Media expert takes out women’s business award

Staff ReporterWestern Suburbs Weekly

The managing director of Perth-based public relations and corporate affairs firm gtmedia said she was in shock after being named WA’s top female business owner this month.

‘I honestly did not think it was my night, the finalists were all of such a high calibre,’ Ms Tognini said.

‘Anyone who owns a business will tell you that it is a white-knuckle ride and challenging on so many fronts.

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‘This has been extremely humbling and a real validation that I’m doing the right thing. To this day, I still do not know who nominated me, but I have my suspicions.’

Ms Tognini said she founded gtmedia in 2003 after spending almost a decade as a journalist at Seven Network.

‘Starting out it was literally myself, a contact book and mobile phone,’ she said.

‘Switching direction mid-career was pretty scary but ultimately it has been hugely rewarding.

‘My company is now 11 years old. We’ve survived a GFC and enjoyed consistent year-on-year growth in the face of fluctuating market conditions and we’re doing great work with great clients, most who have been with us for a very long time.’

Ms Tognini sits on the board of the Starlight Children’s Foundation WA and gtmedia provides pro-bono services to HeartKidsWA and other local charities.