Interviews
Name: Naomi McMahon
TCD Qualifications: B.B.S., M.A., (2005)
About: Naomi moved to New York after graduating from Trinity in 2005, and is now the Senior Vice President of Strategic Marketing at Universal Music Group.
When did you move to New York and why?
In 2005 I accepted a marketing role with Enterprise Ireland in New York, within the Software, Services and Emerging Sectors division. This role provided an amazing opportunity to work with some of Ireland's leading tech companies on shaping their US go-to-market strategies.
What inspired you to work in the music industry?
I grew up in a very musical family so I've always loved and been surrounded by music. I vividly remember my first live concert, my first music festival, and even the Tina Turner party piece I had perfected by the tender age of 8.
While working at the VIA ad agency in 2010, I was running a series of very intimate salon gatherings for marketing leaders – think TED talks meet the Algonquin Round Table - during which I'd invite an artist to perform a live stripped-down, acoustic set. I would scour the country looking for talent and soon realised how passionately I believed in the power of music to help brands connect more deeply with consumers. Then one day, a salon alum put me in touch with their label executive friend at Sony Music who was building a business around advertising and music...and the rest is history.
Describe a day in the life of SVP Strategic Marketing, Universal Music Group?
Every day my mission is the same – connect the world’s biggest brands with the world’s most influential and iconic artists to create lasting cultural moments. That typically involves a combination of internal meetings with labels, licensing, insights, digital and business affairs, artist showcases/listening sessions, agency and brand briefings, and overall campaign planning and account management. With plenty of travel thrown into the mix too.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
The opportunity to surround myself with iconic and emerging artists, and work closely with the talent behind that talent, to support the future of great music is incredibly inspiring and rewarding. I also love joining the dots so that brand partners can authentically participate in the next big cultural moments.
What has been your biggest challenge?
There are never enough hours in the day.
What is your strongest memory from your Trinity days?
My Trinity days were filled with great memories and friendships; from those epic Trinity Balls to my first Long Room visit, to pre-exam huddles in the Buttery and strategic management lectures with Dr Jim Quinn, who remains a great mentor and friend.
What are your favourite things about New York?
This city is the ultimate multi-sensory melting pot. I love the fact that no two days, or experiences are ever the same and it is that dynamic energy and culture that keeps everyone on an endless quest for what's new and next.
Favourite restaurants: The Spotted Pig, Morandi and ABC Kitchen
Favourite music venues: Bowery Ballroom and Joe's Pub
Favourite city escapes: Upstate NY - Beacon, Hudson, and The Catskills
Why is it important that alumni stay connected to Trinity?
Trinity alumni are a fantastic network of smart and ambitious global citizens.
I'm very thankful and proud of the education I received and the doors it has helped open for me in my career so the chance to support Trinity's ongoing excellence and to give back is important.
Bringing the Trinity Ball legacy to NYC was definitely a highlight too.
What advice would you offer young graduates who are moving abroad?
1. Be curious. Fully embrace wherever you land.
2. Network with gusto! One single connection/conversation can have a major impact on your career and life.
3. Home is only ever a flight away, and be sure to start collecting those frequent flyer miles!