There’s got to be a better way

In January of 2023 we left Sydney behind and moved to Coffs Harbour. We loved our jobs but were stuck in the rental market, cost of living was rapidly outstripping our wages and our kids were growing up a long way from their family. We were on a path leading in the wrong direction - there had to be a better way to keep doing the work we were passionate about - and pretty good at - while building a better life for our family.

From our office in the country that’s exactly what we’re doing. Working in partnership with agencies, marketers and people & culture departments to enrich their businesses while we enrich our family’s lives.

We are agency allies, supporting the world we’ve each spent over 20 years within. Freelancing to fill resource gaps, adding firepower, evolving ways of working, improving storytelling, creating agency expression, getting new business and supporting their people. We help marketers and businesses work more effectively with their agency partners, providing a connection from business strategy to comms strategy, bolstering relationships and creating connections.

We are people focused in our approach, delivering impactful and actionable training, coaching and mentoring to help the next generation love their careers as much as we have. Our training programs are designed to maximise the potential of individuals, teams and client relationships, going beyond the technical craft to focus on personal development and the unseen magic that makes someone indispensable.

Phil Ely

20 years and counting…

I've spent time in just about every agency structure you can think of - from full service advertising integrating media, creative, digital and PR through to global media specialist.

I helped to grow the Aussie arm of a global indie agency network from a couple people working above a chicken shop in Paddington to a thriving business unit across APAC that sold to a global network.

I've run an APAC media department with teams in Sydney and Singapore, owned the P&L and helped shape the direction of a global media business.

I’ve been a head of digital and media strategy in Australia and APAC that led me to spend years travelling all over the world for pitches, presentations, workshops and conferences.

I've lead and won media, creative, digital and integrated full service pitches. Won an AIMIA for best use of social media, was part of the leadership team that won the Adnews small agency of the year and worked for a load of amazing brands including Netflix, New Balance, Electronic Arts, Western Union, Johnson & Johnson, Danone Nutricia, iNova Pharmaceuticals, Arla Foods and TK Maxx to name a few.

I've fought the battles, earned the scars, learnt the lessons, won the awards and done a mountain of work I'm really proud of. Now I want to help you find a better way to solve whatever challenge you’re up against!

I love how people think, and getting a little insight into what makes us tick.

This intrigue has played a pretty significant role in my career without me always realising it. When I was at university, I loved my consumer behaviour subject so much I signed up for psych 101 as an elective. As a 3rd year marketing major I may have stood out a little from the altruistic 1st year psych students wanting to make the world a better place. But people are at the centre of all we do and understanding them deeper has given me perspective that is often lacking in traditional career development.

I was drawn to roles in media and full service agencies, where I got to really understand the customers we were speaking to & to work closely with varied teams. I leant in when I had opportunities to work with incredible strategists, learn their craft & the art of asking why. Collaborated with mind blowing data scientists, who approach a challenge with a completely different perspective to a traditional media planner. Answering big questions from clients and our teams. Developed integrated teams with truly talented creatives connecting ideas, messages, targeting and channels so that everything was considered and complimentary along the way. Connected with clients to develop partnerships that actually made a difference. And ultimately my passion for understanding people influenced the way I led people, grew teams, coached & developed both my team and colleagues across companies. This has also influenced my approach to training and the programs I’ve developed, that are focused on maximising peoples potential holistically both as an individual and within teams.

Along the way I have been a Digital Specialist, Integrated Planner & Trader, Comms Planner, Client Partner, General Manager & Pitch Consultant. I have built teams, developed superstars, coached people through career shifts, turned client relationships around, created products (media and training), won business, spoken at industry events, contributed to industry training programs and collaborated with industry bodies. In all of my roles I have leant into the development of others and love how this comes to life through leadership, mentoring, coaching & training. Always taking pride in helping others shine.

Now, I’m excited to connect with people, get under the hood of the challenges you’re facing, the opportunity your teams represent and work with you to realise the potential that’s sitting just under the surface.