Conversations with Andrea Candy
Andrea Candy is one of the most respected marketing professionals in Western Australia – with a name that is synonymous with print and digital communications solutions. Presently the Head of Growth & Customer Relationships at Zipform Digital, in a recent interview we found out more about her career path, industry advocacy and love of home renovations.
For the past six years, Andrea Candy has led a team of Account Managers and Customer Service representatives at Zipform Digital, creating the very fabric of the exceptional level of support provided to clients all around Australia. Originally starting in 2003 and staying for seven years, Andrea was so passionate about Zipform Digital, its purpose, leadership, flexibility and of course her colleagues, that she returned to the business in 2017 after a six-year stint at another customer communications company.
So, what exactly does a Head of Growth & Customer Relationships do within Zipform Digital?
“There are always client meetings, problem solving, managing my team and coaching them to continually create best practice client experiences, planning, budgets, proposals, documentation, the list goes on. Luckily, I love being busy.”
“The past two years (since the pandemic hit) have been challenging for everyone, especially our clients who are navigating a new normal and still trying to deliver value to their own customers”, she reflects, whilst quickly responding to one of her team who pops their head in with a question. The queen of multi-tasking indeed.
When asked about her impact within the business, many colleagues expressed admiration for the way that Andrea always manages to find an avenue for conversation, which makes her approachable and well respected. With an infectious laugh that could never be mistaken for anyone else, we’re told that she’s one of those people who always goes about the day with a smile on her face and time for anyone who needs it.
“Life has changed so much for everyone since COVID-19 hit,” she said. “Early in my career, I had a manager that had such exuberant enthusiasm. He spoke to every single person in the company every day to ask how they were. Even though his response was always the same – “sensational” – it gave everyone such positive energy. I wish I had time to do this – but I do what I can instead.”
With words such as “supportive”, “approachable”, “knowledgeable” and “sincere” used by her own team to describe her, it’s clear that for Andrea, that inspiration from her past manager has flowed through over the years to influence her own management style.
Showcasing WA’s marketing industry
Another, more visible hat that Andrea wears is as a founding committee member – and current Vice Chair - of WAMA – the WA Marketing Association. Being active in the marketing industry is not new to her – Andrea was an active committee member of ADMA (Association for Data-driven Marketing and Advertising) for nearly 12 years, only ending when the realisation came during the height of the global pandemic that more needed to be done to give back to the WA community and celebrate their achievements.
“So often the achievements within WA get overshadowed by big brands and budgets of the East Coast. WAMA came together at the end of 2020, by a small group of “marketing veterans” - as we called ourselves after a few glasses of pinot. Initially, we wanted to put on an event to showcase some great brand stories that we’d seen during the year. It’s since grown into so much more – I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved during the past three years.”
“WA punches well above its weight. Our vision at WAMA is to promote WA as a centre of marketing excellence, but in a collaborative and inclusive way. Officially, our mission is to celebrate, promote, unify and elevate the WA marketing community.”
Living the work/life balance
Andrea says that every so often she reflects on who made the most impact on her own career, and how she can bring that into both her own team at Zipform Digital, and her work with WAMA.
“Earlier on in my career, I had a new manager start, who had such a significant focus on family and work/life balance, that I started to see “work” from another angle. So many people think that it’s something you have to do between 8:30am – 5pm every day, including myself at that time, regardless of what might be happening at home.
One day I had a major client presentation scheduled, but a close family member had just been admitted to hospital. My manager told me to go be with my family – that they would manage without me. I’d done all of the presentation prep, it was my client and it really should have been my responsibility. I felt so torn – it felt like I was abandoning the client and my team, but on the other hand my family needed me. That was my first real introduction to a proper work/life balance, and I’ve made it my priority ever since.”
In real terms, I absolutely love my work, my clients and the people around me – but I have so many activities outside of work that life is incredibly hectic. Since COVID-19 began, I started to absolutely love my garden, it brings me so much joy – especially with my new fur babies enjoying it too. I also discovered a real passion for renovating – my husband and I bought a unit last year, which we have just spent 12 months fixing up ourselves. I spent every weekend and spare moment ripping up old carpet, painting, tiling and patching – I’m not sure what to do with my weekend’s now it is finished!
I also find immense joy in supporting and empowering women and girls in underprivileged nations – I was part of the leadership immersion project of The Hunger Project. I had raised $10,000 for them and was meant to travel to Ghana in 2020, but unfortunately the trip was cancelled due to COVID.”
Andrea Candy is someone who is easy to admire – from her career in Customer Communications Management, to her industry advocacy and charitable works – she is someone who makes you want to get out there and give something a go. Because no matter what it is, it’s clear that if you’re in her circle – and many people are - she’s got your back and will cheer for you all the way. That’s incredibly inspiring.
Andrea Candy is one of Perth’s most respected and experienced customer communications professionals with over 20 years’ experience in this field. As Head of Growth & Customer Relationships for Zipform Digital, she leads a team of highly driven Account Managers and Customer Service representatives.
Andrea specialises in understanding the rapidly changing digital landscape in Australia that Zipform Digital clients are navigating, and genuinely strives to understand their business, challenges and the demands they have in delivering value to their customers.
Connect with Andrea on LinkedIn