From us to you: Advice on how to thrive in digital publishing
Published: 17 Mar 2025
We all have moments we’d revisit with the benefit of hindsight. Advice that we wish we could give to our younger selves. Those experiences shape us, warts and all – but the next generation doesn’t have to repeat those mistakes.
We asked our AOP Digital Publishing Awards jury to share the professional advice that they’d offer to their younger selves. And while time travel isn’t yet possible, there’s lots to be gleaned from their experiences.
So, whether you’re aiming to ‘be brave’ as Faversham House’s Amanda Barnes put it, or you want to ‘trust your intuition’ as recommended to us by Wella’s Julia Drucker-Allister, here are eleven pieces of advice to help you as you continue growing into your career as a digital publisher.
I’m well into my fourth decade in this industry and I started, and remained for many years, in sales. For a long time, I thought it was the revenue from the sales that I made and the deals that I did that paid everyone’s salary. I suspect I exhibited some of the arrogance that naturally comes with that idiotic misconception. With hindsight, it took me longer than I’d like to recognise that a) there’s always much time and money that has gone into the original financing, and subsequent creation, of anything that I have ever sold, and b) that without the fundamentals of smart people doing robust market and audience research, and without the hard graft of quality operations teams (which tend not be staffed by noisy extroverts), I was nothing.
So, my advice to that smartarse grad starting at Ulster TV back in 1988? Always be aware of, interested in and grateful to those on whose shoulders you will always stand.
Ian Dowds, CEO, UKOM
Success and happiness in business is a lot to do with how you choose to work with the people around you. The more you promote the sharing of ideas and collaborate with your fellow colleagues, the healthier your personal contribution and overall performance will be.
Jade Power, Director of Digital Monetisation, National World
One piece of advice that comes to mind is from Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to the US Congress - and whilst the circumstances in which she used it may be different for me and anyone reading this, it resonated so deeply with me and anyone struggling in their industry or trying to pave their way.
She said, “If you’re not getting a seat at the table, keep bringing your own folding chair.”
Because while there can be advocates, great managers, and significant value in your connections, ultimately, for those people to consider you, acknowledge your contributions, and even bring opportunities your way, “you have to be seen, in order to be ‘seen’.”
Taking personal steps to put yourself out there and increasing your knowledge, carving your own personal brand so that people know what to recognise you for or defining your niches, so people associate you with certain specialisms, these sort of things not only open doors but also foster self-reliance and ownership of your own future. Eventually, people will recognise you, acknowledge your contributions, and bring opportunities your way.
Arshiya Nazir, Programmatic Strategy Director, Addressable and Commerce, Dentsu
I think the best advice I could give would be to be more willing to stand in your truth and speak to it. As a younger woman, I can think of so many professional occasions, where I ‘bit my lip’ rather than voiced an opinion, thinking it somehow wasn’t valid. I now feel that wasn’t the case, and the risk was worth taking. Being your authentic self is so important, and it shouldn’t take experience or longevity in your role to start practising that.
Sophie Hanbury, Director, Strategic Content Partnerships, IDNML
When we start out in our careers, we are often told there is only one pathway, and that progression is measured by promotion or pay rise. Now I've been in journalism for 20 years, I know this is far from the truth. My career has been varied and interesting. I have taken sideways moves to try new opportunities and occasionally taken a pay cut to get my foot in the door before moving upwards again. All of those risks were worth it, and I feel lucky to have been able to make those choices. I guess what I would say to my younger self when reflecting on this is that nothing is set in stone. And to follow your heart as much as you can afford (both financially and in other aspects of life such as relationships and location). Take risks and try new things. I probably also need to say that to myself now too as I'm of the generation whose retirement age keeps moving backwards! I have at least another 20 years of employment ahead of me, so to apply that advice to myself now means I hopefully have another 20 years of exciting, unpredictable and interesting pathways ahead!
Dr Rebecca Whittington, Online Safety Editor, Reach Plc
The best advice I can share is to trust your gut while staying curious and open to new opportunities as they come. I’ve found that the most exciting developments often happen when you’re willing to explore, but it’s just as important to take a step back, test the waters, and build a strategy that truly works for your business. For me, a test-and-learn approach has always been the key to growth, giving yourself the space to experiment, adapt, and ultimately succeed.
Hannah Buitekant, Chief Commercial Digital and Strategy Officer, DMG Media
Be true to thine own self [Hamlet I think]. Play to your strengths and don’t try to behave like someone else. It never works.
Robin Shute, Group Operations Director, Arc Europe
I would give my younger self the advice to take on all the things that no one else wants to do and support your team, learning processes, best practice and supporting others will help to set you up for bigger better roles, it may seem boring now but will be invaluable. By being great at that bit you will build your reputation within the team, plus later on it leaves more time to focus your efforts on the fun creative stuff. Also, learn to love PowerPoint..!
Harriet Gorbeck, Head of Content Marketing & Campaigns, Phoenix
I've often spoken about the unlearning process - where you consciously let go of familiar ways of thinking to embrace new, and sometimes better, approaches. Looking back, I’d tell my younger self: stay open to learning and new experiences, even when something feels unfamiliar or uncertain. Embrace this process early, and you’ll save yourself the need to unlearn later.
Seun Odeneye, Managing Director for Media, KINESSO UK&I
Reading around is also work – and vital to come up with new ideas and be informed – so don't feel guilty about it!
Mun Keat Looi, International Features Editor, The BMJ
Sure, give "110%" to your job, but also give yourself - your physical mental health and wellbeing - as much, if not more. If you're to make the most of every opportunity, maintain an open mind and a willingness to take every opportunity to diversify, experiment - and fail. But give yourself the reserves, particularly in the event of the latter, to recover stronger than you were. And never be afraid to speak up. Just doing so will get you noticed. Contributing this way will show you care.
Jeremy Bennett, Head of Digital Operations, Bauer Media
We look forward to celebrating the career achievements of individuals and teams working across digital publishing in the UK at the AOP Digital Publishing Awards. There’s still time to enter to celebrate your own successes – find out more here.
