“Don’t Forget To Pay It Backwards”: Finecast’s Brett Poole Talks Career Goals & Hallmarks Of Success
In the lead-up to B&T’s inaugural Best of the Best awards, we’re sitting down with each of our sponsors to find out why they’ve decided to throw their support behind the event, and get their thoughts on what it takes to be the very best in your chosen field of expertise.
[Looking for the live stream of B&T’s Best of the Best awards? You’ve found it – click here!]
Here, we chat to Brett Poole, managing director of Finecast Australia (which just so happens to be our presenting partner for Best of the Best!)…
Why is Finecast supportive of recognising the Best of the Best in our industry?
When we first considered the concept of the Best of the Best awards, we reflected on the power of the individual in our industry and celebrating the talent and passion that drives them. Think of the number of times star players can not only make the critical difference in a business or project, but also help lift and inspire an entire team to sustained greatness and even help mould more amazing individuals. The impact is incredible and deserves recognition.
I also think that it’s important to remember that being the ‘best’ isn’t about ego or pretending to be all-knowing. Often, the best in someone is brought out by those around them, so while we’re celebrating individuals, we love that we’re supporting and celebrating the entire industry.
That brings me to the other characteristic of the awards we really loved: the scope of the categories. I think this could rank as one of the most inclusive awards across our industry and it is a wonderful reminder that at some point, we all rely on each other to create the very best work. Industry collaboration is something we hold close to our hearts at Finecast, so the combination of individual belief, coupled with a sense of togetherness in our industry, really hit it home for the Finecast team to get involved.
Are there any stand-out traits an individual or team must possess to be the best at something?
It’s such a great and difficult question to articulate without veering into ‘unicorn’ territory.
Whatever part of our industry you are in, I do believe that there are some key fundamental traits that are the hallmarks of success. For example, having an open mind to possibilities, the ability to listen and adapt to the changing circumstances are important qualities. Positivity, patience and proactivity for challenges that lie ahead. The ability to dream big or have a sense of entrepreneurship can go a long way in a world where often mundane steps on the path to our goal are a fact of life. And lastly, a personality that attracts other talent respectfully and with a collaborative spirit.
Okay, maybe I did stray into unicorn territory a little! But there is no set recipe – it’s different for everyone.
How have you encouraged the Finecast team to deliver their best work during COVID-19 pandemic?
The new COVID working environment hit our team as hard as probably every other team in our industry. Collaboration – that thing we care so much about at Finecast – became kind of unnatural and difficult to maintain in a home environment, and we soon realised how much we relied on each other’s physical presence to bounce ideas off each other; to be great at our jobs.
Whilst I would say that we’re much more experienced these days, the early days of the pandemic were certainly hard. We’ve all adapted, but it’s still challenging at times. Trying to maintain our culture and create our own brand of supportive teamwork was top of mind during a crazy period. In response, the team decided to put short but immovable meetings in the morning diary – three days a week to recreate some office banter and help transition our growing team into the new environment. We also got very flexible with time and time off so the team could help transition their own life and family outside of the demands of Finecast. We became very sensitive to the pressure that is placed on each of the team.
Lastly, I think it’s important that even the Best of the Best are not superheroes, and to remember everyone has had their difficulties with the type of change we have seen over the past year. Be kind to yourself and others.
How does Finecast ensure it attracts (and retains) top talent?
At Finecast, we have a very clear and transformational vision: to advance TV advertising for brands and viewers. We tend to attract people who are inspired by what the future of TV could and should look like, and are not afraid to push the boundaries a little.
We’ve grown a lot in the past year. Since launching in October 2018, we’ve seen triple-digit growth, and we’re still growing and looking for talented people to join our teams in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
We like to think that we hire the best of the best, and we’ve built a warm group of people who are all totally aligned on that vision. We’ve worked hard to create a super-safe environment for people that genuinely like being together, but are empowered to challenge each other and share differing views to achieve the best possible outcome for our clients.
In addition, Finecast is only three years old next month, so we still look and act a little bit like a start-up. Our team tend to thrive in that environment, and as the business grows quickly, there is plenty of headroom for personal skills and career growth.
What advice do you have for those trying to separate themselves from the rest and reach the pinnacle of their career?
Firstly, find what you love and focus on it. Develop an understanding both of what is it about you that sets you apart and what is it about you that brings people together.
Next, it sounds obvious, but get good at what you do. Take the time to hone your craft – it won’t happen overnight. I think it comes back to putting effort into preparation and learning your craft and skills.
Constantly seek knowledge and expand your experience. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and recognise the skills of people that know more than you and take risks. Usually, the best talent is forged through many failures large and small.
Finally, don’t forget to pay it backwards. As you progress, help someone else up.
B&T’s inaugural Best of the Best awards, presented by Finecast, will be held TODAY (Friday 10 September) at 4pm AEST. Register HERE now to secure your free spot and get ready to celebrate!
And, if you’re looking to get in the awards spirit prior to kick-off this arvo, check out who made the Best of the Best shortlist, and give our interview with finalist and F1 star Daniel Ricciardo a read.
Once again, a huge thanks to Finecast and the rest of our fabulous sponsors for making B&T’s newest awards program possible!
Please login with linkedin to comment
awards Best of the best Best of the Best Awards Brett Poole FinecastLatest News
Revium Snags Peter Bauld From Deloitte Digital
Revium, a leading full-service digital and AI consultancy, has announced the appointment of Peter Bauld (lead image) as Executive General Manager. Revium is a full-service digital and AI consultancy with over 20 years of experience creating engaging digital experiences for leading organisations and their customers. Bauld joins Revium after an illustrious career spanning over two […]
EMG/Gravity Media Names New Managing Director
The makers of Australia's Got Talent has been a magnet for senior hires in recent times.
Opinion: Shark Tank’s Sabri Suby Slams Politicians Jumping On TikTok Ban Bandwagon
Are politicians actually scaremongering about TikTok or just fed up of you doom-scrolling in the work bogs?
TV Ratings: “Ivana Was Robbed” – Final Three Contestants Revealed On Australian Idol
B&T's unsure if these Idol contestants look extra young or whether we are as old as we feel.
Veridooh Snatches Prashand Menon From ScentreGroup
Out-of-home OOH) and digital media leader Prashand Menon (lead image) has joined OOH ad tech company Veridooh as group business director within NSW and QLD. Menon joins Veridooh from his most recent role as ScentreGroup’s group business director and brings with him more than 10 years of experience in Australian media. Previously, he held positions […]
Creative Content Studio OK COOL Answers APAC’s Call, Opening In Melbourne
Life set to get extra confusing for new agency staffers mistaking OK COOL for a pass-ag housemate text message.
Harry’s Cafe de Wheels & Hipages Launch New Pie To Fuel Tradies While On The Tools
The pies should apparently be better for tradies' health, apparently but won't be better for on-site ribbing.
Women Leading Tech’s Woman Of The Year Megan Dalla-Camina: What’s The True Cost Of Cutting DEI Spending?
Cutting DE&I spending might seem easy but you might change your mind when faced with Dalla-Camina's ire.
Thrive Introduces A Batch Of New Senior Leadership Roles
You could say that Thrive is set to thrive with these new hires. But that would be too obvious.
It’s Coming Home! Sponsors Make Subbuteo World Cup Finals Free
No idea what Subbuteo is? You clearly had a more exciting childhood than our editorial team.
Media Bigwigs Bet On Predictive Intelligence Platform Prophet In $5M Seed Funding
Prophet, profit, geddit? Must be laugh-a-minute in this startup's office.
CommsDeclare Brands Shell Energy An “Olympic Gaslighter” & Urges Agencies Not To Pitch For Creative Account
And we thought the gaslight Olympics took place in the Coogee Bay Hotel smoking area!
AFL Wins Battle With Warner Bros. As New AFL Team Is Revealed
There hasn't been this much wrangling over a cartoon animal since, well, ever!
BBC Podcasts Go Global With Amazon Music
Ironically, BBC podcasts unlikely to be available in the Amazon given the lack of signal.
Johnson & Johnson’s Former Consumer Healthcare Arm Reviews Creative
J&J inspired by Scottish term for knowledge 'ken' in its rebrand; nothing says 'wise' like a shot of Listerine.
Kat & Co Transforms Into THE WORLD OF Experiential Agency
After more than twelve years of producing experiences for some of the world’s most innovative brands, including Hermes, Van Cleef & Arpels, Louis Vuitton, and Tiffany & Co, Kat & Co has quietly metamorphosed into THE WORLD OF. THE WORLD OF is an experiential agency at the juncture of culture, technology and the human condition. […]
Adobe Brings Firefly Generative AI Into Substance 3D Workflows
Still unclear of what generative AI actually is? Steer clear of this story.
Clemenger BBDO Introduces Saucy Campaign With Declan Cleary & Lee Kum Kee
When we heard this was a saucy campaign, we thought it be the barbecue and ketchup showdown we'd been waiting for.
Gawk Acquires 40 Billboard Locations From Transad
Gawk makes it move out of VIC into NSW with acquisition. Has promised to stop going on about Melbourne nightlife.
All About Attribution: Commission Factory Releases New eBook
Ever wanted to dive deep into channel attribution? Consider this the perfect springboard.
SMG Studio Launches Risk: Global Domination X Dune Part Two
Through a licensing agreement with Legendary Entertainment, SMG Studio inked the rights to adapt Dune: Part Two into a game based on Risk: Global Domination, Hasbro’s interactive board game. Inspired by Denis Villeneuve’s cinematic masterpiece, Dune: Part Two, this new digital adaptation, RISK: Global Domination X Dune: Part Two, is poised to captivate players from […]
RMIT Study Reveals That 73% Of Employees Don’t Believe Gen AI Is Relevant
Noticing staff switching off when you tell them about gen AI? Understand why here.
Australian Eggs Launches Egg-citing New Campaign Via Connecting Plots
How do you like your eggs in the morning? We usually skip them and go straight for the darts and whisky.
Future Lions 2024 Invites Young People To Be Heard With Spotify
Future Lions, of course, is the AKQA-backed student initiative at Cannes Lions, not a feeder for the rugby team.
QMS: Taylor Swift, Lunar New Year & Mardi Gras Were Boon For OOH Market
Taylor Swift, Lunar New Year and the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival have had a dramatic impact on the number of people moving in and around Sydney over the past month, drawing big crowds into the heart of the city and its surrounding suburbs. New data from digital outdoor company QMS reveals a […]
Legend John McEnroe Joins Pepperstone’s Team Of Global Tennis Ambassadors
Despite the deal, McEnroe remains confused about difference between above- and below-the-line marketing.
LinkedIn Launches New Thought Leader Ads For Companies To Promote Member Posts
Though LinkedIn couldn't get any more insufferable? You thought wrong.
Latrell Mitchell Smacked On Wrist After Dropping Multiple F-Bombs In Post-Match Triple M Interview
Andrew Abdo has confirmed he is not angry... just disappointed.
TV Ratings: “When You Do Love Yourself, You’re Amazing” – Is This MAFS Most Heart-breaking Split?
Hold the press. MAFS groom and bride actually shown to be nice people.
Opinion: The Only Drag Marketers Should Be Worried About
Thought Transactional Drag was a lifeless club night in Newtown? Read this and you'll think again.
AWARD School Welcomes Class Of 2024
It's best to think of AWARD School like Survivor but with pitch decks instead of swimwear.
Interest In Motorsports Reaches New Heights As Formula 1 Grand Prix Revenue Expected To Surpass $100 Million
Need to get a dull sports client some quick results? Rustle up a Netflix series and watch the dollars roll in.
Chair Rob Murray To Depart As SCA Considers ARN’s Latest Takeover Bid
Struggling to make heads or tails of the SCA & ARN saga? Add this to your woes.
Adland Legend John Singleton Separates From Seventh Wife
Singo calls it quits with seventh wife as his race with Rupert Murdoch to become the most-married man continues.
ACCC Eyes Search Competition, Citing ‘Decreasing’ Quality & Rise In Generative AI
The only decline in search quality we notice is when B&T doesn't appear at the top of Google.
“Imagine A Career Above The Clouds”: Royal Australian Air Force Launches New Campaign Via VML
Don't worry about the forthcoming war with China - at least you'll get a bird's-eye view of the apocalypse.