Meeting of the Minds returns in 2024, showcasing diverse perspectives, thoughts and opinions from an experienced expert and industry rookie.
This week’s Meeting of the Minds sees Gerry Bowness and Kaitlin Wiley from Mediahub reveal their leadership heroes, current streaming binge and career goals.
Gerry Bowness and Kaitlin Wiley
Gerry Bowness, head of digital, Mediahub
Favourite podcast/read – Wolf & Owl Podcast – as an expat in Aus, it gives me a slice of dry British humour every week
Current streaming binge – Boy Swallows Universe
Guilty pleasure content – Luxe Listings – the swagger on the agents is hilarious.
What do you have on repeat – Sopranos, still yet to find a better TV show.
Best career advice – go with your gut instinct.
Leadership hero – Gordon Ramsey; his pursuit for perfection and relentless energy is inspirational whatever field you’re in. Watch clips of Boiling Point on YouTube to see his early drive for 3 Michelin stars – it’s no surprise he won them.
Best training course/session – not so much a training course but a recent APAC pitch I participated in exposed me to some great thinking from some of the most senior people in IPG across the region. I believe pitching, whether successful or not, is the catalyst for many great ideas across our industry.
I wish someone had told me – to live and work in more countries.
Favourite place to network – industry events where we’re not talking too much shop.
Something that’s surprised you about the industry – how similar agency life is whether you’re at an Indie or a Group.
What is your hot take on the industry – Creative media thinking is becoming more important than ever, whether it’s a distinctive new format or an amazing creative idea that’s enhanced through media. AI and biddable has levelled the playing field somewhat, so creative media thinking is where a brand & agency can really stand out.
Career goal for 2024 – continue to grow the amazing team at Mediahub across ANZ
Kaitlin Wiley, digital planner buyer, Mediahub
Favourite podcast/read – Fav poddy– Newly Weds by Sophie Habboo and Jamie Lang (funniest podcast, I always listen to it on my way to work and it puts you in the best mood for the day).
Fav read – Good Material; Dolly Alderton or anything by Dolly, her writing style is amazing.
Current streaming binge – Boy Swallows Universe
Guilty pleasure content – Recipe inspo and foodie content, honestly could be stuck in a scroll hole for hours.
What do you have on repeat – Anything Country…. (in my Luke Combs era)
Best career advice – Question everything that’s presented to or put in front of you…
Leadership hero – Jacinda Ardern; Not only showing the world that you can lead a country and have a bubba at the same time!! But also, the kindness and empathy she demonstrates within her leadership style are qualities I find so admirable and is something I hope I can embody throughout my career.
Best training course/session – NGEN Course – Light Your Fire! How to Unleash Your Creativity Within – Was such a good course which helped me realise no matter the role you are in you can spark creativity within your everyday.
I wish someone had told me – the ‘goal seek’ function on excel earlier – life changing
Favourite place to network – Media events of course
Something that’s surprised you about the industry – The amount of avenues you can take within media. No matter where your passion lies there is so many ways to make impact within the industry even if it sits outside your role.
What is your hot take on the industry – Influencer Marketing needs to be given just as much love as the other channels in our media mix!
Career goal for 2024 – Specifically working in the digital space, I want to learn how I can most effectively plan and buy to ensure we are making environmentally conscious decisions. I would really love to end 2024 knowing I have helped change the way we buy media within our agency to have a focus on how we can help reduce emissions.
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Top image: Mediahub’s Gerry Bowness and Kaitlin Wiley