Women In Media: It’s Hall & Partners Open Mind’s Nicola Hepenstall
Another day, another wonderfully inspiring Women in Media profile, and today’s leading lady? Why, it’s the CEO of Hall & Partners Open Mind, Nicola Hepenstall.
Describe your average day?
There is no average day. That’s the best thing about my job!
What’s the most challenging thing about your job?
The daily commute from my home in the Dandenong Ranges to our office in South Yarra. I’ve been doing the 1 hour plus drive each way for most of my working life. I have had to learn to accept traffic chaos and no longer stress about whether I’ll make a meeting or flight.
What drives you?
So many things that it’s actually much easier for me to answer what I’m not driven by. I’ve never been someone who was driven by money or power!
What’s the hardest brief you’ve ever received or hardest job to execute?
We get some really challenging briefs. From how to speak to people experiencing anxiety and depression in a way that encourages them to get help thru to how does a utility company offer customers something more than a bill each quarter!
We also need to reach some of Australia’s most marginalised people – newly arrived refugees, people who have overstayed their visas or those who are experiencing homelessness – so our ability to execute is critical to our success.
What has been your favourite job in media and why?
I love my current role. I get to work with a wonderful team of people, on challenging business problems for our clients – and have fun doing it.
Being part of the Clemenger Group, also means that we get to partner with people from a wide range of disciplines which makes our work even more interesting.
What is your proudest professional moment?
Being asked to join the board of the Clemenger Group would have to be up there. I’ve been working in the group since 2008 so it’s great to have that contribution recognised, but what I’m most excited about is contributing to the wider group of Clemenger companies. And on a personal level, I get to learn from some amazing people!
What’s your quirkiest attribute?
The fact I don’t think I have any quirks. But I thought I better check and when I asked around the office it seems that it’s my …… Who would have thought?
One thing that no one knows about you?
I’m really very open about me and who I am but not many people know that my first job was with the Sydney City Mission feeding homeless men in Sydney’s Darlinghurst. I was determined to cheer everyone up and was known for wearing Minnie Mouse ears while serving up mashed potato and mince.
It taught me to treat people with dignity and that everyone has a story to tell – something I’m now paid to uncover!
What are advertising/marketing’s biggest challenges or threats?
Ensuring we attract the best talent to our industry. Demonstrating the ROI of a great creative idea. If we can’t show our impact, we leave ourselves open to an Uberesque threat.
What do you think are the most exciting things in the marketing and creative world at the moment?
The recognition that a Brand needs to be reflected in every touchpoint – it expands our world from marketing to customer experience. The opportunities that Virtual Reality opens up to create new and exciting ways to engage.
Hardest lesson you’ve had to learn (in or out of workforce)?
To listen! I love talking so this would have to be it! Whether at home or at work!
Tea or coffee?
I start the day with a coffee – then I’m a tea drinker. It’s a very social part of my day. Our office is full of tea drinkers and there is always someone saying “who would like a cup of tea?”
We have so many different varieties, we are beginning to look like a tea wholesaler!
Cats or dogs?
Dogs – two of them. I’ve had border collies for all my adult life. Their enthusiasm and energy matches mine!
Guilty pleasure?
Settling in for an afternoon reading newspapers in front of the fire! I’m a sloth on the weekends!
What’s your favourite TV programme?
I love a BBC drama. We are watching Happy Valley at the moment.
What turns you on, emotionally, creatively, spirituality?
My Mum and Dad were always big on making a difference! As a little kid, I remember them protesting against the Springbok Tour, Vietnam War, and championing Women’s Rights…. My Dad, who is gay, is a 78er having been part of the first protest march for gay rights in Australia.
They were passionate about the capacity of individuals to make change and their example has fired my passion for giving ordinary people a voice. That’s the best part of what I do.
What turns you off?
I can’t stand arrogance – I think it’s very unattractive.
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
I think I’d have been a great barrister – I’m a good debater and always quick with a counter argument. And what’s not to like about getting to wear the same thing every day and not having to worry about your hair! Black robe, wig – all done!
What profession would you not like to do?
At the risk of offending some of my favourite people, I don’t think I could be an accountant. Counting money wouldn’t make me happy.
Have you ever felt like giving up?
I’ve felt like I should give up honey in my tea but…. And I have this idea that when I retire (the ultimate thing to give up must surely be work) I’ll look after injured or orphaned wombats and kangaroos.
I often see dead ones by the side of the road having been hit by a car. We have wombats on our property and if it’s close to home I worry it might be ours.
What are the pearls of wisdom you know now, that you wish you knew when you were younger?
Don’t worry – you’ll get where you are going! I always seemed to be rushing somewhere so I’ve had to learn to relax and be more patient.
What is your favourite word?
Psychogenic Polydipsia – it means an obsession with drinking too much water. I heard about Polydipsia from one of my friends at work. A
part from the way it rolls off your tongue, it seems to explain our collective obsession with drinking bottled water! All the plastic does my head in!
What is your least favourite word?
It’s too rude to print!
Please login with linkedin to comment
Advertising Standards Bureau Dentsu Aegis Hall & Partners Open Mind Nicola HepenstallLatest News
Sydney Comedy Festival: Taking The City & Social Media By Storm
Sydney Comedy Festival 2024 is live and ready to rumble, showing the best of international and homegrown talent at a host of venues around town. As usual, it’s hot on the heels of its big sister, the giant that is the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, picking up some acts as they continue on their own […]
Global Marketers Descend For AANA’s RESET For Growth
The Australian Association of National Advertisers (AANA) has announced the final epic lineup of local and global marketing powerhouses for RESET for Growth 2024. Lead image: Josh Faulks, chief executive officer, AANA Back in 2000, a woman with no business experience opened her first juice bar in Adelaide. The idea was brilliantly simple: make healthy […]
Is Meta’s New AI Chatbot Too Left-Wing?
Meta's chatbot accused of being left-wing after being caught wearing a Che Guevara T-shirt & listening to Billy Bragg.
TV Ratings (23/04/2024): Why Did No One Tell Angela That Farmer Wants A Wife Is Set On A Farm?
As wonderful as this headline is, let's face it, we all know an 'Angela', don't we?
PubMatic Unveils New AI Partnership To Turn Social Posts Into Ads For Any Digital Channel
Here's some nifty tech for turning social posts into ads. Assuming said posts aren't one-star character assassinations.
Intuit Mailchimp Makes A Splash With Its First Australian Brand Campaign
Ever laugh along at a gag you didn't get so as not to appear dumb? Get ready for more feigning with this new work.
GumGum’s Rob Hall: Advertisers Can No Longer “Rely On Binary Descriptions” Of Consumers
If anyone's got their finger on adtech's pulse, it's Rob Hall. He also avoids using the good paper in the office printer
Mastercard Nabs Florencia Aimo From Marriott International
Marriott International's Florencia Aimo jumps from the hotel business to the exploitative credit card one.
Bastion Agency Appoints Cheuk Chiang As New ANZ CEO
Cheuk Chiang takes the reins over at Bastion Agency. But not the rains down in Africa.
Spotlight On Sponsors: Major Sponsorship Wins After A Disappointing Week In Sport
B&T continuing our deep dive into local sport sponsorships & that's despite not a single offer of a free ticket as yet.
Macca’s Marketing Director, Samantha McLeod On Big Mac Chant: “What Was Once Old Is Now Cool Again”
Macca's using the power of nostalgia in latest Big Mac campaign. Well, only for those who've ever eaten one sober.
World Premiere Of Midnight Oil: The Hardest Line To Open Sydney Film Festival 2024
Oil's biopic to open Sydney Film Festival. Here's hoping Molly Meldrum will take his pants down at the premiere.
Entries Are Now Open For The 2024 Brandies, IntelligenceBank’s Annual Brand Marketing Awards
The Brandies are, of course, a prestigious marketing gong and not the mystery tipple favoured by nannas everywhere.
The Fred Hollows Foundation Appoints Ardent For PR
Yes, we all like to have a joke at PR's expense. But sometimes it does important work, like this.
AI, eCommerce & Marketing Specialists Are In Increased Demand By Businesses, New Data From Fiverr Shows
Has your philosophy & anthropology degree left you with nothing but a huge HECS debt? Here's what you should've studied.
Perth’s First 3D Anamorphic Billboard Arrives Courtesy Of oOh!media
Do you love a buzzword? Now you can add anamorphic to the list as it relates to billboards, not a colleague's ears.
MasterChef Australia & Crown Resorts Launch Unique Dining Experience With ALUMNI
A pop-up restaurant staffed by MasterChef contestants! That's fine dining prices for first-year apprentice chef cuisine!
Amanda Laing Announces Resignation From Foxtel Group
Foxtel's chief commercial & content officer heads for the exits. Read nice things the bosses said about her right here.
The Lost Letters From Our Diggers: News Corp Unveils ANZAC Day Special
It's nice when brands respectfully acknowledge ANZAC Day.
Howatson+Company Acquires Akkomplice
Large indie acquires a slightly smaller indie. Much like a shark eating a tuna, just with less thrashing and blood.
Google Delays Third-Party Cookie Deprecation Again
In good news for the sale of picture library biscuit photos, Google continues to tease over the end of cookies.
Education A Low Priority For Aussies More Concerned With Cost Of Living Forethought Study Reveals
Study finds Aussies cutting back on education due to cost of living. Booze & Uber Eats sales remain largely unaffected.
“I’m Still The Same Person That I Was”: Rikki Stern Says “Fucc It” To Cancer Stereotypes
B&T always happy to promote the anti-cancer cause. Even brands that massively overdo it with the hot pink.
The Unapproved Climate Certification Allegedly Causing Mass Greenwashing
Are you left flummoxed in the canned tuna & free range eggs aisle? Just wait till this green certification gets up.
TV Ratings (22/04/2024): Fans Mock “Over The Top” Reaction To New MasterChef Judges
MasterChef returns for its 2024 season. B&T stands by putting peppercorns in Gravox & no one will be any the wiser.
Dentsu Restructure: Muddle, Harvey & Johnston Take Leadership Baton As Bass & Yurisich Exit
A large broom has swept through Dentsu's local ops this morning, taking with it some big names & the air con's cobwebs.
Industry Shares Trends Shaping The Industry This International Creators Day
B&T's asking adland creators to reveal their top trends. And it's not good news for your Jenny Kee cardigan collection.
Mable Extends HOYTS Sensory Screenings Partnership
Mable has extended its HOYTS sensory screening partnership. Vigorously defends its two-star Oppenheimer review.
Orphan Launches ‘They Need Our Help. We Need Yours’ For Children’s Cancer Institute
Anything to do with childhood cancers has B&T's 110% support. That said, we do ignore the red meat & alcohol warnings.
Smile Team Orthodontics & Keep Left Collaborate On Smile-Inducing Campaign
As parents would attest, given the cost of orthodontics you'd expect this campaign to be a lavish production indeed.
Opinion: How Video Calls Neglect Learning Diversity
Need an excuse to duck out of a video call this arvo? Show this to your boss.
DoubleVerify Achieves First-Of-Its-Kind Responsible AI Certification From TrustArc
DoubleVerify receives responsible AI certification. However, not its robotic vacuum that's been seen menacing the cat.
Smile For A Good Cause: The Social Media Campaign Giving Back To The Community
Are you known as the office Austin Powers? More for you teeth than shagability? Get snappy new fangs with this news.
Elon Musk Mocks Albo After ESafety Wins Court Injunction Against X
Albo's 2024 from hell continues - Rabbitohs in crisis, down in the polls and now feuding with world's richest man.
Real Estate Developer In Hot Water Over “Sexually Exploitative” OOH Campaign
Real estate agents again tops in the 'least trusted profession' polls, nudging used car salesmen & ad creatives.
Epsilon’s Shane Hanby: Post-Cookie Era Relies On “Teamwork” Between Brands, Marketers & Tech
This pro predicts more "teamwork" in a post-cookie era. Which spells bad news for the uncooperative or plain stubborn.