Passions: Tanya Moryoussef, HBA ’12

I started my undergrad studying actuarial science and when I went to Ivey, I was thinking about a related field, like finance. But in my first year of university I discovered Terry O’Reilly’s show about marketing on CBC radio “Under the Influence,” and I was instantly hooked.

I love the way Terry thinks so critically about the marketing we are exposed to, and then tells stories in such a captivating way. Because of Terry’s show I started taking marketing courses and fell in love with the whole field.

I attended the Ivey HBA Leaders Forum during my third year and the CEO of Loyalty One, Bryan Parson, talked about how his company marries data and creativity. I knew it would be a perfect fit for my analytical mind and desire to have a creative outlet. Afterwards I walked right up to him and said, “I want to work for you.” I did an internship at Loyalty One and then was hired back after graduation.

After listening to Terry’s show for years and reading all his books, I finally sent him an email in January 2013. I said, “I don’t care how but somehow I need to be involved in the show.” He happened to be hiring for a research analyst at the time, and he offered me the position.

Terry is a guru—he’s knowledgeable, incredibly creative and very charismatic. For every episode he comes up with a thesis about a marketing topic—something he’s setting out to prove to his listeners. My job is to go out and find articles and stories that help Terry support his argument. I also love to help him think about topics for the show and craft storylines. He is very open to my ideas and really makes me feel I’m a valuable contributor.

With a full-time job as well, it’s very time-consuming. But when you love something, you make time for it. Being on air is my secret dream. I love to share my thoughts and opinions on topics, and it would be wonderful to have an outlet for that!

Photo: Nation Wong
Art Direction: Greg Salmela, Aegis