Ten Years On From The First 30 Under 30: Ben Phillips
Despite claiming he was an “average planner at best”, Ben Phillips drew praise from his colleagues and clients and was selected by a panel of judges in 2010 to become one of B&T’s first ever 30 Under 30.
These days he’s based in New York City where he leads strategy for Budweiser globally. Like many others profiled in this series, Ben advises young talent to take advantage of the enormous global opportunities that exist today.
This year’s 30 Under 30 entries close one week today! So make sure you’re polishing off your entry this weekend.
In the meantime, check out our chat with Ben below!
Ben Phillips
Then: senior planner, Euro RSCG
Now: strategy director (Budweiser global), Anomaly NYC
Aged 27, Ben Phillips was already lecturing for ADMA and AMSRS courses and running training seminars for Euro RSCG staff and clients. A stunning career trajectory allowed Phillips to become an authority on his craft at an early age, having handled everything from Jacob’s Creek global digital strategy to developing a pitch-winning campaign for Clearasil that challenged the “rampant” manipulation of images on social networks.
Former colleague Dominque Hind, now founder & COO at WiTH Collective said, “Ben has one of the most curious and restless minds I’ve come across.
“He is constantly pushing and striving for new ideas and ways to connect with consumers. His thinking is always packaged up so it captivates you from the first word.”
Saatchi & Saatchi CEO Anthony Gregorio said back in 2010, “Ben is a star. I certainly wish I was as smart, as switched on and as well paid when I was his age. His strengths are many and varied. He’s passionate about the new world order of digital and importantly he turns that passion into evangelism of the most useable kind.
“Clients and staff gravitate towards him because he’s interested and interesting. He maintains a child-like naivety to learning and understanding his craft.”
What did it mean to you at the ripe age of 27 that you were chosen as one of B&T’s 30 Under 30?
I remember being flattered. I completely didn’t deserve it. In hindsight, I was an average planner at best and had done very little of any significance!
How do you think being nominated affected your career, if at all?
It’s hard to say. It’s always had a place on my CV but (I mean this is in the nicest possible way) it probably holds more sway locally than it does internationally.
What’s been the biggest change to your life since then?
Working and living away from Australia. I moved to London shortly after the list came out. I lived there for about seven years, was lucky enough to meet my fiancée, then we both moved to New York about a year ago. I worked in Paris a bit too.
What words of wisdom would you have shared with your 27-year-old self back then knowing what you do now?
The 36-year-old me would tell the 27-year-old me, “No matter how much you work on your kickflips, they aren’t going to get any better.”
What are you most proud of?
My father was always proud of what I was doing and was interested in the projects I was working on. He passed away unexpectedly but peacefully in October last year. We’re still trying to come to terms with it, but knowing that he was proud of us (my brother and me) helps.
What do you see as the biggest challenges that face young people in advertising, marketing and media these days?
This isn’t the biggest, but I’ve been thinking about it recently. Advertising can be an inward facing industry, often to its own detriment. So I’d say the challenge is not to get too sucked up in that.
Conversely, what’s the biggest opportunity for those under 30 now?
There’s more opportunity than ever before to work with, and learn from, incredible people all around the world. Get out there.
What can the industry do better to attract and retain young talent?
Maybe reiterate that working with ideas day to day is an enormous privilege? We usually take it for granted.
Entries for B&T‘s 30 Under 30 Awards for 2019 close 1 week today people! For all the details and to submit your entry, click here. Tickets are also available for B&T Bootcamp, a day of speed mentoring and masterclasses aimed at up and comers in the industry.
Please login with linkedin to comment
10 year challenge anomaly new york B&T 30 under 30 Ben Phillips Budweiser Euro RSCGLatest News
Sydney Comedy Festival: Taking The City & Social Media By Storm
Sydney Comedy Festival 2024 is live and ready to rumble, showing the best of international and homegrown talent at a host of venues around town. As usual, it’s hot on the heels of its big sister, the giant that is the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, picking up some acts as they continue on their own […]
Global Marketers Descend For AANA’s RESET For Growth
The Australian Association of National Advertisers (AANA) has announced the final epic lineup of local and global marketing powerhouses for RESET for Growth 2024. Lead image: Josh Faulks, chief executive officer, AANA Back in 2000, a woman with no business experience opened her first juice bar in Adelaide. The idea was brilliantly simple: make healthy […]
Is Meta’s New AI Chatbot Too Left-Wing?
Meta's chatbot accused of being left-wing after being caught wearing a Che Guevara T-shirt & listening to Billy Bragg.
TV Ratings (23/04/2024): Why Did No One Tell Angela That Farmer Wants A Wife Is Set On A Farm?
As wonderful as this headline is, let's face it, we all know an 'Angela', don't we?
PubMatic Unveils New AI Partnership To Turn Social Posts Into Ads For Any Digital Channel
Here's some nifty tech for turning social posts into ads. Assuming said posts aren't one-star character assassinations.
Intuit Mailchimp Makes A Splash With Its First Australian Brand Campaign
Ever laugh along at a gag you didn't get so as not to appear dumb? Get ready for more feigning with this new work.
GumGum’s Rob Hall: Advertisers Can No Longer “Rely On Binary Descriptions” Of Consumers
If anyone's got their finger on adtech's pulse, it's Rob Hall. He also avoids using the good paper in the office printer
Mastercard Nabs Florencia Aimo From Marriott International
Marriott International's Florencia Aimo jumps from the hotel business to the exploitative credit card one.
Bastion Agency Appoints Cheuk Chiang As New ANZ CEO
Cheuk Chiang takes the reins over at Bastion Agency. But not the rains down in Africa.
Spotlight On Sponsors: Major Sponsorship Wins After A Disappointing Week In Sport
B&T continuing our deep dive into local sport sponsorships & that's despite not a single offer of a free ticket as yet.
Macca’s Marketing Director, Samantha McLeod On Big Mac Chant: “What Was Once Old Is Now Cool Again”
Macca's using the power of nostalgia in latest Big Mac campaign. Well, only for those who've ever eaten one sober.
World Premiere Of Midnight Oil: The Hardest Line To Open Sydney Film Festival 2024
Oil's biopic to open Sydney Film Festival. Here's hoping Molly Meldrum will take his pants down at the premiere.
Entries Are Now Open For The 2024 Brandies, IntelligenceBank’s Annual Brand Marketing Awards
The Brandies are, of course, a prestigious marketing gong and not the mystery tipple favoured by nannas everywhere.
The Fred Hollows Foundation Appoints Ardent For PR
Yes, we all like to have a joke at PR's expense. But sometimes it does important work, like this.
AI, eCommerce & Marketing Specialists Are In Increased Demand By Businesses, New Data From Fiverr Shows
Has your philosophy & anthropology degree left you with nothing but a huge HECS debt? Here's what you should've studied.
Perth’s First 3D Anamorphic Billboard Arrives Courtesy Of oOh!media
Do you love a buzzword? Now you can add anamorphic to the list as it relates to billboards, not a colleague's ears.
MasterChef Australia & Crown Resorts Launch Unique Dining Experience With ALUMNI
A pop-up restaurant staffed by MasterChef contestants! That's fine dining prices for first-year apprentice chef cuisine!
Amanda Laing Announces Resignation From Foxtel Group
Foxtel's chief commercial & content officer heads for the exits. Read nice things the bosses said about her right here.
The Lost Letters From Our Diggers: News Corp Unveils ANZAC Day Special
It's nice when brands respectfully acknowledge ANZAC Day.
Howatson+Company Acquires Akkomplice
Large indie acquires a slightly smaller indie. Much like a shark eating a tuna, just with less thrashing and blood.
Google Delays Third-Party Cookie Deprecation Again
In good news for the sale of picture library biscuit photos, Google continues to tease over the end of cookies.
Education A Low Priority For Aussies More Concerned With Cost Of Living Forethought Study Reveals
Study finds Aussies cutting back on education due to cost of living. Booze & Uber Eats sales remain largely unaffected.
“I’m Still The Same Person That I Was”: Rikki Stern Says “Fucc It” To Cancer Stereotypes
B&T always happy to promote the anti-cancer cause. Even brands that massively overdo it with the hot pink.
The Unapproved Climate Certification Allegedly Causing Mass Greenwashing
Are you left flummoxed in the canned tuna & free range eggs aisle? Just wait till this green certification gets up.
TV Ratings (22/04/2024): Fans Mock “Over The Top” Reaction To New MasterChef Judges
MasterChef returns for its 2024 season. B&T stands by putting peppercorns in Gravox & no one will be any the wiser.
Dentsu Restructure: Muddle, Harvey & Johnston Take Leadership Baton As Bass & Yurisich Exit
A large broom has swept through Dentsu's local ops this morning, taking with it some big names & the air con's cobwebs.
Industry Shares Trends Shaping The Industry This International Creators Day
B&T's asking adland creators to reveal their top trends. And it's not good news for your Jenny Kee cardigan collection.
Mable Extends HOYTS Sensory Screenings Partnership
Mable has extended its HOYTS sensory screening partnership. Vigorously defends its two-star Oppenheimer review.
Orphan Launches ‘They Need Our Help. We Need Yours’ For Children’s Cancer Institute
Anything to do with childhood cancers has B&T's 110% support. That said, we do ignore the red meat & alcohol warnings.
Smile Team Orthodontics & Keep Left Collaborate On Smile-Inducing Campaign
As parents would attest, given the cost of orthodontics you'd expect this campaign to be a lavish production indeed.
Opinion: How Video Calls Neglect Learning Diversity
Need an excuse to duck out of a video call this arvo? Show this to your boss.
DoubleVerify Achieves First-Of-Its-Kind Responsible AI Certification From TrustArc
DoubleVerify receives responsible AI certification. However, not its robotic vacuum that's been seen menacing the cat.
Smile For A Good Cause: The Social Media Campaign Giving Back To The Community
Are you known as the office Austin Powers? More for you teeth than shagability? Get snappy new fangs with this news.
Elon Musk Mocks Albo After ESafety Wins Court Injunction Against X
Albo's 2024 from hell continues - Rabbitohs in crisis, down in the polls and now feuding with world's richest man.
Real Estate Developer In Hot Water Over “Sexually Exploitative” OOH Campaign
Real estate agents again tops in the 'least trusted profession' polls, nudging used car salesmen & ad creatives.
Epsilon’s Shane Hanby: Post-Cookie Era Relies On “Teamwork” Between Brands, Marketers & Tech
This pro predicts more "teamwork" in a post-cookie era. Which spells bad news for the uncooperative or plain stubborn.