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 month Initiative’s Sarah James and Ashwin Gourav Tamilarasu from Initiative Melbourne reveal their leadership heroes, current streaming binge and career goals for 2023.
Sarah James, Managing Director, Initiative Melbourne
Sarah James
Best career advice – we get paid to have an opinion, so make sure you voice it!
My favourite podcast/read – I must say I am not into the podcasts… but read anything crime thriller. I only really enjoy reading on holidays, so often find myself buying the latest Michael Connelly or Tom Clancy!!
Current streaming binge – Currently watching The Sinner – season 3
Leadership hero – Luke Hodge – before captaining the Hawks he was our spiritual captain too
I wish someone had told me – to close Tupperware easily, you push down in the centre not the outside
Guilty content pleasure – anything reality…. eek
Best training course/session – anything from The School of Life
Your mentor – I have two people in my life that I bounce ideas off. They are both out of the media industry to provide a different perspective.
One of my favourite pieces of advice that was told to me many years ago but still rings true – If you get a heightened emotion of frustration or anger from receiving an email, there is no requirement to write straight back. Sleep on it and come back to it with a fresh perspective – a much better way to do business.
Hot medium or show – I am going to stick with it – The Sinner!
Favourite media event – Can’t go past the Melbourne Media Hall of Fame!
Wish I’d done that – learnt how to speak languages when I was younger.
Career goal for 2023 – To be the most revered agency in Melbourne!
Ashwin Gourav Tamilarasu, Partnerships Associate, Initiative Melbourne
Ashwin Gourav Tamilarasu
Best career advice – Haste makes waste – manage your time efficiently for the best results.
My favourite podcast/read – I wasn’t much of a podcast person, but recently I’ve been hooked on to The Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett.
Current streaming binge – Vadhandhi (a Tamil thriller series on Prime)
Leadership hero – John Terry. Captain, Leader, Legend
I wish someone had told me – You look younger than your age.
Guilty content pleasure – Anime. (The good ones ?)
Best training course/session – Every chapter in the book of life.
Your mentor – Currently, everyone at the office.
Hot medium or show – It’s very hard to look past Vadhandhi (Highly recommended!)
Favourite media event – The next one I’m attending.
Wish I’d done that –- Learning to play a musical instrument.
Career goal for 2023 – Producing my best work to make brands grow.
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Top image: Sarah James and Ashwin Gourav Tamilarasu