From landing in London, working with Philippe Starck and Jade Jagger, to now working with some of the country’s leading consumer brands, Undertow Media’s Managing Director, Sarah La Roche chats with B&T about her experiences and what she would change.

What’s your backstory?

“I left Australia at 21 with little in my back pocket to find a new adventure. I ended up in London camping on my cousin’s floor for two months before landing the role of my dreams working with Philippe Starck, Jade Jagger and Marcel Wanders.

“At a much too young an age I found myself travelling the world overseeing the marketing for new hotels in Hong Kong, residential apartment towers in India, Russia and Thailand and cool office fit outs in Copenhagen on behalf of the world’s biggest designers. It was a steep learning curve and I was forced to act with confidence in order to deliver. ”

If you weren’t doing this job, what would you be doing?

“Ideally working as a travel photographer.”

Who’s your industry hero?

“I don’t know if I have an industry hero as such, but there are certainly people in the industry I respect, those who gave me a chance or who help and guide me on a daily basis.

“The current management team at Bastion Group, the founder of Undertow Media (and Smiling Mind and Shout) Jane Martino, and my former boss in London, Global CEO M&C Saatchi PR Molly Aldridge (all of whom are on a mission to take over the world and doing a pretty good job of it).

“All of whom manage to artfully blend their passions together: their love and commitment for their family and their work whilst always treating people with respect.”

What would you change about the industry?

“The expectation that working long hours means you are committed and doing a good job. Work smarter, not harder I say.”

What’s one piece of advice you’d give your younger self?

“Do what you did. Work hard, have fun, be good to people, travel. Don’t worry too much about the future.”

What’s one thing not many know about you?

“I’m tend to share a lot, so probably not much!”

What’s your quirkiest attribute?

“Those who know me might be able to name more than one!  That’s part of the reason I love Bastion Group. You are accepted for all your quirks, good and bad.”

What’s your pet hate?

“The whole you’re / your thing. I am a comms professional after all!”

If you could be Prime Minister for a week, what would you do? 

“Show compassion.”

What’s your favourite kind of cheese?

“Definitely hard and bitey cheddar closely followed by blue.”

Tea or coffee?

“Both – for different reasons and at different times.  Coffee in the morning and peppermint tea all day thereafter. We have a peppermint tea shortage often at Bastion Group.”

Click here for a convo with La Roche about virtual reality and property marketing.