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 Natalie Taylor, founder and executive producer of Poppet.
1. How long have you been in Melbourne and if you weren’t born here, did you choose it or did it choose you?
I was born in London and moved to Melbourne in 2009 when I was 29. I very much chose Melbourne as my place to live, though I still go back to London every year.
It’s hard when you live with your heart split between two cities. London will always be my home; I still have so many good friends there, and the second I set foot back in Soho and relive the experience of being who I was in my twenties, my eyes prickle with tears of joy at the memory of it! But Melbourne is where my family is; my children, and my beloved Poppet.
I love Melbourne just as much as I ever loved London.
2. What is the most Melbourne thing about the way your team works?
Hilariously, our office is set up in Revolver Lane, right next to the infamous Revs nightclub. I don’t know if there is a place of work out there that could possibly be more Melbourne! We are surrounded by creatives of all kinds, funky mid-century furniture, and quirky art. I love the Poppet office so much. We strive to emulate a sense that everybody is welcome, no matter your background or skillset. We are always open for anyone to pop in and have a chat and I think that’s incredibly reflective of what Melbourne is like as a city.
3. Who in the local industry has shaped the way you think about leadership or doing business? Tell us about them.
When I first moved here, I met a brilliant producer named Nik Round. He was so generous with his time and production contacts to help me get settled.
Nik didn’t just help with in a career context; he was even setting me up on “playdates” with potential new friends – adorable. He fundamentally shaped my introduction to the industry here.
Margot Ger, who was the Head of TV at TBWA when I took one of my first jobs in Melbourne, was another huge influence. Her attention to detail and the incredible organisational skills she used to run that department gave me a brilliant sense of how production runs in Australia.
In terms of the kind of leadership I aspire to today, I love the way Amber Bonney is running The Edison Agency. She leads with truth and unapologetically takes up space for herself as a female founder. I find that very inspiring.
4. Who is someone in the Melbourne market doing work that deserves more mention right now?
Nomfundo Msomi, Executive Strategy Director at CHEP Network, is an absolute powerhouse. Her strategic brilliance and fierce advocacy for diversity are vital. And Margie Reid at Thinkerbell continues to be one of the most formidable, inspiring leaders in our business. They are two incredible Melbourne women who deserve all the accolades.
5. If you were a Melbourne landmark, what would you be?
I’d like to think I’d be Cookie, the bar and restaurant, particularly because it’s one of my favourite places. It’s got this chill, but still kinda bougie and excitable vibe, a place where anyone can go. It’s warm, welcoming, and fun. It’s a little bit spicy, a little bit fabulous, always ready for a good time and full of yummy things.
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.
