There are few better-connected or more important people in the world of marketing than Sherilyn Schackell. As the founder and CEO of The Marketing Academy (TMA), Shackell helps the next generation of leaders get ahead in their careers. That’s a busy job but Sparrow was able to grab 10 minutes of her time to ask her 10 very fast questions.
1. This year’s cohort showcase Ripplefest was exceptional. How do they keep outdoing themselves?
Wasn’t it awesome?! The magic is that each cohort designs and executes their own in a way that feels right for them. The brief is simple and the same for every cohort; ‘thank the people who have supported you, share some of your learning and then celebrate with a fuck off party. And no, you don’t get a budget so you have to beg, borrow or barter.’ What the cohorts pull off from that is truly remarkable and each one is unique.
2. TMA is global however I feel Australia is special to you. Why?
I fell in love with Australia as soon as I stepped off the plane 10 years ago. Fortunately, the incredible Australian people reciprocated and we’ve been blissfully happy together ever since. I’m just pissed off that I am neither young enough nor rich enough to get a visa because I’d live there in a heartbeat.
3. With so much happening globally with TMA, how do you juggle everything?
I take drugs. Just kidding, I have the best team on the planet and an extremely understanding husband.
4. I’ve been privileged to be a TMA Coach from the beginning. How important are the Coaches and Mentors?
They’re not just important, they’re essential to the impact of the program. The Mentors give a breadth of knowledge, sharing decades of experience with the Scholars and advising them on what they would do if they were in their shoes. The Executive Coaches enable the Scholars to make sense of everything they’re learning in a way that expands their understanding of themselves and their potential in profound ways. We are deeply grateful to all of them.
5. I know you love all your cohorts. However is there anyone in particular that has gone on to rule the world?
We’ve had 28 Scholarship cohorts globally with over 800 Alumni… and every single one is my favourite. They’re ALL ruling the world.
6. With only 30 spots available yearly, how competitive is it to be accepted?
I can’t lie – it’s really tough. But that’s because it’s worth it.
7. Is it your 10th birthday next year? How did it go so fast? Your proudest moment?
It’s mind-blowing how fast it has flown by. The first day of the first boot camp with the first Aussie cohort was a definite ‘pinch me’ moment, but there are still so many of those moments. We have the utter joy of witnessing the impact our alumni are making all the time. I really do have the best job in the world.
8. With current economic headwinds are marketers needed more than ever?
Marketers are needed for any kind of wind, but never more so than when the world is losing its shit. The industry as a whole is such an exciting place to be and having responsibility for the hearts and minds of customers and consumers when things are tough is a privilege that should be celebrated.
9. What are you hoping for from Santa this year?
A week of sleep
10. Have you got any New Year’s resolutions on the horizon?
Nope, life is too short for annual resolutions and anyway, I’d break them by 2 January.
Check out the other instalments in the Fast 10 series here:
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