Queensland continually punches well above its weight with these marketing, strategy, advertising, media, creative, tech, and production powerhouses. You might see some familiar faces, as well as a few extraordinary new recruits.
And remember – your mentor doesn’t have to work in your desired role. Some of our most successful pairings have come from shared vibes and values.
LIZ BALLANTYNE
General Manager at Media Mortar
Liz Ballantyne is a seasoned marketer with over a decade of experience in marketing and communications across diverse industries. Liz started her career as a digital marketer, working for a tech company that was (at the time) one of only six companies in Australia to partner closely with Google. After leading the brand marketing for that organisation, Liz has since worked both in-house and agency, helping craft strategic solutions for renowned brands like Bundaberg Brewed Drinks, Tourism Queensland, and Guide Dogs. Liz is now the General Manager for the content marketing agency Media Mortar, where she focuses on supporting her team of clever creative marketing professionals to craft scroll stopping content for brands. Her journey, punctuated by the challenges of balancing career growth with motherhood, has instilled in her a profound commitment to empowering women in their careers.
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KIRSTY BOND
Marketing Director at Business Depot
I have a proven track record as a trusted advisor, with many years as an in-house marketing consultant in large corporates before building an agency from scratch. I know how to take the best of ‘big business’ and implement into small and medium-sized businesses to see them succeed.
I have proven expertise and a real passion for creating, building and protecting a brand and reputation for B2B businesses. Equally creative and strategic, I'm a results-oriented marketing professional with hands-on experience in strategy, brand, websites, content, creative and events.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with family, pilates, camping and renovating vintage caravans with my handy hubby!
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KELLY BRIGHTWELL
Managing Director at Khemistry
Kelly Brightwell is creative thinker, natural problem solver and a bit of a geek. After 16 years in Marketing roles across tourism, retail and finance, she made the leap into advertising in 2022. Since then Kelly has headed up Khemistry's strategy team, taken out first place in Queensland's Award School and more recently, become Khemistry's Managing Director. She's passionate about fusing creativity and behavioural science to solve some of society's biggest problems. When she's not working, Kelly is Mum to two little humans who hate ads.
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ROBYN BUTLER
Founder of Lovework Studio
Robyn is a founder of Lovework Studio and has over 20 years of experience in branding. She has worked both in Australia and the UK on briefs of all sizes, for clients from startups and scale ups to large international organisations. Robyn has a keen interest in the way brands flex to fit the context, audiences and ever changing communication challenges. She particularly loves brands that embrace technology yet can flex across hi and lo tech environments.
Robyn is passionate about providing space teams can create the best work of their lives. She also supports and encourages clients to make impactful decisions throughout the projects to deliver the best results possible.
Robyn has presented guest lectures, been a panelist and run courses in Australia and Internationally.
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LISA CAMERON
Managing Director at Comrades to Action
I'm Lisa, Managing Director of CTA, a content agency that combines my passions for storytelling and brand development. Previously, I led social media at Style Magazine and drove marketing efforts for a global interior company. I've also had the thrill of running my own luxury athletic wear company in HK.
When I'm not working, you can find me wrangling my three energetic boys – they're my biggest source of joy and inspiration!
As a mentor, I love sharing my experiences and insights to help others navigate entrepreneurship and leadership.
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KELL DARLING
General Manager at 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.
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ISABELLE DEBNAM
Director of Marketing & Operations, Senior Brand Strategist & Podcaster
Hi, I’m Belle. With over a decade of marketing experience spanning both agency and in-house, I thrive at the intersection of storytelling, strategy, and leadership. As a Brand Strategist & Storyteller at Rehaula, I help transform everyday businesses into industry-leading brands through strategic brand management. At PEDRA Studio, I am the Director of Marketing & Operations, where we design brand stories that clear the path for action.
Beyond strategy and marketing, I’m also a Podcaster, sharing insights and conversations that inspire and connect marketing professionals. Whether it's building brands, leading teams, or creating content that resonates, I bring creativity, energy, and a results-driven mindset to everything I do.
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LAUREN FAULKNER
Consultant
Having worked in PR and Marketing agencies for more than 15 years, Lauren now works closely with agency owners and leaders to streamline, grow and level up their businesses.
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CHRISTINE GANNON
Managing Partner at CHEP
Christine is the Managing Partner of CHEP in Brisbane, one of Australia’s most successful and awarded creative, CX, data and tech agencies. Brisbane born and bred, she has worked in the industry for over 25 years across a range of agencies and clients including RACQ, TAFE Qld, Michael Hill Jeweller, UQ, TEQ and more. She is a hands-on strategic leader who brings enthusiasm and a problem solving attitude to everything she does.
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MARLO GROVER
Social Media & Brand Strategist
Marlo is a two-time business founder with a decade's experience in digital. After 10 years in the corporate space juggling stakeholders and big budgets Marlo started slow fashion label, Marlo By Marlo with features in Vogue and on the international stage before turning to feel-good fitness, G. Pump, during the pandemic. Marlo has built a digital skillset around what she is passionate about and this has allowed her to step into a variety of industries to tell their stories including most recently Queensland Ballet. Marlo has collaborated with communities such as Lululemon, LSKD and MamaTribe and she's ready to teach you how to do it too!
When Marlo isn’t working she’s spending time chasing her son and two whippets around the park
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VICTORIA HEENAN
Communications Manager at Queensland Police
I’m Victoria and I’m a caffeine-fuelled communications, marketing, and media professional with the Queensland Police Service’s (QPS) Media and Public Affairs team.
I have been working in this role for six years and have had the opportunity to lead a team to deliver impactful media, social media, corporate communications, and marketing projects aimed at promoting a safer Queensland. I’ve also led the communications and media pertaining to recommendations from various commissions of inquiry into the Services’ response to domestic and family violence - an issue very close to my heart.
Beyond the workplace, I have volunteered with RSPCA Queensland and the Pyjama Foundation, and you’ll usually find me with a coffee (or Stone and Wood), listening to the true crime podcast – Casefile.
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SANDRA HIND
Co-Creative Director at Carbon Creative
Sandra started working in advertising over 20 years ago (almost pre-dating email). A conceptual copywriter by trade, she has worked for agencies big and small in Brisbane and London, and her own boutique advertising agency, The Hoopla Family. With numerous national and international awards, and experience in everything from TV to DM, she has worked on hundreds of clients across dozens of sectors. Sandra joined social change creative agency, Carbon Creative, around three years ago and is passionate about using the power of words and pictures to help create change.
In her free time, Sandy has previously started and run a coffee shop and a vintage clothing outlet. These days, she loves nothing more than curling up with a good book and silently correcting every misspelling she sees.
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RACHAEL HOCKADAY
Managing Director at Haeday
Rachael Hockaday has spent decades learning what’s important to customers. Today she heads up retail marketing specialists, Haeday, as Managing Director, where she guides business leaders to deliver results best for their brands. Her experience is proven working with some of the world’s leading advertising agencies and brands such as Subway, Terry White Chemists, Lorna Jane and Super Retail Group.
2025 marks the 15th anniversary of Haeday, which continues to thrive by delivering insights and unique strategy to retailers about the power of retail advertising, in-store marketing, local area marketing, POS, window display, effective merchandising; curating the brand and retail experience.
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PRISCILLA JEHA
General Manager at Alt/Shift
General Manager. Solo Mum to 9 year old twins. Author of Amazon #3 Bestseller. E-commerce brand owner. Lover of adventure and challenges – both professional and personal!
The majority of my 30 year professional life has been spent in the heady world of full service ad agencies. I've definitely seen 'things'! I'm now proudly the GM of Mumbrella's Large PR Agency of the Year.
I genuinely adore both disciplines – they're all part of the incredible creative landscape that brands can leverage to get into people's hearts and minds.
I can't wait to share all of my experience with a brilliant new mentee this coming year – supporting them to reach their absolute potential!
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LAURA JIEW
Marketing Communications Manager, ON Innovation Program at CSIRO
Laura's career has taken her through education, non-profits, STEM, and cyber/information security. With a bachelor's degree in Science and postgrad qualifications in Marketing and Event Management, she's quite the versatile professional. Laura sees herself as someone who's people-oriented, tech-savvy, and a great communicator. She thrives on making genuine connections and helping stakeholders succeed. She's all about building stronger, more connected STEM communities, and her current gig at CSIRO fits like a glove!
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JAISHRI JOHNSTONE
Account Director at Aruga
J Johnstone is a seasoned Public Relations specialist with over a decade of agency experience, leading high-impact campaigns across arts, tourism, government, and major events. A key player at Aruga since 2019, J has built strong industry relationships, securing top-tier media coverage and elevating brand visibility for clients such as Brisbane Festival, Horizon Festival, Dream Home Art Union, Tourism and Events Queensland, and Brisbane Economic Development Agency.
A creative thinker and go-getter, J excels in developing innovative PR strategies that capture attention and drive results. With a background in event management at The Star Casino and Showbiz Events and Travel, J has orchestrated VIP experiences for blockbuster productions, bringing a unique storytelling edge to campaigns.
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ALANA MAHONY
Head of Marketing at Hall Payne Lawyers
With over a decade of experience across marketing and media, I have a versatile skill set focusing on strategic communications, influential campaigns, community management, branding and all things digital to drive business solutions.
My innovative and strategic mindset allows me to communicate with a variety of internal and external stakeholders to deliver ""out of the box"" solutions whilst delivering on commercial results.
As a well rounded Marketer, I have a proven track record of understanding and developing new business solutions in B2B and B2C markets.
With a customer centric approach and a passion for all things digital, I am an energetic contributor with a positive attitude focused on new ideas and big picture strategies.
My innovative and strategic mindset allows me to collaborate with a variety of stakeholders to deliver creative solutions for clients, though always aligned on delivering results.
I have a passion for storytelling and promoting big brand energy that delivers outcomes for clients, the team and overall, the business. One of my key strengths is relationship management and collaboration, which helps to bring new ideas and big picture strategies to life.
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BEC MCCALL
Group Creative Director at Hero
Bec McCall is a big thinker with a sharp strategic mind and a deep love for craft. She enthusiastically brings years of experience shaping campaigns that don’t just win awards – they work. Having a background in digital she employs a design-thinking mindset and believes great creative isn’t just about making something look good – it’s about making people feel something, do something, and remember it.
She is also said to have one of the better punk jumps in the industry – stemming from her punk band days – and will usually find a way to work her dogs into the conversation within the first five minutes.
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HALEY MCDONALD
CEO & Founder of 3P Studio Group
A career spanning 20 years in post production, Haley worked as first an Editor and later an animator before launching 3P Studio in 2016. Her editorial credits include Coke, Myers, Flight Centre, Nike, Subway and McDonalds. As well as music videos for some of Australia’s most popular bands Powderfinger, Silverchair and Eskimo Joe.
The recipient of multiple national and international awards, Haley is now the proud CEO and Founder of 3P Studio Group. She has built a reputation of excellence and swift thinking to successfully deliver top work on deadline – making 3P Studio one of Australia’s fastest growing animation and VFX companies.
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NATALIE MITCHELL
Senior Broadcast & Content Producer at Publicis
With a unique ability to successfully and efficiently manage both agency and production elements of producing, Nat has established herself as an asset to one of the biggest production companies and advertising agencies in Australia, and worked on leading US Television Dramas in Los Angeles. This set of skills, along with a long-standing passion for entertainment, has driven Nat to expand her repertoire of producing as far as it can go within the film and television industry.
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MARIANNE O'BRIEN
Creative at 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!
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GIN POPPELWELL
Partner and Creative Director at Allo Creative
With over a decade in the creative industry, I’ve built a career around crafting impactful brand narratives through strategic creative and storytelling. As a Partner and Creative Director at Allo Creative, I help brands communicate with clarity – blending strategy, design, and copy to create work that resonates.
Previously, I held senior roles at agencies like Khemistry, Rumble, and GOOD, leading campaigns for clients such as QLD Health and Pernod Ricard. My work, including The Ugly Xmas Rashie for Cancer Council Australia, has earned international recognition. Now, I’m focused on growing Allo Creative into a leader in strategic creativity and innovation.
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ERIN RIGBY
Communications Manager at Queensland Academy of Sport
Erin is an award-winning leader with expertise in strategic communications, marketing and media relations. She has led high-performing teams in both the public and private sectors, delivering impactful campaigns and content strategies that shape public perception and drive engagement. Erin has worked with global brands, government agencies, and not-for-profits, leading projects for organisations such as Time Out Magazine and Queensland Police Service, managing campaigns on critical social issues.
Now at the Queensland Academy of Sport, she leads a team amplifying the stories of the world’s best athletes, coaches and performance experts, strengthening the QAS brand and growing audience engagement. Erin is passionate about storytelling that informs, inspires, and drives meaningful impact.
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SAMANTHA SHAH
CMO at Raging Bull Consulting
My very first corporate gig at 17 was a placement in the marketing team. #winning. They were the only team having fun it seemed – laughing and talking while they worked. But the campaign I worked on was set to encourage kids to adopt a sustainable approach to hot water usage and it lasted all summer. The opportunity to influence people's thoughts and to persuade them to change their behaviour had me hooked for life. And the rest is history.
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NEHA SEN
Group Executive Director - Marketing, Experience & Innovation at Acumentis Group
An intrinsically motivated C-Suite leader with a proven ability to deliver unprecedented revenue results through strong business acumen, innovation and operational reform driven by industry-leading best practices, data analysis and comprehensive research at local, national, and international levels.
Passionate about boosting financial performance through a customer-centric approach, effective pricing, cost containment, organisational restructuring and cross-functional team leadership with HR, finance, customer service, business development, sales, administration and marketing teams working towards one clear goal. Fostering an environment of growth and career development for the team sits at the core of operational performance to achieve results.
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SOFIE SPELTA
Marketing Consultant at BHP, Founder at SoSo Run Club
With 10+ years in the marketing game, Sofie has done it all – agency life, client-side, and now running her own business. She knows the ins and outs of digital marketing, paid media and, most importantly, how to build a community. She’s all about relationships (the real kind, not just LinkedIn connections) and loves helping people grow their careers in a way that feels authentic and aligns with their lifestyle. You might also know her as the co-founder of SoSo’s Run Club, Brisbane’s most popular running community, proving that good vibes and strong branding go hand in hand.
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CAROLINE STARECKY
Founder at Leap Lab
Caroline Starecky is the founder of Leap Lab, a Brisbane-based strategy and business coaching advisory firm dedicated to helping female founders, entrepreneurs, and leaders leap into further growth and success. A serial entrepreneur, strategist and certified business coach, Caroline has built, scaled, and successfully exited multiple businesses.
With over 20 years of experience in business strategy and advertising, a master’s degree in international marketing, and 14 years as a senior lecturer in strategy and innovation, Caroline brings a wealth of expertise to empower women in business to take bold steps, break barriers and create greater impact. As an accomplished keynote speaker and MC, she has spoken at numerous empowering female-focused events, including UQ, IWD, Assisterhood, and more!
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HANNAH STATHAM
CEO at Media Mortar
Currently, I'm the CEO and Founder of a content marketing agency, but really, like everyone else, I'm taking client problems, decoding them and finding strategic solutions. I've worked across many facets of marketing but most prominently social media, copywriting and campaign development and execution. I've spent the last fifteen years working in tourism marketing and while I'm always trying to diversify industries, I find myself lured back. What do next steps look like for me? Leading my team to the next level of growth. We have some big hairy audacious goals to kick this year, and it's my job to lead the team towards them.
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AMRI THERON
Business Advisory Consultant at PrinsProtea
Amri Theron is a seasoned professional specialising in SaaS Startups, Professional Services, and Business Transformation, she is a global digital and change leader who drives revenue growth through strategic partnerships. She connects data, people, products, and brands to maximise efficiencies and deliver customer value. Amri's people-first approach is reflected in her Non-profit advisory board service and interest in human adaptation to AI.
Recognised for exceptional leadership and stakeholder management, Amri excels in fostering collaboration and driving innovation. Her approach is underpinned by client delivery outcomes, learning, empathy, and insight. Passionate about applying technology for the greater good, Amri is committed to giving back and mentoring the next generation of leader
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DEBORAH WOODFORD
Head of Marketing at Great Southern Bank
Deborah is a senior strategic marketer with deep expertise in customer-centric, insight-led, and data-driven marketing. With a strong track record of driving innovation, creativity, and commercial success, she is dedicated to developing and executing best-in-class marketing strategies that deliver meaningful business impact.
Her experience spans both agency and client-side, in London, Sydney and Brisbane; working across industries with brands including Toyota, Volkswagen, Optus, NRMA, QSuper, and Great Southern Bank.
As a mentor, Deborah is committed to fostering the next generation of women in media, advertising and marketing, sharing industry knowledge, leadership experience, and strategic expertise to support career growth and professional development.
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KATH USABAL
Senior Manager, Demand Marketing, APAC at CSG
Kath has been living and breathing all things marketing for over a decade now. Her career journey started as a copywriter at a travel and hospitality marketing agency. There, she discovered her love for crafting stories and working with clients to bring creative campaigns to life. Since then, she has navigated the worlds of enterprise, B2B SaaS, agencies, and startups—always seeking the sweet spot where strategy meets creativity.
Now leading APAC marketing efforts for CSG, a global technology solutions company, Kath focuses on helping brands solve complex challenges through thoughtful, data-driven campaigns. She believes the best ideas come from teamwork, curiosity, and sometimes, a really good cup of coffee.
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