In this week’s Fast 10, our very own Greg ‘Sparrow’ Graham chatted with agency veteran and Adlander extraordinaire Philippa Moig. She became the CEO of UnLtd in July 2025 and before that, she held senior roles at PHD, OMD and Carat.
Moig is known for her positive leadership style and her tireless advocacy for representation and equity, something she’s spoken about during her time as a member of the DE&I board with MFA.
1. You’ve had a brilliant career, from starting in media agencies Carat, PHD, OMD, etc., to now, the CEO of UnLtd. If you had to pick only one, what would be your career highlight so far?
Philippa Moig: UnLtd, without a doubt. There are very few roles in life where you can give your whole self; your heart, soul, skills and passion in service of others. UnLtd is that for me. Knowing the collective power of our industry can genuinely change the trajectory for young Australians doing it tough is both a privilege and a responsibility I take incredibly seriously.
2. I love your resilience and can-do attitude. How did your Marketing Academy experience help your leadership mindset?
PM: TMA taught me that leadership is service; using influence for good, paying it forward, staying curious and committing to lifelong learning, all grounded in the idea of leaving people and places better than you found them. It also shaped my resilience. I didn’t get the UnLtd role the first time, and my chair later said it was how I showed up after that setback that ultimately led to the appointment which was very special to hear.
3. It’s a challenging marketplace with agencies at the moment. Has the economic outlook had an impact on your UnLtd ambitions?
PM: Our ambition remains unwavering. It has to. What’s changed is the how. When it’s tough for our partners, it’s tough for us, which means we must keep evolving, staying creative, being adaptive and resilient. Not showing up isn’t an option. Not for the young people and the 28 charity partners we support.
A big part of this is being clearer and bolder in how we connect people to our purpose and story, and reminding the industry of the very real, positive impact they can have; from donating prizes and supporting events, to placing or contributing to the media book, or backing campaigns that genuinely change a young person’s life.
4. As a young girl, what did you want to be when you grew up?
PM: A farmer! I came pretty close to living that dream during my time as a jillaroo up in the NT , which, luckily, I did, because that’s where I met my husband Ads, who I eventually dragged back to the big smoke. These days, I get to see that dream lived out through grassroots regional charities creating beautiful ecosystems on Country that benefit their kids and communities.
5. In the advertising/media industry, we are mainly selling clients’ products, driving sales and ROI. You are changing young people’s lives. How has your media experience informed your UnLtd goals?
PM: It’s been pivotal. Media teaches you to solve problems properly with strong foundations, clear strategy and high standards of execution. It’s also made me deeply commercial: revenue diversification and long-term sustainability matter, because without them, impact doesn’t last.
We exist to turn our industry’s goodwill into long-term social change, so understanding the strengths and nuances of our industry is critical for what we do. Our industry is the expert in building brands, raising awareness and changing perceptions – and that’s exactly what we’re doing for our charities and big issues impacting young people. Our role is to be the connector between the two specialities – matching the skills and influence of our industry with the social change young people need. Having a deep understanding of both industries is essential for creating change that sticks.
6. As an industry, what’s one thing you would change to make us all better?
PM: I’d change how much we underestimate our influence. Too often people think, “I can’t change that” but in this industry, you actually can. When we lead with genuine humanity and purpose, the industry becomes stronger, more resilient, and far more impactful — and that’s exactly what happens when the industry chooses to power and partner with UnLtd.
7. What are the current growth challenges for your charities, and how are you stepping up your industry engagement?
PM: The biggest challenge is sustainable, diversified funding in a tightening market. Our charities do extraordinary work, but impact at scale requires certainty. We’re stepping up by bringing industry closer; building deeper, long-term partnerships, making it easier for people to get involved in meaningful ways, and clearly showing how industry support translates into real outcomes for young people.
8. What’s the best career advice you’ve been given?
PM: Back yourself and be relentless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire, even when things don’t go your way.
9. What’s one thing that’s not on your LinkedIn profile?
PM: I work extremely hard to be extremely average at CrossFit. I love lifting weights, walking on my hands and learning new skills. My goal is to be a muscle beefcake. Physical strength in women is badass and setting that example for my daughter, and girls more broadly, really matters to me.
10. Important last question: Do your parents really know what you do?
PM: Not really, but Dad’s umpiring at Big Clash and when you experience it you get it!
