On My Radar: Helen Nassey

The ISBA works to protect and enhance advertiser rights in the UK. Helen Nassey was recently named communications manager at the organisation and will lead its strategy across media relations, content creation and the ISBA’s digital channels.

Nassey previously held the position of corporate PR Manager at Quidco and spent four years as a PR working with media, marketing and advertising clients.

Below, she tells shots about moving to London and loathing the Tube, her affection for Star Trek’s Data character and how simplicity speaks volumes in the world of advertising.

What’s the best ad campaign you’ve seen recently?

It has to be Mercedes' Intelligent Drive Chicken ad. The idea of using a chicken to showcase the stability of its cars is really clever. It's a great example of advertising that works without even showing the product. Brilliant!

What website(s) do you use most regularly and why?

Other than keeping up to date with the latest news on obvious websites such as The Guardian and BBC, I spend a lot of time on Buzzfeed as I get a lot of "this is hilarious, you have to read this" links emailed. Anything with cute animals is also always a goer!

What’s the most recent piece of tech that you’ve bought and why?

Most recently I bought myself an iPhone. I managed to avoid the Apple bandwagon for quite a long time, especially for working in the advertising industry, but I finally gave in. You won, Apple. You won.

Facebook or Twitter?

Facebook. Twitter is good to keep up to date with news but Facebook is the winner for me. I moved to London five years back and it really helps to keep in touch with my friends in Austria and to see what they’re up to.

What’s your favourite app on your phone and why?

Bus London. I hate the tube with a passion and tend to take buses if I can. The Bus London app shows you bus stops in your vicinity and also when they are due. I just discovered it a few months ago and it’s a game changer.

What’s your favourite TV show and why?

There are so many… I loved Breaking Bad, Hannibal and True Detective. Before seeing the last few episodes of the series I was obsessed with Lost but come on – purgatory?!

My all-time favourite will always be Star Trek: The Next Generation though. Data is my hero!

What film do you think everyone should have seen?

Inception and The Burbs. Inception plays with your mind and The Burbs makes you laugh out loud. Sardine?

Where were you when inspiration last struck?

I went to Tent London the other week, part of Design Week and there was a Japanese design section which blew my mind. I lost myself in one of the booths which brought art to life with AR technology and music.

What’s the most significant change you’ve witnessed in the industry since you started working in it?

Definitely online advertising technology. The sheer size and amount of ad tech companies trying to make their mark amazes me! The use of data (my old Star Trek friend) to fuel targeted and personalised advertising is definitely a game changer.

If there was one thing you could change about the advertising industry, what would it be?

Buzzwords and jargon! Just say it like it is.

What or who has most influenced your career and why?

When I came over to London, it was pretty hard to get a job in PR without UK work experience. I got turned down many of times until I applied to Propeller Group and Georgina Lipscomb took me under her wing. I wouldn't be answering these questions if it wasn't for her.

Tell us one thing about yourself that most people won’t know…

I once featured for about one second in a music video for a really bad German girl pop group called Tic Tac Toe.