Marianne O'Brien
Creative, Cristian & Marianne
Hi there, ok here are my stats. I worked as a creative/writer for 20-something years for big agencies in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore. The big CV points I guess are judging at Cannes twice and running an agency where I was on the board at Clemenger Group.
But then I am thankful I had a moment to reassess. I ended up stumbling into my own business, with my creative partner/work husband of 20-something years. We started Cristian & Marianne Pty Ltd in 2022.
It was scary at first, but it's so different now. We have a few clients who we work closely with, and it's so much easier without traditional layers to produce better work. We have the support of great collaborators, and because of this, I can actually take school holidays off (quokka photo explained) to have a job and a life!
Career & Background
What inspired you to do what you are doing now?
Originally, I always had a love of words, I was a book worm and enjoyed creative writing. Then realised if I wanted to pay the bills, advertising writing was the way to go. Seemed like a fun job, and I do still love the feeling of cracking an idea or headline. Pens down, that’s the one!
Could you tell us a bit about your professional background and where you are headed in your career right now?
After a career in ad agencies, I am enjoying building my own small business where we’re not trying to replicate what we’ve left, but figuring out how to do better for our clients.
What drives and inspires you
What are your core values?
- Humour
- Optimism
- Perseverance
Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
It’s actually Cristian, my business partner. He is never cranky and has an inexhaustable energy. A generous person who is awesome to throw ideas around with and make everything look pretty.
You as a Mentor
Why have you decided to become a mentor?
I have been pretty family focussed the last 6 years, so don’t give this time lightly. But I think I’m ready now to get back to helping people early in their careers. I used to run AWARD School and helped with that for years to say thanks for the help I received early on. I found that it was actually inspiring for me too.
What are the top 5 skills or qualities you bring to mentoring?
- Collaborative
- Direct
- Empathic
- Nurturing
- Willing to be vulnerable
Ready to be a part of Assisterhood as a Mentee?
We are now up and running in QLD, VIC & NSW – and we’re only just getting started! Let’s shoot for the stars – together!