At 27, most people are still trying to figure it all out; however, Emily Hayman was handed an empire.
After nearly two decades at the helm of Australia’s PR scene, Roxy Jacenko has passed on the keys to her kingdom, trusting Ms Hayman to carry forward the legacy.
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It’s been two months since she was appointed Director of The Ministry of Talent (MOT), cementing herself as Ms Jacenko’s successor, representing the country’s most talented creators.
“I don’t see it as trying to replace what Roxy has done. I see it as having the privilege of taking something she built and helping it grow into its next chapter,” Ms Hayman told news.com.au
The new role is the “ultimate full-circle” resulting from a gruelling hustle that started from the very bottom.
“My journey is thanks to Roxy, of course. She took a chance on a young girl, gave me opportunities that only some can dream of, and allowed me to grow both professionally and personally,” she reflected.
In 2019, Ms Jacenko hired her as a bright-eyed intern at her public relations firm Sweaty Betty.
It meant four hours in the car each day travelling from the NSW Central Coast, just to get a foot in the door.
The gig was meant to last just 12 weeks. Seven years later she’s in charge.
When Ms Jacenko stepped down as director and closed Sweaty Betty in 2022, Ms Hayman jumped ship to The Ministry of Talent.
The business was founded in 2012 as Australia’s very first digital influencer talent agency and currently remains at the forefront of influencer management.
“It made sense to learn that side of the business too and grow my skills. It was also a no-brainer to stay and learn everything I could from the best; I was a sponge from day one,” she said.
She did the work, climbed the ladder, and one day she was pulled into the meeting every young professional aspires to be invited to. Ms Jacenko offered her the opportunity of a lifetime.
“It was one of those moments where you almost have to take a step back and process, but one of the many things she taught me is to just say yes to every opportunity,” Ms Hayman said.
“To have Roxy, the person who gave me my start and has been such an important mentor throughout my career, trust me with something she has built was incredibly meaningful.”
Since taking up her new role, she’s experienced personal growth in doing what she loves while getting to understand the back end of the business and decision-making.
“I want to maintain the values that have always made MOT special. Being the first to reply, staying on top of trends, building strong relationships with our clients, taking and exploring every opportunity that lands in our laps,” she explained.
“At the same time, I think it’s important to recognise that the industry is constantly changing. There are new platforms, new types of talent, new opportunities, and new ways for brands to connect with audiences. I want to continue building on what Roxy has created, while bringing my own ideas, energy, and vision to the business.”
As for cons? None yet.
“You can’t complain when you’re handed an established business at 27 years old; if anything, it makes me want to grind harder and see where this next journey takes me,” she admitted.
Ms Jacenko has spent the last few months shedding her Australian assets, selling off luxury furniture and slimming her property portfolio.
This week her iconic Paddington commercial building will be listed, marking it as her final asset to sell off here in Australia.
“You can feel it the moment you walk through the door. Roxy has poured years into this property, and that pride of ownership really does show in the presentation,” Dimitrios Franze from IB Property told news.com.au
In a LinkedIn post back in June, she expressed that she’s ready for “someone else to write their story within those walls.”
While many of the doors are shutting on her Sydney life, one remains open, with Ms Jacenko promising she’s always got her protégée’s back.
“I think the biggest piece of advice Roxy has given is to trust myself, trust my instincts and be ahead of the game always,” Ms Hayman said.
“Roxy has only ever wanted the best for me too, and if I ever need help or guidance, she is just a phone call away, which is amazing to have.”