Camilla Fiorini


Camilla Fiorini
'Spotlight' is designed to give us all inspiration and confirm that anyone can make his or her business dream or that promotion a reality...

Read on this month to find out about Camilla Fiorini founder and director of marketing communications company, Ambush Communications, and freelance journalist.

Profile


I started as a library clerk when I failed the RMIT journalism entrance exam. I figured if I can't write, then I will at least read. From there I held a number of office and secretarial support roles until the age of 25 when I decided there was no reason why my boss couldn't get his own damn coffee.

I decided public relations was to be my new career based on the fact I was pretty social. I have to laugh at my naivety back then because PR is a serious profession that requires a bit more than drinking chardonnay and gushing daaarrrling.

My career break arrived as marketing assistant with a leading software company, which introduced me to the frenetic world of IT, and the challenging profession of marketing.

After 11 years of toughing it out in the corporate world, which included consulting roles through to general management and start-up responsibilities, I decided to establish my own marketing communications company in 1998.

I think the most satisfying thing about running your own business is that you account only to your clients and yourself. There are no politics or personal agendas (other than your own) determining your path. Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of downsides too, but ultimately the autonomy is a compelling factor for me.

As it turns out, I am doing more and more of what I love and what I originally set out to do writing because I am focusing on what I want to do, not what I think I should do.

Occupation/Title

Director

Company/Organization

Ambush Communications Pty Ltd

State

Insane... Sorry... Victoria

Age

38

Where did you grow up?

When it happens, I'll let you know.

What was your first job?

Full-time? Library Clerk with the Moonee Valley Regional Library,

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

I think most kids want to be whatever the flavour of the month is at the time. I don't think I was any different. Teacher, police-woman, journalist, writer, movie star all come to mind.

How many hours a week do you work?

50 - 60

Name a movie that actually inspired you?

Last of the Mohikans I found Daniel Day Lewis in a loin cloth truly inspiring.

Name a talent you don't have that you wish you did?

The ability to put financial considerations aside.

What was the last book you read?

John Grisham's The Street Lawyer.

If you could solve one environmental problem, which would it be?

Er....any clues? I confess total ignorance about environmental issues.

Have you ever had a celebrity crush and if so who?

I have had multiple short-term crushes lasting five minutes to one week. At 10, it was David Essex. At 35, Nicholas Cage. Don't think it will stop there...

What song transports you to another place when you hear it?

There are many, but Return to Innocence' by Enigma is pretty special.

What's your idea of the perfect Sunday?

No plans.

Looking back 10 years ago are you now where you expected to be? If not, where did you expect to be?

Yes, but it can still be surprising.

Who living or dead would you most like to invite to dinner?

Bette Midler, Whoopee Goldberg and my husband.

What is your favourite city in the world and why?

Hmmm....no favourite yet. Each city offers something different. Cities I enjoy include Melbourne, Sydney, Zagreb, Rome and Paris.

What is the best piece of advice anybody has given you?

Some people will like you, some wont. Just get on with it.

What advice would you give to somebody striving for success in his/her chosen field?

Don't let fear get in the way of where you want to go. And don't confuse it with a 'sign' or 'gut instinct'. Expect it, look it in the eye, take a deep breath and deal with it. Without fear you are not challenging your comfort zone, and therefore you are not moving forward professionally and, most importantly, personally.

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