Marketing Mavericks: Suncorp Group’s Mim Haysom

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Marketing Mavericks was a supplement in the latest mag, featuring some of Australia’s most daring and bold marketers. Today, we’re bringing you Suncorp Group’s chief marketing officer, Mim Haysom.

Watch Magic From The Wings

Starting her career as an account manager at JWT, Mim has been a marketing professional for over 20 years. A mum, a wife, and the current CMO at Suncorp Group, Mim is a big believer in the power of creativity to create change, while also being a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion.

While I’ve been a marketer for more than two decades, it wasn’t always the job I wanted. When I was 10, I wanted to be a film director. I loved movies but never wanted to be the centre of attention like an actress is. The idea of being part of the magic behind the scenes was my dream.

Obviously I did not live out my film director dream, but I do love my job as the CMO of Suncorp. The best piece of advice I’ve ever received is “Love what you do and you’ll never work a day in your life”, and I can attest to its truth.

When people ask me what always works and what doesn’t work, my first response is it’s never so black-and-white! However, I’d say what always works is authenticity – it’s always positively powerful. What doesn’t work is competing priorities. You need to be clear on your priorities and what you’re focusing on at a given point in time.

If I could offer a tip specifically for marketing graduates, it would be to find an organisation that enables to you to be curious, encourages you to learn and to grow, and one that has values that align to your own. In that environment, you will thrive.

My favourite ad of all time? Apple’s ‘Here’s to the crazy ones’. It inspires me, makes me think, feel and want to dream bigger and better. I showed it to my kids when they were quite young and they had the same reaction to it and wanted to know the story behind every person featured. It’s timeless.

Any hidden talents?

I’m a seriously good UNO player.

The most regrettable thing you’ve ever eaten?

Giant oysters at a Tokyo fish market.

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acoustic marketing mavericks Mim Haysom