Trish Nawa, Director, recently celebrated 20 years at Harmelin Media. To mark the occasion, we caught up with her to hear her thoughts on the ever-evolving media industry and to get to know her a little better.
How have emerging technologies and AI impacted our industry since your last interview?
The pace of technological innovation has accelerated significantly. AI has become a transformative force in media. AI-powered tools are now helping teams streamline content production, improve audience targeting, personalize consumer experiences, and optimize campaign performance. These advancements have created new opportunities for efficiency and creativity.
What are some consumer trends or behaviors that have shifted in our industry since your last interview?
Consumer behavior has continued to evolve toward multi-platform, on-demand, and personalized content consumption. Audiences increasingly expect relevant content delivered when and where they want it, whether it is through connected devices, streaming music, podcasts, mobile apps, or social platforms.
We’ve seen growing demand for authenticity and deeper engagement. Listeners and viewers are seeking more personalized experiences, and they are more selective about the content they consume. Podcasting, streaming audio, and digital channels have become increasingly important as consumers spend more time with specialized content that reflects their interests and lifestyles.
Where do you see the industry in the next 1 year / 5 years / 10 years?
This is a tough one to answer because change is happening quickly. I think we’ll see the lines between broadcast and digital media continue to blur. AI will make it easier to personalize content, understand audiences, and automate certain tasks.
Now that we’ve heard your thoughts on the industry, we’d love to learn a bit about you. What’s your favorite way to spend time off?
I enjoy traveling during my time off and love exploring new places, cultures, and experiences. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a longer trip, travel helps me recharge and create lasting memories.
What’s a small thing that instantly improves your mood?
Music can instantly improve your mood and brighten your day. A favorite song lifts your spirits, reduces stress, and brings back happy memories. No matter where you are or what you’re doing, music can provide comfort, energy, and a positive boost when you need it most.
What is your favorite movie, TV show, song, or book that you never get tired of?
The Bear is my favorite TV show, and I never get tired of watching it. Every time a new season is released, I rewatch all the previous seasons to refresh my memory and re-live my favorite moments. The show has compelling characters, is fast-paced and has an emotional element that keeps me coming back season after season.
What’s a piece of advice you live by?
“Focus on what you can control and give your best effort to the rest.” It reminds me to stay solution-oriented, adapt to challenges, and not get distracted by things outside of my influence. In the workplace, this mindset helps me remain positive and resilient when facing new situations or obstacles.
Reflections from the Harmelin Community
Joyclyn Faust, Vice President, shares: “I have known Trish for longer than her tenure at Harmelin, and I was thrilled when she joined the agency. I knew she would be an excellent addition to the buying team. She is a true professional, a total team player, and one of the nicest people you will meet. As an original member of our audio direct team, she has developed many processes and guidelines that have helped us grow. She finds rainbows and butterflies in any situation, has a great sense of humor, and I feel lucky to work with her. Congratulations on 20 years and cheers to many more!”
Kathryn Keenan, Associate Director, adds: “I’ve had the pleasure of working with Trish since I joined Harmelin as an assistant on the Broadcast team, and she’s had a tremendous impact on my career. Her knowledge of the industry, paired with her positive attitude, professionalism, and willingness to help make her not only a fantastic manager, but also a wonderful role model and teammate. In 2020, we partnered to launch Harmelin’s Digital Audio team. As we learned a new area of expertise together, her leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving skills played a huge role in shaping the success of the team. I’m incredibly grateful for everything Trish has taught me and for her support and encouragement over the years. Our team is lucky to have someone as knowledgeable, supportive, and dedicated as her. Congratulations, Trish!”
Mallory Terrence, Director, says: “I’ve had the pleasure of working with Trish on the Audio team, and she’s truly the driving force behind keeping everything running smoothly. Whether it’s managing vendor relationships, leading negotiations, or making sure our team stays organized, she does it all with incredible attention to detail. As podcasting transitioned under the Audio team, Trish was an invaluable resource. She was always willing to answer questions, share her knowledge, and generously offer her time and support throughout the transition. Congratulations on 20 years at Harmelin, it’s a well-deserved milestone!”
Congratulations, Trish! Thank you for your 20 years of commitment to Harmelin and our clients.
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