Meeting of the Minds brings together two different points of view from an industry rookie and an experienced expert.
The Mediaweek series aims to showcase their diverse perspectives, thoughts and opinions.
This week’s Meeting of the Minds sees Daniela Rocchi and Sophie Mateer from Initiative reveal their leadership heroes, current streaming binge and career goals for 2023.
Daniela Rocchi, Head of Partnerships, Initiative
Best career advice – “Be yourself and don’t change to meet people’s expectations”. This is a great piece of advice that I have held onto in both my career and personal life. It can be so easy to be influenced by other people’s perceptions and expectations of what we should be like. To be my true self helps me stand out, find the right career path and be more confident and comfortable in professional situations.
My favourite podcast/read – My favourite book of all time is Marching Powder; I love anything non-fiction. Marching Powder is an extraordinary book that exposes readers to the harsh realities of other countries’ justice systems. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a gripping and thought-provoking novel.
Current streaming binge – Succession!! One of the main reasons why I am hooked on this show is because of it excellent character development, its sharp dialogue and memorable one-liners.
Leadership hero – Andrea Bocelli (Italian Tenor). Andrea Bocelli is an iconic Italian Opera singer, renowned for his incredible voice, passion and dedication to his art. Andrea’s influence as an artist and philanthropist is widely recognised.
There are many reasons why Andrea Bocelli is my leadership hero and why his music has been a source of inspiration, comfort, and hope for me during difficult times.
His determination to overcome adversity and achieve his dreams. Andrea Bocelli was born visually impaired, with congenital glaucoma, and at the age of 12, Bocelli became completely blind. He refused to let his blindness limit his potential, this is a testament to the strength of his character and I admire that so much.
Lastly, Bocelli’s philanthropy and humanitarian work is so inspiring, he created a foundation called ‘The Andrea Bocelli Foundation’ which empowers people and communities in situations of poverty, illiteracy, and distress due to illness and social exclusion. He is a true inspiration.
I wish someone had told me – Slow down, stop and think about the bigger picture. Life is short enjoy, every single minute with laughter and love.
Guilty content pleasure – Anything reality, I am a sucker and get hooked way too easily.
Best training course/session – Wow, I can’t even count the number of training courses I have done throughout my career, however the one that does stand out for me is the Initiative Pitch Academy. I was selected to go on a global Initiative Pitch Academy course that brought together a selected few people from Initiative offices ’round the world. This course gave me in-depth knowledge of how to feel confident and proud when I am in a pitch situation.
Your mentor – I am lucky to be able to have such a great mentor within the industry that has been able to provide guidance, support, and advise based on their own experience and expertise. My mentor has kept me accountable for my goals, has helped me grow both personally and professionally and has been a valuable source of motivation. I highly recommend having a mentor throughout your career no matter what stage of your career you are in.
Hot medium or show – I am all about TikTok and Insta Reels, this really helps me to switch off for the day. My for you page is full of hilarious content that makes me smile and laugh.
Favourite media event – This is a tough one!! I have been to so many amazing media events throughout my career and am so grateful that I have had the privilege to attend such great events.
One that stands out is the amazing The Sony Foundation Wharf4Ward, it is such an empowering event which not only has media flare and fun, but most importantly raises money for youth causes.
Sony Foundation Australia aims to improve young Australians’ health and wellbeing through positive experiences and social change in areas underfunded by society. The funds raised go towards helping improve the lives of young Australians with cancer, disability, and experiencing homelessness or are at disadvantage.
This is a true testament of media banding together to help others in need.
Wish I’d done that – Lived in Italy when I had the opportunity to, or started my own wine bar.
Career goal for 2023 – Motivate and encourage others to thrive, love and enjoy their workdays especially the guys who are new to media. We work in such a specialist craft where every day is so different, fun, and challenging.
Sophie Mateer, Strategy Executive, Initiative
Best career advice – I’ve heard a lot of advice, some sweet and some tough but the best advice I have received was to always make people feel important. This means truly listening and understanding people’s passions or hardships so you can deepen relationships with anyone.
My favourite podcast/read – I am currently loving How To Be a Better Human which explores ways to improve yourself in all aspects of life. But I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t tuning into some true crime episodes here and there.
Current streaming binge – Any docuseries on Prime Video or Netflix is always at the top of my list, the latest being Trainwreck: Woodstock ’99.
Leadership hero – I could say someone like Oprah but honestly it would have to be my mum. She has taught me how being kind does not mean you can’t also be strong, a lesson which is important at all times.
I wish someone had told me – Being curious will take you places you couldn’t have imagined!
Guilty content pleasure – I am obsessed with houses and design so am often watching The Local Project, Never Too Small or AD, just dreaming of my future home!
Best training course/session – An unbelievable experience I have had at Initiative was ‘Stratcon’, where the team had a few days of crafting, creating, and connecting. It was a great bonding experience and allowed us to learn about different aspects of the business!
Your mentor – I have always believed in having different mentors to teach you different things. My current mentors are Sam Geer and Elle Galipienzo who are incredible at providing me with totally different perspectives on career and life.
Hot medium or show – Not going to lie, there is something very special when you get to show your client an OOH ad, from tram-wraps to billboards at airports, it can really bring an idea to life.
Favourite media event– Just as things were getting back to normal, Val Morgan hosted one of the most incredible media events ever. Top Gun themed, down on the Sydney Harbour with fantastic company and music acts!
Wish I’d done that – Created Canva! Melanie Perkins (founder and CEO) saw a gap in the market and was quick to create a solution to solve lots of people’s needs – she is a truly incredible entrepreneur.
Career goal for 2023 – This year I am focusing on finding my passions and exploring their purpose within my career and life in general. Something I am very passionate about is providing opportunities to graduates (both regional and rural) and showing what this industry has to offer.
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Top image: Daniela Rocchi and Sophie Mateer