Kat Pouwer recently celebrated her two-year anniversary at Adthena, and time has certainly flown by! Throughout her career, Kat has worked at network agencies, independent agencies, and even set up and ran her own agency. She’s also gained experience working client-side. Adthena marks her first step into the world of Technology, and her wealth of experience and knowledge from her 15+ years in the field have been invaluable in how we work with our agency partners.
Outside of work, she’s a mum to two girls (and a dog, Louis), resides by the sea, constantly seeks her next holiday destination, always has a restaurant recommendation, and is the first to volunteer for karaoke.
Jonell: Tell us about your role as ‘Head of Agency Partnerships, EMEA’ at Adthena?
Kat: The role of Head of Agency Partnerships, EMEA at Adthena is one of the most fast-paced, varied, and exciting roles I’ve had in my career. It allows me to leverage my 15+ years of experience working with and for agencies and clients, my passion for people and building connections, and my desire to constantly learn. I’ve never felt more autonomous and trusted in a role, and I believe this kind of environment is where I thrive. While many companies “talk” about their values, at Adthena, they are intertwined into every fibre of the organisation.
Kat and team celebrating Adthena’s win for Search Software at the Drum awards for Search 2023.
Jonell: What advice would you give to aspiring professionals interested in pursuing a career in agency partnerships?
Kat: If this is a role you believe you would enjoy, I would highly recommend:
- Explore the possibility of working within an agency. The more you understand how they operate, the challenges they face, and how to communicate with them, the more successful you’ll be.
- Network, network, network! Build and grow existing relationships. Remember the age-old phrase: ‘Never burn a bridge.’
- Refine your prioritisation skills. You are juggling A LOT of plates at any one time; you become ruthless with your time and areas of focus.
Jonell: Can you share a recent accomplishment or milestone that you’re particularly proud of, and how it has positively impacted your work?
Kat: Some might say it’s just doing your job, but the accomplishment I want to shout about is the fact that I overachieved on my 2023 target… Boy, was that an amazing feeling. Having worked on the agency side for so long, it’s a real shift in mindset moving into a sales role – working quarter to quarter and riding the rollercoaster that is a sales cycle. The reason hitting this target is such an accomplishment is because it has proven to me that I made the right move to the tech side, that my knowledge and experience within sales have further developed, and that we have implemented improved ways of working with our agency partners (and internal teams), which has led to the success.
Jonell: What is the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Kat: Never burn bridges and treat people how you would like to be treated.
Do you have any advice for new Adthenians coming onboard?
Kat: Buckle up – it’s an amazing, fast-paced adventure!
Jonell: What led you to this career?
Kat: Having spent a long time on the agency side and returning to work after having my two little girls, I was ready for a challenge. I had always been interested in transitioning to the tech/partner side but didn’t feel ready or find the right role. Then, the opportunity at Adthena arose, and I was excited to explore it!
Jonell: Do you have an office nickname?
Kat: It’s pretty basic, but everyone calls me KP – suits me just fine… being Australian, I am always shortening words!
Jonell: What do you like to do on your days off?
Kat: Spending time with my family and friends. I live on the south coast near Brighton, so any chance we get, we are exploring the South Downs or simply relaxing on the beach. But without a doubt, my days off (or any days, to be honest) revolve around good food and, depending on the time of day, wine!
Jonell: What’s a trip that changed you, and why?
Kat: My husband and I spent two years backpacking around the world visiting over 20 countries. I think my colleagues, friends and family can vouch for the fact that I am ALWAYS telling people to go travelling and experience the world and the different cultures that exist within it. To be honest, (and don’t hate me, Phillip Thune), but if I won the lottery, I would absolutely pack up my life and head off on another great adventure with my family.
Kat with her husband and two daughters.
Want to join the team?
To find out more about our open roles, reach out to josh.mizrahi@adthena.com Learn about our Adthena culture and follow us on LinkedIn for more updates.
