Meet the VIC Mentors
Liz Lonsdale

Liz Lonsdale

Liz Lonsdale

Group Investment Director at Starcom

A media specialist with a passion for working with clients to plan, negotiate, and deliver campaigns across the Australian market.

Career & Background

What inspired you to do what you are doing now?

When I landed my first role in media, I had no real idea what the industry was — and I don’t think many people outside of marketing do. What I did know was that I liked being surrounded by creative people, and I loved a good Excel spreadsheet. Somewhere between the two, media found me — and I’ve been hooked ever since.

Could you tell us a bit about your professional background?

With over 13 years’ experience in the Australian media landscape, I help brands plan, negotiate, and deliver integrated media campaigns across multiple channels. I began my career buying television for Coles Supermarkets, where I quickly fell for the mix of data-driven thinking and pop‑culture intuition that defines great media.

Since then, I’ve worked across full-service agencies, partnering closely with creative teams to bring ideas to life and build media strategies that don’t just look good on paper — they deliver real results for clients.

Your favourite food for thought

Books

These may not be for someone at a career crossroad but here are some that I have found stayed with me.

  • Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
  • Educated by Tara Westover
  • Everything I know about love by Dolly Alderton

Podcasts / Thought Leaders

  • Podcast: You’re Wrong About
  • Podcast: This American Life
  • Podcast: How to Fail

What drives and inspires you

What are your core values?

  • Balance
  • Respect
  • Trust

Who is your biggest inspiration and why?

The people I work with every day are my biggest inspiration. I get to do great work with a seriously talented, motivated, and all‑round lovely bunch — which makes even the busiest days enjoyable. When multiple exciting projects are on the go, the energy is electric, and that’s when I’m at my best.

You as a Mentor

Why have you decided to become a mentor?

I’ve been lucky enough to have amazing mentors coming up in the industry and understand the superpowers it can unlock.

What are the top 3-5 skills or qualities you bring to mentoring?

  • Generous with time
  • Sees potential in others
  • Supportive

Ready to apply?

The best time is right now. Take a chance – you never know where an Assisterhood mentor can take you.