In this series, we’re taking a look at some of the most creative faces in Melbourne with some help from our friend Kathleen Gunther, who partners with independent agencies across Australia and New Zealand to scale their brand presence and drive sustainable growth. This week, we spoke with David Vale, founder of HSLR.
1. How long have you been in Melbourne? If you weren’t born here, did you choose it or did it choose you?
The feeling is completely mutual. Melbourne and I chose each other.
I grew up here, and I’m still in love with the place. Running an agency across Sydney and Melbourne gives me a great balance of both cities, but Melbourne is definitely home.
Whether growing up or as an adult, I’ve always found ways to be creative at work, and I’ve never been in a role where that wasn’t possible. Those opportunities have shaped both my personal and professional relationships, and they’ve led me to a network of collaborative agency owners and creatives friends who are incredibly supportive.
2. What’s the most Melbourne thing about the way you or your team works?
This one happened by accident, but it turns out our whole team lives north of the river. Our studio in West Melbourne is perfectly placed near the city’s creative pockets, where the team live and socialise, so we’re always close to plenty of creative inspiration and entertainment regardless of where the team live.
3. Who in the local industry has shaped the way you think about leadership or doing business?
I’m a real collaborator, so over my 12 years in business I’ve been lucky to align with so many inspiring agencies. Independent agency owners in particular have always been incredibly supportive and inspiring to me. People like Kerrie Ryan from Communicado, Joe Rogers from The Contenders Ben Walker from Those That Do, and Marcus Willis from Kill Boring Dead.
Every agency owner has something different and special about the way they run their business, and I always come away having learnt something. There’s a real energy that comes from being around independent owners. We’ve all taken the leap, we all know the highs and the hard days, and there’s a genuine willingness to share, cheer each other on and back each other up. That kind of support is invaluable, and it’s a big part of why I love this industry.”
4. What’s the unspoken rule of doing business in Melbourne?
Collaboration. From the day I founded HSLR 12 years ago, I’ve always found myself surrounded by like-minded people, whether that’s fellow agency owners, our team, crew or clients. That sense of community has shaped how we work and who we work with.
I genuinely believe the Melbourne industry thrives when we work together openly. Sharing ideas, referring work, swapping advice and backing each other’s wins makes everyone better, and it creates far more opportunity than trying to go it alone. Some of our best work and strongest relationships have come from simply being open to collaborating, and it’s something I’ll always champion at HSLR.
5. If you were a Melbourne landmark, what would you be?
I’d have to be Sydney Road. It’s got Sydney in the name, but there’s no mistaking it’s Melbourne through and through. One minute you’re walking past glamorous bridal boutiques full of sequins and lace, and the next you’re in a sticky-floored pub watching a live band. It can do polished and glamorous, but it’s never afraid to be a bit raw and gritty too, and that’s exactly how I like to work.
It’s colourful, full of character, and home to an incredible mix of creative people all working side by side. A bit like me, splitting my time between both cities but always coming home to Melbourne.
Kathleen Gunther is the founder of Gunther Consulting, partnering with independent agencies across Australia and New Zealand to scale their brand presence and drive sustainable growth. With expertise spanning digital marketing, brand strategy, PR and communications, she brings the pragmatism, specialist connections and industry know-how to help agencies market their most important client — themselves. Kathleen also serves as a Board Member of AWIA, actively shaping Australia’s digital landscape and championing inclusivity in the industry.
