Lisa Cameron
Managing Director and Founder, Comrades To Action
I've spent 13 years in this industry and I wouldn't have it any other way. I started out as a fashion designer and founded my own activewear line, moved into heading social media for a Brissy lifestyle magazine /content agency, and eventually took the leap to build my own. That's CTA, a Brisbane-based creative strategy and content agency that I co-founded because I believed there was a better way to do this work. Mum of three, endlessly curious, and genuinely obsessed with making content that actually has a purpose.
Career & Background
What inspired you to do what you are doing now?
I saw a gap between big agencies and freelancers and wanted to build something in between. A collective of specialists who all work together, so clients get genuine expertise without the bloat. But it was personal too. I’m a mum of three and agency life can be relentless. I knew there was a way to do this work at the highest level without sacrificing everything else, so I built it. And now I get to set that standard for the people I bring into this business too.
Could you tell us a bit about your professional background and where you are headed in your career right now?
I started out as a fashion designer, founding my own activewear line in Hong Kong at what felt like the peak of influencer marketing and social media. That’s where I learnt most of what I know. When I moved back to Australia I took an advertising role at a lifestyle magazine and from there I worked my way into heading their social media department for their commercial content agency (running social media and content start for some of huge brands) and eventually moved across to the content agency side. Thirteen years across fashion, media, and marketing, and every single chapter fed directly into what I’m building now with CTA.
Your favourite food for thought
Books
As much as I loved reading once upon a time, I no longer have time for it, and anything good i did read – I’ve long forgotten. I learn more from doing, from the people around me, and from backing myself into situations that scare me a little. Also TikTok is life haha.
Podcasts / Thought Leaders
- Jane Lu (@thelazyCEO)- ShowPo Founder – great story and love the way she views business
- Sophia Amoruso – the messy side of business, wrote GirlBoss (actually that’s a great book for above) – but also @Gilrboss on IG is great to follow
- Alexandra Cooper – host of Call Her Daddy podcast
What drives and inspires you
What are your core values?
- Creativity
- Risk-taking
- Vision
Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
My mum. I watched her work and sacrifice to give us the best of everything. She taught me the value of hard work, backing yourself, and resilience. I want to do the same for my kids.
You as a Mentor
Why have you decided to become a mentor?
Mentoring is genuinely one of my favourite things I do. Last year I walked away feeling like my mentee was teaching me just as much as I was teaching her, and I think that says everything. I’m constantly looking to grow and evolve, and there’s no better way to understand the perspective of the next generation than to actually sit alongside them. For me it’s a two way partnership. They get the benefit of my journey and I get a window into theirs. Honestly, how good is that.
What are the top skills or qualities you bring to mentoring?
- Collaborative
- Well-connected in the industry
- Supportive
Ready to apply?
The best time is right now. Take a chance – you never know where an Assisterhood mentor can take you.