With some help from our friend Kathleen Gunther, we’re taking a look at some of the most creative minds in Melbourne. Gunther partners with independent agencies across Australia and New Zealand to scale their brand presence and drive sustainable growth. This week, we’re chatting with Creative Native’s founder and director, Ryan Kelly.
How long have you been in Melbourne and if you weren’t born here, did you choose it or did it choose you?
I moved to Melbourne in 2011 after 4 interesting months completing my Farm work in Mildura, I realised pretty quickly that I needed to stay in Australia as long as possible.
That’s when I discovered the world of recruitment which for some reason at the time was on the skill shortage list (explains why you might hear an accent when you next speak to a recruiter).
I chose Melbourne at the time for work but I think over the last 15 years it’s the people, the diversity of activities, food, music and the odd Patricia’s coffee that has kept me feeling happy and at home.
What’s the most Melbourne thing about the way you or your team works?
It’s our networking events, we swap corporate vibes and create a space where connection happens naturally, often at one of Melbourne’s gorgeous rooftop bars with good food or drink that Melbourne is known for.
It’s somewhere at the intersection of therapy and a party. Both seem to be essential in 2026.
Who in the local industry has shaped the way you think about leadership or doing business? Tell us about them.
Over the last 7 years of running a business, I’ve been lucky to have so many Indirect mentors who have shaped the way I go about things.
Chris Savage is so generous with his time, and to all of the Agency Owners who make up the Slack group, I think we are at 550 members now and growing. I’ve been lucky to speak with most in the group and it’s a testament to everyone who makes the industry what it is.
Outside of the Industry my wife and kids keep me grounded (most of the time) and put a lot of things into perspective.
What’s one unspoken rule of doing business in Melbourne?
It’s pretty obvious given people are generally pretty friendly, but this city is all about relationships. Melbourne is a small place and everyone seems to know everyone – so try and do the right thing by people and it will go a long way.
If you were a Melbourne landmark, what would you be?
Does the South Melbourne Bridge that vans crash into count as a landmark?
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.
