Meet B&T Melbourne Bootcamp Mentor: Ogilvy’s David Ponce de Leon
B&T Bootcamp is coming to Melbourne! Hooray!
In the lead up to this not-to-be-missed event, B&T interviewed some of the amazing mentors you’ll hear from on the day, and their thoughts on all things media, marketing and advertising.
B&T Bootcamp Melbourne takes place on 3rd September at the Bayview Eden in Melbourne. Visit the website to learn more here or grab your tickets now!
Now, hear from David Ponce de Leon – ECD, Ogilvy Melbourne – one of our incredible mentors you’ll be hearing from on the day.
David began his career as a designer, moving into art direction and honing his craft at agencies ranging from large multinationals to small independent shops.
In the past 20 years, David has been awarded more than two hundred times on all major national and international award shows with work for brands like AAMI, adidas, Cadbury, Heinz, Mars, Metro, Nintendo, Seek, Schweppes, Suzuki, Tigerair, Whiskas, WorkSafe and the Victorian Government.
This includes multiple ‘Agency of the Year’ titles for agencies under his creative stewardship.
For the past decade, David has also been active in training the next generation of Australian creative talent through his role leading the Melbourne AWARD School program and most recently as the head of ADMA Creative School.
Check out our interview with David below!
How vital are young people to the marketing communications industry?
Very. Young talent are extremely important for any industry. They come fresh into the game, still naïve, not jaded or cynical. And full of new ideas, energy, dreams and expectations! I also find young talent more experimental, braver and more pioneering in regards to new mediums.
What can the industry do to attract and retain young talent?
We need to make the marketing communications industry an attractive option for the best creative and analytical minds out there. Set realistic expectations that don’t lead to disappointment. Provide clear career paths to slowly but surely move upwards. And (find out a) way to offer more than just money to retain them. I still believe this industry is one of the most challenging but most fun industries anyone can choose as a career path. But somehow, it all became way too serious and we forgot to have fun. We need to bring fun back.
What’s the biggest challenge young people face in the marketing communications industry?
I think the external perception of the industry ends up clashing with the reality of their day-to-day job. There is still a bit of a ‘Mad Men’ meets Logies faux glamour perception attached to our industry and the reality of having to sit down in front of spreadsheets and PowerPoint screens for hours on end proves too much of a disconnect for some of our new arrivals.
How can young people avoid ‘burn-out’ and create a better work-life balance while working in the industry?
I think workplaces and leaders need to be more involved and more aware about this issue and implement wellbeing policies that can help young people find a balance that’s right for them. On an individual level, perspective is very important, the fact is ours is not a life or death industry, so be easy on yourself.
How important is ‘passion’ in the industry?
It’s not just important. It’s indispensable. Without it, I believe, most people won’t go very far. You must love what you do, pure and simple. Passion trumps talent, anytime.
If you could re-do the start of your career, what would you change? What wouldn’t you change?
To be honest, I wouldn’t change a thing. Everything I’ve done or has happened to me in the last 20 years was meant to happen in exactly the same way for me to be where I am now. And I am extremely happy, thank you very much.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give young people starting out in the industry?
Focus on the journey, not on the destination. If you get there too quickly, or as quickly as you would like to, your mind will find a new challenge and it all starts all over again. But if you focus on the journey, you’ll enjoy it one day at a time and I believe that ultimately will make your own landmarks more fulfilling and more satisfying. Enjoy the journey! And don’t forget to look out of the window once in a while!
Latest News
Choose A Path Less Trodden This Cannes In Cairns
Don’t be basic. Think creatively and you shall reap the benefits of Cannes in Cairns. “We want brands!” “We want the CMOs!” We heard you and we acted. The content slate at this year’s Cannes in Cairns, presented by Pinterest, is packed to the rafters with some epic brands and top marketing talent. But that’s […]
Cannes In Cairns MC Keeva Stratton Shares Her Top Session Picks
Self-professed nerd and one of four top Cannes in Cairns, presented by Pinterest MCs, Keeva Stratton has a front-row seat to some fascinating minds and fierce debates. But who should you put on your must-see, must-hear list? Here, B&T grabs five with the Quip agency founder, who will be helming the lecture in the Rainforest […]
Here Are The Agencies That Made AFR’s Best Places To Work List And What The Industry Can Learn From Them
Did your office not make the list? Make sure your boss shouts at least two schooners at office drinks come Friday.
Get Ready, B&T’s Best Of The Best Is Back With The Top Holding Company Executive Leaders – Creative!
Want to know who the Grandest of the Grand Poobahs in the industry are? Look no further than this exhaustive list.
How A Glittering Campaign Helped The Australian Museum Sell 400,000 Tickets
B&T thoroughly enjoyed the Ramses exhibition at The Australian Museum, despite thinking we were going to the Archibald.
TV Ratings (30/04/2024): A “Shoey” Straight From A Fish’s Mouth Launches The Cheap Seats Into 2024
Last night's TV saw horny farmers beat Lego nerds, who beat fame-obsessed home cooks, who beat a chap with a large fish.
Spotlight Extends Partnership With Starlight Children’s Foundation
B&T always happy to promote the excellent work of the Starlight Foundation. Less so the Starfish Fanciers Foundation.
Amazon’s Advertising Quarterly Revenue Soars To $11.8bn
There are so many Amazon couriers visiting B&T headquarters at the moment our office dog doesn't know who to maul first.
VML Wellington Welcomes Jacob McGregor As Pou Ārahi Māori
McGregor set to lead cultural competency and safety at VML Wellington in important new gig.
“They Grow Up So Fast”: Simon Fowler On Five Years Of ABEL
Abel's CEO talks lessons learned from the agency's first five years. Including staff nicking all the Nespresso capsules.
Kyle & Jackie O Urge Melbourne To Pick A Side
Who can stop Kyle & Jackie O's indelible march into Melbourne radio? Is Peter 'Moony' Moon waiting by the phone?
Future & Taika Waititi Feature In Striking New Global Belvedere Campaign
Not only does drinking vodka make you cool like these dudes, it also has great weight loss properties for the bone idle.
The Fall Of Bonza: A Case Study In How To, And Not To, React In A Crisis
Does the collapse of yet another budget airline hark back to a gentler time of 17 hours spent on a Greyhound bus?
Opinion: Agencies, Be Unique – Stop Using The Word “Unique!”
Trinity P3's Ellie Angell says agencies are overusing the word unique. You could add omnichannel & holisitic to that.
Ex Marketing & Advertising Exec Releases Melanoma Memoir
Ex-adlander Anne Gately has penned a tome to skin cancer. Which is a handy reminder to check your moles, people.
Mamamia Appoint Danni Wright As New Head Of Strategy
Danni Wright takes up Mamamia's strategy reins with a feng shui expert called over positioning of office chaise lounge.
From The Bureau: Championing Competency & Cross-Industry Collaboration
The IAB's Jonas Jaanimagi calls for more specialisation in adtech. Meaning you'll understand it less than you already do.
Rumble Nabs Renee Park From Cutting Edge
Rumble has recruited Renee Park as one of its new sound designers. And it's only right to make some noise about it.
iD Collective Teams Up With City Of Parramatta To Amp Up NRL Fan Experience
Adland's often lampooned for never going further west than Surry Hills. So this Parramatta news is welcome indeed.
Slew Of New Hires At The Company We Keep
The Company We Keep announces new hires. Here's hoping it doesn't impact the RBA's interest rate decision.
UnDigital Announces Brand Refresh Helping Clients Achieve More Than 600% Sales Increase
Warning - this headline comes with some obscene bragging. Much like the B&T editor's 5/8 in the weekend footy tipping.
Microsoft Advertising: “We Make The Complicated Simple”
Microsoft ads wants to make the complicated simple. The total opposite to Korean restaurant menus & the recent Yes vote.
TV Ratings 29/4/24: Farmer Wants A Wife And Lego Masters Lock Horns In Overnight’s Battle
Who won the battle of the big guns - Lego or Farmer Wants A Wife? One thing's for sure, it wasn't Great Train Journeys.
Nielsen Data Reveals Brands Spending Big To Attract Aussie Tourists
Nielsen Ad Intel data has revealed that the travel and tourism industry spent more than $153 million on advertising in Australia in Q1, 2024 – an increase of 8 per cent from the previous quarter, with TripADeal the biggest spender, followed by Virgin Australia, then the Flight Centre-owned Ignite Travel. As many Australians return from […]
IAS Awarded New Responsible AI Certification From Trustarc
Integral Ad Science tossing up over the mahogany or teak frame after being awarded TRUSTe Responsible AI Certification.
AWARD Calls For Hall Of Fame Nominations
B&T's noms for AWARD Hall of Famer includes Louis The Fly, Chums' talking Scottie dog & Mumbrella's coke dealer.
Havas Red Wins PagerDuty PR Account
Havas Red wins PagerDuty's PR. And judging by B&T having to Google PagerDuty, it could probably do with some help.
ACA Poised To Release Results Of 2023 Create Space Census
The Advertising Council unveils date for its census results. Hey, why not coincide it with an office lamington drive?
Why Fear Is Essential To Fernando Machado’s Creativity
If there's anyone B&T loves to chat to, it's fabled marketer Fernando Machado. Although the 5am time difference sucks.
Superdry Drafts AFL’s Patrick Lipinski For New Campaign
B&T fast regretting that poncho we just bought, as it appears the puffer jacket returns as winter's hottest trend.
Elon Musk vs eSafety: Legal Experts Warn That ‘Rogue Operators’ Like X Are Unlikely To Win Federal Court Battle
If this legal stoush boils down to who can afford the better lawyers, B&T's backing Mr Musk every single time.
Amy Poehler Presents First Look At Inside Out 2 At Vivid Sydney 2024
Vivid isn't about freezing your arse off while looking at lights on a wall, as you'll learn with this Amy Poehler news.
Mutinex Launches DataOS Improving Data Warehousing & Quality For MMM Marketers
Work in marketing? Does your data warehousing resemble a teenager's bedroom? Here's a Marie Kondo-approved read.
IMAA Celebrates Three Years Of Group Trade Credit Insurance Deal
Are you a struggling indie? Thinking of firebombing the building for the insurance money? IMAA has you covered here.
Adam Sandler Seemingly ‘Slams’ Ukraine In Pro-Kremlin Campaign
Host of A-list celebs caught slamming Ukraine's president. Thankfully it does have the Milli Vanillis about it.
New Marketing & Comms Agency For Defence & Aerospace Industry Takes Flight
As painful as this is to say, judging by current world events, the bomb & tank industries must be in rude health.