Lou Barrett, managing director of sales at News Corp Australia has been inducted as the newest Mediaweek Icon at the Mediaweek 100, held at the Pearl Ballroom at the Crown Sydney on Friday.
Barrett was inducted by Mark Coad, CEO of IPG Mediabrands Australia, who introduced her as someone with an “incredible reputation in the industry, as well as being hardworking, fun and known for taking no bullshit.”
Barrett opened her speech by mentioning she has met so many “beautiful people” in the industry, and it’s what she loves about the industry.
“To James [Manning, Editor-at-Large] and to Mullos [Andrew Mulready, head of commercial] and the entire team at Mediaweek, I feel so incredibly honoured to be named an icon. It’s a bit surreal actually, I feel like I’m just getting started, so I’m not going anywhere….,” she said.
“It feels like only yesterday that I walked into the Channel 9 sales department as a very, very young girl and got knocked over in the corridor by an icon that I absolutely loved and adored, and that’s David Leckie. And he pushed me over, and he goes ‘Who the f*ck are you?’ I thought ‘My God. What have I done? What have I done?
“But look, I’ve always been incredibly passionate about this industry. It’s a space that constantly evolves. It’s constantly challenging you. And most importantly, it allows you to connect with people in ways that I think are both really powerful, and really meaningful. And to be part of such a dynamic industry, and there’s so much change going on at the moment, to be part of a dynamic industry where every day feels like an opportunity to innovate, to tell stories, to make an impact, and to deliver results for clients, is something I truly, truly love and I try to impart on my team as well.
“I’m lucky that I’ve worked alongside some of the most creative and most talented people in media, and it’s that sort of collaboration that continues to drive me, nearly 40 years in.
“Most importantly, I’ve built some lifelong friendships along the way…. And you can’t have longevity in this industry without an amazing family to support you, and I have that. I’m so, so lucky to be a mum to five kids, who make me proud every day. My husband, Peter… who is here with me today has supported me unconditionally for the last 20 years. He’s my rock, he’s our family’s heart and soul, and he loves my clients as much as I do…
“Finally… to all the incredible teams I’ve had the pleasure of leading over the years, and the privilege…. A lot of you are really close friends… And I’m really so grateful to you all for being a part of my journey. So here’s to the next chapter, and here’s to many, many more years of passion and progress.”
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Top image: Lou Barrett at Mediaweek 100