Women In Media Series: Joe Pollard, Telstra’s Media & Marketing Boss
In B&T’s latest instalment of fantastic women in media today we talk to the fantastic Joe Pollard. Starting her career as a receptionist, Joe went on to be Nike’s global media director, boss at Ninemsn and now group manager director of media and marketing at Telstra. Now there’s a wide and varied CV…
What’s your back story in a nutshell (the non-LinkedIn one?)
I did not take the traditional degree and internship path in my career. My story is one of experience, hard work and learning on the job. It involved always asking and wanting more opportunities and more challenges. I was also confident to take risks and lateral moves to get experience and broaden my horizons – in fact all my vertical moves came after lateral changes.
Who or what inspired you to go into this industry?
I got into the industry by accident when I landed a job as a receptionist at J Walter Thompson so, in a way, the industry found me.
How do you define leadership?
The most important part of a leader’s success is the power of the people in their team. I never ask anyone to do anything I wouldn’t be prepared to do myself. It’s important to know your industry and help your teams understand the commercial spine of the business so they know where they are and how to get to where the business wants to go. Leaders also need to be confident to stick their neck out and take some risks.
What are the pearls of wisdom you know now, that you wish you knew when they were younger – or what advice would you give to your 20-year-old self?
Above all, be patient. Also, realise that you can have it all, just not all at once – if you find yourself in your mid-30s and feel like you’re the worst mother in the world, know that you’re not.
Proudest career moment/achievement
I’ve been lucky enough to have had three so far. The first was being offered a role as global media director at Nike when I was 30 years old. The next was when I became CEO for the first time at Ninemsn. I’m very proud of my current role – if I could have made up my perfect job, it would be this one. I get the commercial satisfaction to run P&L and drive Telstra’s media business forward in an industry I love; plus I manage a fabulous brand and work horizontally across the organisation nurturing the most respected brand in Australia.
How do you get others on board with your vision?
You need to tell a story rather than sell a vision – giving people context of the past, present and future helps ground the experience and define a way forward. You need to anchor your ambitions in today’s results so you know the gap you’re working to fill. I place a lot of stock in keeping things simple, in language and approach, as it helps to quickly get everyone on the same page and heading in the same direction.
And make sure you enter our Women in Media Awards, or nominate a colleague, here!
Latest News
Would TikTok Be Missed?
In this opinion piece, Alpha Digital’s head of performance Amir Rezaee outlines the impact to brands of a potential banning of TikTok in Australia The six weeks or so since TikTok announced its local Australian office has been a busy period. Aiming to make a similar impression on SMBs as it has on its 1.6m […]
NextMedia’s frankie And Gardening Australia Magazines Report “Surge In Sales”
Amid the sadness of magazine closures, the challenges of COVID-19, and industry concern as companies merge or change hands, some magazines are thriving. NextMedia titles such as the much-loved frankie and ABC Gardening Australia magazine have been enjoying a surge in sales during this period of home isolation. Gardening Australia retail sales have been robust […]
Mag Closures & The New Landscape For Earned Media
In this guest post, MINT’s publicity director, Nathan McIlroy (pictured below), explores the new norm for Australian media and says Bauer’s/Mercury Capital’s recent mag closures should be viewed as an exciting opportunity for the brave… Last week’s announcement that new owners Mercury Capital were to permanently close eight of Bauer Media’s magazines sent shockwaves through […]
“Worst Year In Living Memory!” Aussie Ad Spends Plummet 14.7% In 2019/20
As expected, 2019/20 ad spends make for very difficult reading indeed. Even more so if you've forgotten your glasses.
Jamie Whincup And A Host Of Aussie Personalities Star In Club Marine Series
In a first for the Australian insurance market, Club Marine, Australia’s largest provider of boat and pleasure-craft insurance, has released a new series of videos to help explain insurance cover. With a few familiar Aussie personalities to help out, Club Marine is helping its members, as well as the broader boating community, to understand the […]
Ultimate Edge Communications Welcomes Michaela Fulop Back As Client Success Manager
Sydney, July 31st, 2020: Sydney-based media marketing consultancy Ultimate Edge Communications (UEC) announces a new hire in the company’s media team; Michaela Fulop returns to fill the vacant role of Client Success Manager, to be the go-to person across the full client roster.
No Change At The Top! Initiative Remains Top Performing Media Agency For June
June's new business wins is pretty much the same as May's, just with a few less factual inaccuracies this time around.
DDB Still Top Dog For New Business Wins For June
DDB still top agency for new business wins. Sadly, has postponed celebratory rooftop effigy burning due to high winds.
Australian Advertising Students To Compete In Advertising Capstone Challenge
Ad grads set to compete in the Capstone Challenge. Which sadly doesn't appear to include a hotdog eating component.
Harold Mitchell Wins Legal Battle Over Australian Open TV Deal
Harold Mitchell wins his battle with ASIC. Which is top news for the lucky restaurant in which he chose to celebrate.
KitKat Partners With R U OK?
No one enjoys a chocolate finger for morning tea like the B&T office. On other occasions we might even have a KitKat.
Microsoft Lays Out Plan To Acquire TikTok In The US And Australia
The Microsoft exec team are working on their dance moves ahead of this bumper acquisition.
Sunday TV Wrap: Ninja Swings The Night Nine’s Way
As a plus, Ninja Warrior affords B&T the wonderful opportunity of upping our quota of gym-hardened hotties photos.
Mark Read Admits “Huge Amount Of Work To Do” As WPP Reveals Diversity Workforce Numbers
WPP's workforce diversity numbers make for a very sobering read. Unless, you're already pissed, of course.
ABC Comic Unveils Riotous “The Ballad Of Bunnings Karen”
B&T admits it's a difficult time to be a Karen. However, spare a thought for the Adolfs, the Lucifers or the Mike Hunts.
“There’s A Lot Of Uncertainty!” Roxy Reveals How CV-19 & Bauer’s Mag Closures Have Wreaked A PR Apocalypse
In harrowing news for marquee hire, Moët sales & scallops served on spoons, Roxy says the PR biz is in for a pummeling.
oOh! Launches The Junkee Network
Junkee Media and parent company oOh!media have launched a powerful new way to reach young Australians – the Junkee Network. Combining Junkee Media’s content platforms with oOh!’s leading Out of Home assets in venues and universities across the country, the Junkee Network will be the largest and most influential youth content network in the country. […]
Cricket Australia Rejects Super-Sized McDonald’s Sponsorship Deal In Favour Of Incumbent KFC
Cricket Australia spurns Macca's' overtures, insisting it had nothing to do with getting soggy fries at the Drive-Thru.
Aimee Buchanan Says It’s Time To Evolve Historical ‘Maternity Leave’ Into ‘Parental Leave’
When Aimee Buchanan speaks, B&T listens. Our editor doubly so, due to him being slightly deaf in the left ear.
Indie Agency Channel T Wins Ego Pharmaceuticals’ Creative
Ego produce some of Australia's best-loved pharmaceuticals. Particularly if you suffer from a myriad of fungal diseases.
James Murdoch Quits News Corp Board Over Editorial “Disagreements”
Expect awkward silences & a distinct lack of joie de vivre at the Murdoch family Christmas lunch this year on this news.
The Opportunities & Challenges Of Working From Home
B&T lists the advantages of working from home as The Young & The Restless, chardonnay at 11 and noticeable weight gain.
GroupM’s Finecast Allows Advertisers To Measure BVOD Reach For The First Time
Admittedly, GroupM's Finecast can't help with the office footy tipping, however, it can help with your BVOD numbers.
Research Reveals Aussie Small Businesses Upping Digital Marketing Spend
Australian small business owners are turning to skilled local freelancers and upping their digital marketing spend as they move online to connect with customers and keep cash flow positive. The Federal Government’s pandemic response has earned a tick from small business owners as have those of New South Wales and Queensland, but one in three […]
Foxtel Announces Female-Focused Lifetime Movie Network
No one loves a good 'chick flick' like the B&T office. Our favourites being 'Saving Private Ryan' and 'The Terminator'.
“Sex Sells?” Yes, There’s Now An Instagram Page Dedicated To Australia’s Hottest Real Estate Agents
You opened B&T today expecting another 'Karen' story, didn't you? Instead, it's real estate agents in states of undress.
Amobee Launches OOH Offering For Aussie Market
Amobee throws off tech's slightly unhealthy, closeted indoors reputation and heads outside with new OOH offering.
Optus Assistant Chatbot Surpasses 2 Million Conversations
In the last 12 months, Optus’ AI Assistant Chatbot has surpassed two million conversations, with 1 in 6 Optus customers having their queries resolved immediately, providing a seamless experience without needing to speak to a person. Optus Assistant greets every customer that comes through My Optus App Messaging and its Web Messaging service with on average […]
SodaStream Introduces Respiratory Device For COVID-19 Patients
Sure, it might have a little 70s hangover about it, but SodaStream's proving it's very much on-trend with this top idea.
AKQA Recognised On Best Workplace For Innovators List
AKQA recognised on best workplace list and not merely for banning the Orange Cream from the office biscuit barrel.
