Filling the gap in young female storytelling and media

Phoebe Saintilan is the founder of new media technology company Missing Perspectives. Missing Perspectives is an impact-driven media startup platforming young female reporters and content creators. Phoebe has previously worked as a Policy Advisor in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, a Policy Officer in the Australian Human Rights Commission and has also worked with the UN Trust Fund for Human Security. Read on for our fascinating interview with Phoebe!

Describe your career trajectory and how you got to your current position.

I have a very unconventional career path! I studied undergraduate law and then got admitted as a lawyer. I then took the leap and moved to NYC to work in human rights – then when I returned to Sydney I worked as a Policy Advisor across the federal government and the private sector. I could never have imagined in a million years that I’d be running a media startup and be about to launch a tech product!

But the common thread throughout my career has been clear – I’ve always been passionate about human rights, gender equality, and innovation.

Take us through a typical day of work for you.

Given we’re a startup, there’s no real ‘typical day.’ It could range from meetings with brands regarding upcoming content partnerships, going to industry events, liaising with young female reporters around the world, to product and tech meetings with the staff building our soon-to-be-launched app. Every day is different and that’s something I don’t take for granted

What is the biggest challenge you’ve encountered in your career, and how did you overcome it?

To be honest, as a young woman in the news industry – and running a startup that platforms young female perspectives and stories – one of the biggest challenges has been being taken seriously in a male-dominated industry, and by legacy media. The key has been to not waver in our mission, and build a strong group of advisors and brains-trust that I have been able to rely on for advice and to build out my network.

If you could go back in time, what piece of advice would you give yourself as you first embarked on your career?

I always tell people who are leaving uni to throw their 10-year career plan out the window – and that their dream job might not even exist yet. The key is to follow your gut instincts and jump into roles that challenge and inspire you. Even the roles that didn’t feel like a good fit at the time served me well, and taught me things that I was able to bring to the next position I embarked on.

How do you unwind after work?