. I'm enjoying delving into the world of retail and FMCG, and learning a lot while I do so.
Di Terlizzi: When talking about deadlines and people say "soonest" - you are not going to get it any sooner than the soonest it is ready.
I also think we use the word "integration" too much and too loosely. We should be more concerned about nurturing an idea instead of about where it stemmed from.
Di Terlizzi: Normally in just sitting with my team mates and discussing things informally - sometimes process and the rules make things too complicated. Shooting the breeze with others has yielded some of the best ideas. Being stuck in traffic is also a good place for me.
Di Terlizzi: I can correctly predict the best time to leave an industry party without having the world's worst hangover and with nobody seeing me. And I can down a drink very fast...
Di Terlizzi: I've been lucky enough to work closely with the talented folks in our digital agency Hellocomputer, so I would say the last couple of years have started to turn me from a technophobe (outside of my iPad, Mac and iPhone of course) into someone who is really enjoying the exposure to what technology can really do for our clients and their brands.
Di Terlizzi: Internet memes, photos of my kids and a killer playlist that I could easily DJ with at the Doors Nightclub!
Show up and give a damn. There is a long queue of people trying to get a foot into the door of our industry, so if you have been lucky enough to find yourself behind a desk in an agency, show people you want to be there. Learn everything there is to know about your role, learn what is expected of others in their roles and, most importantly, learn everything there is to know about the product you are working on.
You can read more about FCB Africa by visiting their press office or interact with Di Terlizzi through the following social media accounts:
*Interviewed by Leigh Andrews.
