Kell Darling
General Manager, Flip
Kell is General Manager at Flip, a full service creative agency in Brisbane. Her journey began in 2016 as a Digital Project Manager/ Scrum Master at Isobar, Melbourne where she discovered her passion for Agile methodologies and team leadership. With a teaching background and a talent for managing projects and people, Kell excelled in coaching and mentoring. Throughout her career, she collaborated with clients like Jetstar, Holden, RACV, Mercedes, and NFPs. Recent partnerships include Queensland Ballet and Brisbane Powerhouse. As a queer female leader, parent, and individual with ADHD, Kell believes her diverse identity enriches her leadership style. She's committed to driving Flip to new heights while fostering an inclusive workplace culture.
Career & Background
What inspired you to do what you are doing now?
Agency land ticks all the boxes for me. It’s fast paced, creative, no day is the same, you work with a range of different people from different backgrounds and industries and you’re encouraged to be yourself.
What was your journey and where are you headed in your career right now?
It all began with a foundation in Fine Art and a dream of becoming an Art Teacher. However, it wasn’t long before I realised that my true joy lay not only in teaching art, but in coaching and mentoring students, as well as leveraging technology to enhance their learning experiences.
A pivotal moment came when a cousin, recognising my enthusiasm for digital innovation, suggested I explore a career in digital project management. Following her advice, I seized an opportunity as a Digital Project Manager/Scrum Master at Isobar in Melbourne. This role opened my eyes to the world of Agile methodologies, team leadership, and the gratification that comes from helping individuals and teams reach their full potential.
From there, I embarked on a journey through various digital project management roles, eventually transitioning to the client side as Digital Manager at Education Services Australia. Yet, the allure of agency life proved irresistible, and I found myself drawn back when I was offered the position of Head of Operations at The Royals. Leading operations during the tumultuous period of lockdown was a trial by fire, but it honed my skills and solidified my passion for operational leadership.
In pursuit of new horizons and sunshine, my partner and I made the move to Brisbane, where I found a home at Flip, starting as Head of Operations and then becoming General Manager in January 2023. As a queer, ADHD female leader and parent, I’m particularly grateful to have found my place in an industry where I can authentically be myself while making meaningful contributions to those around me. Looking ahead, my focus is on continuing to lead with purpose, fostering a culture of innovation and inclusivity. I love what I do and feel privileged to have found my calling in this ever-evolving digital and advertising landscape.
Your favourite food for thought
Books
Powerful: Building a Culture of Freedom and Responsibility by Patty McCord
Radical Candor by Kim Scott
The Power of Moments: Why Certain Experiences Have Extraordinary Impact by Chip Heath and Dan Heath
Podcasts / Thought Leaders
The Culture Lab with Aga Bajer
ADHD Chatter – Alex Partridge
The Daily by NY Times
What drives and inspires you
What are your core values?
- Authenticity
- Belonging
- Humour
Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
My biggest inspiration? Hands down, it’s my mum! She’s a force to be reckoned with—a true powerhouse. She’s the one who’s instilled in me some of life’s most crucial lessons, ones that have become my rock-solid foundation.
She’s all about standing up for yourself and for others. She’s taught me that it’s essential to advocate for what’s right and to have each other’s backs. Secondly, she’s big on self-awareness. She’s shown me that it’s okay to recognize your flaws, but they don’t define you. Instead, they’re just part of what makes you, well, you.
Lastly, my mum’s the queen of bouncing back from mistakes. She’s taught me that messing up is just part of the journey, but it’s how you pick yourself up and learn from those slip- ups that really counts.
You as a Mentor
Why have you decided to become a mentor?
I’ve been fortunate to have a wonderful group of mentors throughout my career who have truly supported me and provided invaluable guidance. From each of them I’ve taken nuggets of gold that help me be the leader I am today. I want to do that for someone else, I think it’s important to pay it forward.
What are the top 5 skills or qualities you bring to mentoring?
- Asking powerful questions
- Empathic
- Non-judgemental
- Nurturing
- Supportive
Ready to be a part of Assisterhood as a Mentee?
We are now up and running in QLD and VIC – and we’re only just getting started! Let’s shoot for the stars – together!