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 Julia Sheehan, general manager of Leo Australia.
1. How long have you been in Melbourne? If you weren’t born here, did you choose it or did it choose you?
Born in Melbourne and I’ve continued to choose it ever since. It’s an inherently creative city, not just in advertising but across food, sport, arts and culture. Proud Melburnian would be an understatement.
2. What’s the most Melbourne thing about the way you or your team works?
We spend a lot of time talking about food. That’s probably the Melbourne part. The Leo Melbourne part is that problems are shared and collaboration happens naturally. There are very few boundaries around “my job versus yours” and a genuine willingness to jump in and help wherever needed. We just get shit done, as my old CCO used to say.
3. Who in the local industry has shaped the way you think about leadership or doing business? Tell us about them.
I’ve been fortunate to learn from some incredible leaders over the years. A shout out to Sarah Bailey and, of course, the legend that is Melinda Geertz.
Bails taught me that almost anything is possible. Whether it’s coming up with bold ideas, getting shit done, or backing yourself to take on something bigger than you think you’re capable of, she has an unmatched ability to make you believe.
Melinda embodies what I’d call graceful leadership. She’s the perfect balance of partnership and high standards, equally invested in clients, people and the work itself. She’s endlessly curious and constantly pushing herself and those around her to be better.
And I’d be remiss not to mention Clare Pickens. Not because she’s my current leader, but because I deeply admire her tenacity. She has an incredible ability to stay focused on what matters, navigate complexity and keep moving forward, no matter what gets thrown her way.
4. What’s one unspoken rule of doing business in Melbourne?
I don’t know if it’s uniquely Melbourne, but I’ve always believed the same rule applies: do good work and be a good human. Talent gets you in the room, but how you treat people is what keeps you there.
5. What Melbourne artist or band’s song would you (or your agency) choose as your ‘walk up’ song?
Leo Melbourne is definitely the band Jet. Melbourne-born, a little rebellious, and enjoying a strong second act. We’ve spent the last few years reinventing ourselves and I’d argue some of our best work is still ahead of us. Plus, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better walk-up song than ‘Are You Gonna Be My Girl’?
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 business development, she brings the pragmatism, specialist connections and industry know-how to help agencies market their most important client — themselves.
