Social Change Maker Profile: Raymond Ly, Mindshare

For the past month (ish) B&T has partnered with UnLtd to bring attention to some game-changing stars in our industry and their respective charity work. We’ve been celebrating one of these legends per week – and now it’s time for another.

Last week we questioned Will Berner from Sinorbis on anything and everything. But now it’s someone else’s turn!

Raymond Ly is a senior media executive at Mindshare, and he’s here to spill the beans on, well, himself.

First ever job: Christmas Casual at General Pants Co.

If I wasn’t doing my job, I’d be: Probably either a Primary School Teacher or a Spaceman.

How I got where I am today:

• Went to a good catholic school and got decent grades.
• Attended Western Sydney University and studied business but found myself deeply taken by the ancient teachings of media communications.
• After I did my time and a handful of interviews later I started at Mindshare (four years and counting).

Causes I care about: There is a lot of good that can be done in the world, but I feel strongly about what we can do to undo youth disadvantage. Charities like Be Centre, Youth off the streets, Backtrack and The Bully Project do amazing work helping youths in different ways.

The change I’d like to see in the world and why it’s important: I think there needs to be a greater equality, tolerance and respect in the world. Only when we accept our differences and treat each other as equals, that’s when we’ll see some real out of this world synergy!

If you also believe in equality (particularly in our industry) head to B&T‘s Changing the Ratio on May 28 for a day of diversity, inclusion and the promotion of women in Australia’s advertising, marketing and media landscape.

We’ve locked in some killer speakers (including Lisa Wilkinson!) and attendees will walk away with game-changing ideas, practical tools and case studies to take back to their organisations. To be one of those attendees, grab tickets here. Now, back to Raymond. 

How did you first get involved with UnLtd: Mindshare has always had strong association with UnLtd and we’ve always been well informed with what our industry charity stood for. As a result not long after joining the agency I found myself heavily involved with Mindshare’s charity efforts.

Through work and NGEN I have had the opportunity to learn about each amazing charity and to make a difference.

The charity projects I’m currently working on:

• Group M’s Power of One day 2018. All Group M companies spend the day fundraising for an Untld charity and this year we will be channelling all our efforts towards the Mirabel foundation.
• NGEN Dodgeball Charity Cup

Some social issues I’m passionate about are:

• Anti-bullying
• Violence against women
• Youth homelessness

Why I want to give back: To give others the opportunities that I have been fortunate to have in my life. I have always been heavily influenced by my mother’s passion for helping those in need. Every year she fundraises for orphaned children in Vietnam who suffer from birth defects associated with the chemical weapons used during the Vietnam war. Seeing her go above and beyond really left an impression on me.

The best/most rewarding volunteering experience I’ve had: Helping Be Centre build their new centre. Having seen what great work they do for children, the facilities they previously occupied were really holding them back. I received great satisfaction when given the opportunity to raise funds and volunteer to help them renovate their new site in Warriewood. Since their new centre open, they have been able to reach a greater number of children and have the capacity to run more programs.

My greatest achievement: I have yet to achieve my greatest feat BUT something I am very happy with is being part of the Media Thursdays crew. Myself, Clem Birdsall, Andrew Lowther and Sasha Krajnc) conjured up a monthly event that facilities media networking, giggles, banter, drinks, and dancing (optional).

For an industry that prides itself for being social, we believe there should be a place where media folks can gather regularly to do what we do best, have fun!

Find out more about Media Thursday here.

The person/company I’d like to challenge to get involved & why: The whole Sydney media market (260,000 approx.) if everyone donated just at least five dollars a month which is equivalent to a large cup of coffee or a beer at the pub. We could raise $50K month and $600K in a year which would be a great consistent source of funds for any Untld charity.

My advice for someone just starting their career is: You will never ever know if you never ever go. So just give it a go!

If I could have one super power, that would be: Actually being able to pull dollar coins from the back of people’s ears, imagine the win/win situation and the scenes. I could give people the giggles and get donations.

UnLtd is a social purpose organisation connecting the media, marketing and creative industries with charities helping children and young people at risk. Find out how you can get involved at unltd.org.au.