Young Pros Spotlight
Marco Pantusa
What is your role / current company?
Business Development Manager, Audience Activation/ Dynata
If you could give one piece of advice to other Young Pros, what would it be?
The best advice I can give to anyone is “don’t be afraid”. Don’t be afraid to ask question, connect with someone on LinkedIn, or walk up to someone you want to talk to at an event. Most people like helping others, especially, when the interest is genuine. Asking thoughtful, open-ended questions that gets the person talking is something that’s in your control and is easily accessible if you put yourself out there.
What is your proudest professional achievement?
My proudest professional accomplishment was being part of a team of 12 that coordinated and hosted a Super Bowl party in Los Angeles during the night before Super Bowl 56. From sponsorships to coordinating the guest list, to setting up the venue, it was a massive success. We hosted over 350 attendees ranging from business executives, celebrities, and NFL legends like LaDainian Tomlinson and Tiki Barber. We partnered with local and national brands to make it the highest-earning event in company history.
What is your biggest professional challenge?
My biggest professional challenge was acclimating myself to the Advertising & Market Research industry coming from the Corporate Hospitality and Finance industries. From analyzing media plans to understanding overarching strategies, being able to walk the walk and talk the talk is something I’m always looking to improve upon. My role is to be a resource for people in my network and that comes with continuously educating yourself on what’s happening in the industry. It’s easy to rely on what you know, but I pride myself on getting out of my comfort zone to become a well-rounded person.
What is one example of a company or brand that you think is doing a great job?
I believe the World Wrestling Entertainment company has done a great job of branding & rebranding. Joining forces with TKO, original leadership stepping down, and its partnership with Netflix, the WWE has become a global brand that is inclusive of all different cultures and people in an organic way. The once “soap-opera for men” show has built an incredible Women’s division, is broadcasted in over 180 countries, and has developed a diverse set of Superstars that a wide range of audiences can, in one way or another, relate to.
What’s your dream job? (If money was no object, what would you do?)
If money was no object, I would love to own a bagel shop. I love the morning time, the smell of coffee brewing, eggs frying, and people coming in and out of the store. It reminds me of the memories I had as a high schooler during the summers when I worked at a bagel store a couple blocks away from home. I love cooking and breakfast is the perfect meal for a non-professional chef like me to be able to perfect. Nothing is better than a tasty, hot bagel with fried egg, sausage patty, and SKP to go with a hot, dark roast coffee in the morning. Sometimes, it’s the simple things in life!
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