Shining Star: Duriyen Mehmet, Orion UK

So, tell us where you’re from.
I grew up in South East London with my mum and dad (I’m an only child.) We moved to Kent when I was 18. I’ve stayed in Kent ever since, and currently, I live in my own flat with my cat, Etsy (You may have seen her on Orion Worldwide’s Instagram.)

And, take us through your professional journey.
Well, I started my career in media straight after I left university and joined Sky as a sales assistant, which gave me the opportunity to work with different media agencies, monitoring and delivering TV advertising campaigns. I then became an airtime management executive, in which I handled Sky’s premium programming and sport and managed the efficiency of airtime. My last role was at News UK where I was a trading manager, negotiating and managing agency deals across multiple agencies. I then moved to Orion UK—and 2020 is actually my 10th year in media!

Where’d you graduate from?
I graduated from the Queen Mary University of London with a Bachelor of Arts with honors in English. I wrote my dissertation on English novelist Jane Austen. I studied Shakespeare, poetry and contemporary writing throughout my three years at the university. Recently rediscovered my enjoyment for reading again, since I read so much during my time studying!

What’s something interesting that others might not know you?
I used to play the flute in primary and secondary school and even managed to reach Grade 5! I was also part of the orchestra and choir at school, though I was extremely shy when I was little, so I found it difficult to perform in front of a lot of people. I once also performed at the Royal Albert Hall in London which was an amazing experience.

Do you have a favorite quote?
This is a really tough question. But one Oscar Wilde quote has always stuck with me: “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”

If you had the ability to go back in time, what would you do?
My mum again. I lost my mum to ovarian cancer nearly eight years ago now, and it would be the most precious and amazing experience to see her, as well as my grandma again. They were both extremely strong and inspirational women and I always aspire to be like them.