This week’s Meeting of the Minds sees Richard Thompson and Rosa Macdonald from D3, a media agency with offices in Auckland and Sydney, reveal their leadership heroes, current streaming binge, and career goals.
The Mediaweek series showcases diverse perspectives, thoughts and opinions by bringing together two different points of view from an industry rookie and an experienced expert.
Richard Thompson, co-founder and partner – D3
Richard Thompson
Favourite podcast/read – “The High-Performance Podcast” — I love it for the insightful deep dive into the lives of highly successful people. It’s especially fascinating to hear the backgrounds of iconic sports figures, understanding what drives them, their eccentric routines, and what makes them tick. I usually listen to it while walking my dog in the early hours of the morning—it’s the perfect balance of motivation & perspective to kick-start the day.
Current streaming binge – Netflix’s “Untold” series. It dives deep into some of the most controversial stories in sports history. I love it because it goes beyond the headlines and explores the personal struggles, triumphs, and complexities of athletes and events, revealing the humanity behind the game. It’s not just about the sport—it’s about the people, the passion and the drama.
Guilty pleasure content – “Below Deck.” It’s reality TV at its most addictive—a bunch of yacht crew members dealing with demanding guests, chaotic relationships, and all the drama you can imagine at sea. I’m a little embarrassed to admit I enjoy it because it’s not exactly highbrow or productive viewing, but there’s something about the sheer absurdity of it all that just pulls you in. Before I know it, I’m three episodes deep, and it’s somehow both mindless and thoroughly entertaining.
What do you have on repeat – US election coverage. It’s like watching a real-life soap opera unfold, with all its chaotic twists. There’s an underlying tension because these events aren’t just entertainment—they’re shaping the world we live in and determining the future for all of us. The mix of intense personalities, unexpected turns, and the sheer weight of what’s at stake keeps pulling me back in. It’s gripping, maddening, and fascinating all at once, and I can’t help but keep following it.
Best career advice – Success is a combination of talent, hard work, and persistence, but those are pointless without good relationships. You can be the most talented or hard working person in the room, but without genuine connections and the ability to work well with others, it becomes incredibly difficult to get ahead. Relationships are the foundation that allows talent and effort to flourish.
Leadership hero – As a passionate Liverpool fan, it is of course Jürgen Klopp. His ability to motivate with positivity is incredible. He’s a master of man management, understanding that each player is unique, with their own needs and motivations. Klopp knows how to bring out the best in people, his emotional intelligence allows him to connect deeply with his team, creating an environment of trust, passion, and belief. He builds not just players, but cohesive teams that fight for each other, which is why he’s such a legend to all Liverpool fans.
Best training course/session – A negotiation skills workshop I attended a few years back. It reshaped my understanding of how effective negotiation works – not just in business, but in everyday life. The key takeaway was that the best outcomes come when all parties feel like they’ve gained something. It showed me that the classic aggressive or confrontational approach doesn’t lead to lasting solutions. Instead, negotiation is about empathy, understanding the other side’s needs, and finding common ground. By focusing on collaboration and ensuring that everyone walks away with a win, you build stronger relationships and more sustainable results. It was a real shift from the typical “win at all costs” mentality and made me a far better communicator.
I wish someone had told me – That success is never a straight line. I used to think there was a clear path—like a checklist you just had to follow. But the truth is more like a game of snakes and ladders and once I realised that the detours and bumps were just part of the ride, it got a whole lot easier (and a lot more fun). If I’d known that sooner, I would’ve stressed way less and enjoyed the chaos a lot more.
Favourite place to network – The golf course. The mix of walking, talking, and the challenge of golf really brings out everyone’s true personality. Plus, there’s nothing like getting to know someone over a few holes and a little competition.
Something that surprised you about the industry – How much the basics still matter. Despite all the tech advances, at the heart of media, it’s still about understanding people, audiences, motivations, and how to tell the right story.
What is your hot take on the industry – The future of media is all about integrating “Pipes, Partnerships, and People.” It’s about combining the precision of programmatic (Pipes), the credibility of premium media partnerships (Partnerships), and the authenticity of influencers (People). When you blend these elements together, brands can go beyond just reaching audiences—they genuinely engage and connect with them in meaningful ways. It’s about making media smarter, more trusted, and more human.
Career goal for 2024 – To ensure our clients remain at the forefront of their markets, driving business results through brilliant media solutions. If we continue to do this for our clients, then our own success will follow naturally.
Rosa Macdonald – business manager, D3
Rosa Macdonald
Favourite podcast/read – I have to admit that I never listen to Podcasts, I would rather listen to music. I do read though, and have just started Sally Rooney’s new novel, she’s definitely a hero of mine.
Current streaming binge – I’ve been watching Industry season three. It’s a good mix of dark humour and drama in an investment bank in London. Complex characters whose personal and professional struggles are exaggerated but weirdly familiar. Highly recommend it.
Guilty pleasure content – Real Housewives of anywhere – Beverly Hills, New York, Orange County. There’s something captivating about their extravagant lifestyles, it’s like a social experiment.
What do you have on repeat – I’ve been a shameless Swiftie since I was a kid. I promise that my music taste stretches over most genres though.
Best career advice – One of the best things I was told when I had just started was that everyone has a type of imposter syndrome at some stage. This view helped me manage my own confidence in the workplace, but also helped shape my working relationships with colleagues. It is true that we are all only human.
Leadership hero – It may sound corny but my Dad. He taught my brother and I that it’s possible to work full time and achieve success in your field while also being a hands-on father. You don’t need to sacrifice your personal life for career success.
Best training course/session – When I very first joined the industry, I did an 8-week training course on the fundamentals of media and advertising. Whilst it taught me the basics of the job, the most important thing it showed me was the value of collaboration – the best outcomes come from bringing diverse strengths together.
I wish someone had told me – Learning in the workplace cuts both ways. It can be overwhelming joining the industry and feeling swamped by all there is to learn, and Gen Z’s can get a bad rep. But young people have a lot to offer – particularly with their deep understanding of the digital world we are all inhabiting.
Favourite place to network – Anywhere – It’s less about the place and more about the conversation, but I have always found that group challenges are a great way to get to know people. Competition always brings out the fun in people.
Something that’s surprised you about the industry – This has been observed a lot, but it truly was the sheer amount of marketing lingo that is used daily, especially working in a media agency. Early on, I felt like I was emailing people who were speaking a different language. I then surprised myself when I started doing the same.
What is your hot take on the industry – It is being increasingly acknowledged that influencer marketing is an important way to reach younger audiences, but not much thought goes into the actual content. Which is why a lot of the time these can fall flat. Gen Z can see right through an ad, if brands want to connect with them creativity needs to be prioritised.
Career goal for 2024 – Building on my mentorship skills –if I can help foster an environment where every team member feels empowered to contribute, then creativity will thrive. This energy will naturally translate into innovative work and great outcomes for our clients.
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Past editions of Meeting of the Minds.
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Top image: Richard Thompson and Rosa Macdonald