Jess Lilley
Founder at The Open Arms
Jess Lilley is a creative director, writer and radio maker who has long focussed on creating work embedded in culture that enables positive social change and community building. Her creative career has seen her work in Melbourne, Toronto and London, with her work being recognised at Cannes Lions, D&AD and the Clios. Jess is creative partner and co-founder of Melbourne creative agency, The Open Arms.
Career & Background
What inspired you to do what you are doing now?
On any given week I get energised by people challenging the systems they find themselves in, driven by their own unique and powerful ways of seeing the world. Right now that’s people who are standing up for their communities in the face of misinformation, genocide and culture wars. People like Bisan Owda, Sarah McBride, Anjali Sharma, Vicki Couzens. And Sade. I’m also in awe of people who can fill this world with joy while I’m out here worrying about every damned thing! I love that we’re in the era of the strong pop girlies and I can’t stop listening to Chapelle Roan’s Pink Pony Club.
Could you tell us a bit about your professional background?
I started my post-uni working life as a music journalist while working in community radio and the local music industry, before becoming a copywriter in my mid-20s. It took me a while to get into the idea of a commercial creative career, so I kept dabbling with other kinds of writing and art forms, including film and theatre, well into becoming an advertising creative director. I worked in London for eight years, which showed me that it is possible to be artistically rewarded in a more commercial creative environment. When I returned to Australia, I worked as a creative director in network creative agencies, including JWT, Clemenger and Leo Burnett. I learned a lot about systems and creative discipline but didn’t like how narrow the pathways were to success in those demanding and culturally questionable environments! Which led to starting The Open Arms. Along the way I have always maintained other creative outlets. I write a lot and co-host a weekly radio show and podcast focussing on the news media.
Your favourite food for thought
Books
I buy all the business books but never read them haha. Hello ADHD. When at a career crossroads my biggest tip is to get out of your head and read some amazing fiction so your mind can wander and your instincts can move closer to the surface to help you find a way through the challenge you are facing.
Podcasts / Thought Leaders
I really like The Shift with Sam Baker – conversations with women about their lives and careers. I love You’re Wrong About – great storytelling but also helpful for problem solving because it reminds you never to make assumptions, always stay curious and keep asking questions to get to the truth of whatever it is you are looking at. Otherwise I mostly listen to podcasts about grifters and con artists.
What drives and inspires you
What are your core values?
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Authenticity
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Balance
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Diversity
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Humour
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Making a difference
You as a Mentor
Why have you decided to become a mentor?
Having a human sounding board who understands the industry you work in and the challenges you face, and will listen and engage honestly and authentically, is an exceptional thing. In my experience, it can be hard to come by too. I also get a lot out of mentoring as it challenges me to stop and reflect on challenges that I might not have considered.
What are the top 5 skills or qualities you bring to mentoring?
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Collaborative
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Compassionate
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Non-judgemental
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Open
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Supportive
Ready to apply?
The best time is right now. Take a chance – you never know where an Assisterhood mentor can take you.