Hannah Sturrock
National Head of Engagement, ACA
A bigger canvas - working almost as a pseudo 'management consultant' to the advertising industry - allows me to zoom out from the day-to-day and work on long-term industry sustainability. Helping to author legacy initiatives like Create Space while building my own profile and brand gives me autonomy and purpose, while also allowing me to support and connect people across the industry.
Having worked with disruptive and challenger brands, startups and social enterprises, I can offer genuine insight, direction and inspiration by asking better questions, re-framing propositions, synthesising diverse perspectives, and translating vision and ambition into stories that empower and connect, internally and externally.
Career & Background
Could you tell us a bit about your professional background?
My career has been a slightly eclectic journey through the creative industries. I started out accidentally in production and eventually found my way into advertising, working across a range of agency environments and leadership styles along the way.
Over time I was often pulled into practical, organisational roles. I was good at them, but they never quite felt like the right fit. The turning point came when I was selected for The Marketing Academy program, which helped me realise that strategic thinking was the work I found most energising. Since then I’ve leaned much more deliberately into strategy, curiosity and connecting the dots across the industry.
What inspired you to do what you are doing now?
What inspired me was the chance to focus on the bigger picture. Strategic thinking has always been the part of the job I love most.
Working at Advertising Council Australia lets me apply that thinking at an industry level. It’s also the perfect role for someone with a slightly generalist brain like mine — connecting dots, bringing people together, and helping the industry move forward. I’m also lucky to have built a large network over the years, and this role gives me the opportunity to use those relationships to try to make a positive difference.
What drives and inspires you
What are your core values?
- Creativity
- Efficiency
- Growth
- Integrity
- Reliability
- Self-discipline
- Wisdom
Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
I’ve never really had a classic “role model” in my career. If anything, my path has been quite self-driven. I didn’t always have people actively championing me, so I learned to back myself and grow step by step.
The one experience that really shifted my perspective was working with an executive coach through The Marketing Academy. It was the first time someone had really taken the time to focus on my potential and where I wanted to go.
That experience stuck with me. It showed how powerful it can be when someone takes a genuine interest in helping you think bigger about your career which is probably why mentoring now feels so important to me.
Your favourite food for thought
Books
- Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow – Gabrielle Zevin
- True Grit – Charles Portis
Podcasts / Thought Leaders
- Search Engine
- Strangers On A Bench
- Work Life with Adam Grant
You as a Mentor
Why have you decided to become a mentor?
One of my top strengths is Individualisation – a keen observer of how people are, how they think, what motivates them, I help people unpack problems and take advantage of opportunities. I make meaning by offering considered insight, direction and inspiration to the people I mentor, by asking questions, re-framing challenges, distilling observations into hypotheses, and translating vision and ambition into stories that empower and hopefully unlock growth.
What are the top skills or qualities you bring to mentoring?
- Well-connected in the industry
- Intuitive
- Sees potential in others
- Present and focused
- Supportive
Ready to apply?
The best time is right now. Take a chance – you never know where an Assisterhood mentor can take you.