On the 9th day of Christmas, Commtract gave to me…
Scott Crebbin | Communication and Events Professional | Sydney, NSW
1. What are you famous for?
Hmmm – I’m not really famous but I am known for working on major events throughout the world. I have been very fortunate to have worked on three Olympic Games, four Rugby World Cups and two Commonwealth Games, plus a number of other multi-sport and single sports events. I have also been involved in a number of large-scale events in Sydney such as New Years Eve celebrations and the 75th Anniversary of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. These are the events that make the job worthwhile – working with incredibly talented people, in amazing locations, on events that entertain and enrich the community.
2. What interesting skills and experience do you bring to the table as a contractor?
I think as contractors we all bring to the table a different perspective – a fresh set of eyes. We see things differently, away from the internal restrictions and politics. We are not afraid to offer ideas and suggest alternative ways of doing things. We are agile and bring with us some of the best examples from other organisations.
3. What have been your favourite projects/engagements/roles/clients? In particular, as part of the International Olympic Committee and the recent Invictus Games?
I have to say working on the world’s largest sporting event – the Olympic Games – has been pretty special and become a major part of my life. The Olympic Games brings together the world’s very best athletes – and you feel that it is the same with the people who work for the organisers. Working with incredibly talented people, across all functional areas is indeed exciting. I was extremely fortunate to have worked inside the International Olympic Committee and it was truly a special part of my career. When I was at the IOC I worked with organising committees from China, Italy, Canada and Great Britain. Understanding the values of the Olympic Movement and being an ambassador for these values was honour.
4. You have had a lot of experience working with government agencies, who are renowned for being process and compliance heavy. Could you shed some light on what it was like to work with them?
I have worked in government, both state and federal, and in a number of government agencies, and I have to say I enjoyed my time there immensely. Government does operate differently to the private sector, and what might seem the most logical way of doing something isn’t always the case. I was fortunate to work within the NSW Government planning for major events and was able to shape how messages were disseminated to stakeholders and the general public. It was a dynamic role and provided great insight into how a global city functions. When working in government you definitely feel like you are contributing and shaping our communities and cities.
5. You own your own successful communications consultancy firm – Platform6. What is a major lesson you learnt from running and managing it?
My number one recommendation when running your own business is to stay connected. All my work – whether consulting or contracting – has come from my network of colleagues and people I have worked with. Many of these people have become my very good friends – it is a network that reflects your life. They provide opportunities, a sounding board and advice. It is important to stay in touch and reach out to them no matter how busy you are – because at some stage you won’t be busy and they will provide support. If you love the area you work in, there is every chance that other people who work in that area will become great colleagues and friends.
6. If I wasn’t doing this for a living, I’d be:
I would – and I probably still will – love to run my own café. There is something about a café that to me is a great part of any community. It is where people gather, spend time with family and friends and relax. My café would probably have a sporting theme, but that’s me.
And finally, what are you doing this Christmas?
How lucky am I – I will be spending Christmas in Colombia with my partner. It is my first trip there and his first trip back in over four years.
Have anything to share for us to check out?
Click below for my company’s website, Platform6
On the 8th day of Christmas, Commtract gave to me…
Cameron Pegg | Communications, Publications and Engagement Specialist | Brisbane, QLD
1. What are you famous for?
I have interviewed my share of famous people. Does that count?! Seriously though, I’m well known for my writing and editing skills. I also have a reputation as a very thorough proofreader. Early in my career, I reported to an editorial board that drew upon senior external stakeholders from industry. They challenged me to present publications that were completely free of stylistic errors, and I’m grateful for that early influence. I’m known as a perfectionist, and the quality of my work reflects that.
2. What interesting skills and experience do you bring to the table as a contractor?
I regularly file features for The Australian – primarily for the arts round, but also travel and other sections. My journalistic experience allows me to approach corporate storytelling in different ways. I’ve also developed expertise in speechwriting, ghostwriting, and developing keynote presentations. All of these tasks come back to good storytelling.
3. Do you have any entertaining stories about this contracting life?
The opening paragraph of this travel feature I wrote for The Weekend Australian certainly paints a picture…click here.
4. What is your favourite type of content to produce – Infographics? Speeches? Articles?
I will always have a soft spot for publications – when done well, they package together writing, design, imagery, and data in compelling ways. They also represent a true team effort. Working from a blank page of thumbnails to a finished product that meets the brief and engages its readership is always gratifying.
5. And wise observations for clients who are considering engaging contractors?
Have an open initial discussion that allows the contractor to “value add” to the project. You might be engaging them for specific expertise, but they may also bring to the table other surprising skills and perspectives
And finally, what are you doing this Christmas?
No travel this year. Spending a leisurely Christmas with neighbours and friends.
Have anything to share for us to check out?
Click below for the link to my website.
On the 7th day of Christmas, Commtract gave to me…
Tracy Small | Graphic Design Specialist | Brisbane, QLD
1. What are you famous for?
Speedy results with a smile!
2. What interesting skills and experience do you bring to the table as a contractor?
I think as contractors we all bring to the table a different perspective – a fresh set of eyes. We see things differently, away from the internal restrictions and politics. We are not afraid to offer ideas and suggest alternative ways of doing things. We are agile and bring with us some of the best examples from other organisations.
3. What have been your favourite projects/engagements/roles/clients?
I love challenges and high pressure – sometimes some of my best work is done with no time to spare! These challenges usually come out of corporate and government work.
4. You own your very own successful graphic design agency, small t design. What do you love about running your own company, and what are some of the major lessons you have learnt from managing it?
I love the independence and flexibility! I’m lucky to have incredible variety in my clients, and I can choose to do pro-bono work when it suits me – without having to rationalize my time with management. Being in your own company allows you to create meaningful, long-lasting and creative relationships with clients – you can’t always do that in a large agency. It’s also professionally fulfilling – clients come to my agency for my specific skill set and it’s very rewarding!
5. You have been in the industry for two decades now – what are the major shifts you have been through, and what did you learn from them?
When I was studying there was just three computers on campus!! We created artwork by hand, using d Letraset (readers might need to Google that!) in our paste up artwork. After computers became standard, Quark Xpress and Freehand became the industry go-to. Now it’s Adobe everything. Websites like Canva have gone far in democratizing design, especially for those with jobs in digital media. It’s an incredible resource but there will always be a role for great graphic designers and the magic they can do.
6. If I wasn’t doing this for a living, I’d be:
An art teacher. Hands down. I adore working with kids … they are the most pure of artists with the best eye for design!
Have anything to share for us to check out?
Check out this annual report I recently designed for QAAFI.
On the 6th day of Christmas, Commtract gave to me…
Natasha Exelby | Media and Communications Professional | Sydney, NSW
1. What are you famous for?
I would love to say it’s for being a world class journalist and weapon of mass disruption in the corporate world of public relations… but alas, the peak fame in my 15-year career can be narrowed down to a 3 second lapse in concentration while anchoring a news bulletin on live television on ABC. I was caught off guard, staring at a pen, my poker face was non-existent. It went viral. Yep. I’m THAT girl.
2. What interesting skills and experience do you bring to the table as a contractor?
This is a much more fun question to answer!!
I’ve been in countless press conferences and media scrums where people fall spectacularly from grace. That’s a pretty solid training ground. It’s also very different when you are the person at the centre of it…. And a couple of times I have been that person. The pressure is difficult to fathom unless you’ve actually experienced it.
When these situations arise, it’s often better to have a consultant as well as inhouse counsel. A contractor can see the forest from the trees, be void of bias and offer a different perspective.
3. What have been your favourite projects/engagements/roles/clients?
I don’t want to sound all ‘secret agent’ here, but my most rewarding projects are ones I can’t really discuss publicly. Big business doesn’t like the public knowing they’ve engaged ‘crisis management’ or someone teaching their CEO how to navigate a landmine press conference. But in general terms, I can say that when you work with organisations who are being hammered by the media and you’re able to flip that situation, regain control of the message and witness the tangible outcomes with share prices climbing, sales growing and public opinion swinging in the right direction, it’s a really exciting thing to be a part of.
4. Any wise observations for clients who are considering engaging contractors?
Media Training and Risk Management are an insurance policy. Think of your business as a car. The bigger your business the faster you drive. A crash is imminent, and it will often come from nowhere. That’s not melodramatic, that’s fact. Risk Management is your seat belt and Media Training is your airbags.
If you’re not prepared, one bad news cycle can tank a company. In business, sales sink and share prices plummet. In politics, elections are lost, and careers are ended. In the sporting world, memberships wane and sponsorships evaporate. Investing in Risk Management is a drop in the bucket for potential fiscal fall out. A good contractor will save you millions of dollars. Situations that could have had catastrophic outcomes transpire into minor media disruptions. Proactive protocol wins every time.
5. You have travelled all over the world reporting and covering major and breaking news stories. Which story/event has been the most memorable for you, and why?
That’s tough, there have been so many events and people who’ve had an enormous impact on who I am and how I think.
The story I think about most is travelling with refugees fleeing the war in Syria. It began with the boat journey from Turkey to Greece. And then on trains, buses, taxis and foot – to seek asylum in northern Europe.
I spent months with children who’d been orphaned by airstrikes, many of them baring the physical scars of chemical weapon warfare. They’d kick around a coke can, using it as a soccer ball to pass the time in makeshift camps between borders. They’d keep score and cheer each other on. I was spellbound by their resilience.
And finally, what are you doing this Christmas?
Sipping prosecco poolside is high on the agenda. My big brother is hosting Christmas in Brisbane this year and his beautiful wife shares my penchant for sparkling wine and relaxation. There will also be glorious food, wonderful children, and hopefully a decent present haul for yours truly.
Have anything to share for us to check out?
Click below for a podcast I did recently on 9 Honey where I talk about some of my career blunders and also XLB Media.
On the 5th day of Christmas, Commtract gave to me…
Jonathan Melrose-Rae | Philanthropy & Fundraising Communications Consultant | Sydney, NSW
1. What are you famous for?
I’m most famous for working with not for profit organisations in transforming their fundraising and philanthropy programs. Many charities find it really difficult to settle on the most appropriate strategy for communicating to donors. Some, so thankful for the support, end up alienating the donors because of number of times they communicate to them. Others are completely absent once the first donation is made.
I’ve been fortunate enough to work with a number of Australia’s most trusted and iconic charities helping them to get this balance of communication right. And I’m pleased to say, many of them have not only achieved their objectives around donor retention but also substantially increased donations.
2. I got into communications etc. because….
I started my working life as a cadet journalist in Queensland, and ever since then I’ve believed in the power of communication. I love story telling, and I love seeing the way that people respond (mostly positively!) to a well told story – in the not for profit sector that means achieving engagement with a philanthropist and working together to tackle some of society’s most challenging issues.
3. Do you have any entertaining stories about this contracting life?
Many! The best story was having a motor way in Durban, South Africa, closed down for the day so I could have 500 extras crawl along the motor way being filmed for a TV ad. It was an amazing event, and a very effective advert – not only for the client but the creative team received a Highly Commended in the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity that year.
4. You have worked on many fundraising activities across the NFP sector – what were some of these, and what did you learn most from them that helped your communications career?
Yes that’s true, I’ve worked on big multi-million dollar raising events, hosted royal patron visits in the outback and cocktail events on the lawns of Government House. Equally, I’ve had to pull my sleeve up and stuff envelopes, been out on the street and handed out flyers to commuters at Wynyard, and shaken the collection box. The most important thing I’ve learnt is that ultimately everyone is busy and taking a moment to just engage with them as a person makes a world of difference when you are both working towards delivering complex projects.
5. Any wise words to share with other professionals in contracting?
Remember to always do what you’ve said you’d do, make sure that you clarify any points you don’t understand so you have a clear brief to deliver on and make sure you keep everyone updated on what you’re doing.
And finally, what are you doing this Christmas?
We’re actually staying home in Sydney for the first time in 10 years. Just the three of us, me my partner and our daughter who is 12 (going on 16!) will be home for Christmas this year. We’ll sleep in, eat way too much, and take long walks with Coco our 5 year old taboodle (…yes taboodle not cavoodle – a cross between a Tibetan spaniel and a poodle!).
Have anything to share for us to check out?
Click below for a published LinkedIn article I did.
On the 4th day of Christmas, Commtract gave to me…
Simon Dux | Strategic Communications Specialist | Sydney, NSW
1. What are you famous for?
In a world that measures fame via ephemeral likes and shares, I have no Kardashian anecdotes. However, I once managed to get The Economist leader writers to mention BT as an open innovation leader.
2. What interesting skills and experience do you bring to the table as a contractor?
I think it’s about breadth. I’m a communicator who understands technology. I’ve been a journalist, corporate communicator and PR lead. I’ve delivered comms in an organisation of more than 100,000 people and now in one with less than ten. The skills are the same – the rest is application.
3. What have been your favourite projects/engagements/roles/clients? In particular at BT?
BT’s next-generation network 21CN was a fantastic multi-year national campaign to be working on. It was a great opportunity to showcase BT’s technology innovation and coordinate internal and external communications programmes. Transformation comms are tough sometimes but very rewarding to work on as you are dealing with real issues and real reputational risk. The BT Sport launch was a fantastic experience as we’d become a challenger brand so could be more creative. I was also impressed BT won the Aussie cricket rights in the UK.
4. As a veteran communications specialist (15+ years in the field!), any wise words to share with other professionals in contracting?
Comms contracting is so different to journalism. In the latter, find your niche and exploit your niche is the mantra. In contracting, you take on the client’s niche and this can unsettle some people. My view is to listen hard early on and do your homework before engaging. Clients don’t want to hear how great you are – they want to hear how you can help them with their communications.
5. Any wise observations for clients who are considering engaging contractors?
Yes, pick me 😉 . Failing that, I would warn against making any bidding process a race to the bottom. I think more value is created by building trust for repeat work. That way, you may get a virtual resource that you aren’t needing to educate from scratch.
And finally, what are you doing this Christmas?
Freezing to death in London while I pack for my imminent move in January to Sydney…or Melbourne…or… Been in the UK for 25 years and still can’t cope with the winters.
Where can we follow you?
Click below for my recently published article in the London Institute of Banking’s Financial World magazine.
On the 3rd day of Christmas, Commtract gave to me…
Alicia Norton | Communications Professional | Melbourne, VIC
1. What interesting skills and experience do you bring to the table as a contractor?
On top of the skills that I have refined through over eight years hands on experience in marketing and communications roles, I’ve also been producing and performing comedy for almost four years. I think my ability to switch between producing work that is highly corporate and work that is fun and entertaining gives me an exciting edge and unique insight into what will connect with a target audience.
2. What have been your favourite projects/engagements/roles/clients?
A few years ago, I was invited to be on the writing team for a community TV show about politics. I had never written a script before and I had very little interest in politics however throughout the project, I fell in love with the process and the subject matter. By the time we made it to the final episode I had taken on the role of head writer and as I watched the taping of that episode in front of a live audience, I was filled so much pride and satisfaction. It was absolutely one of the best experiences of my life.
3. Tell us a little bit more about No Lights No Lycra. What do you love about this movement, and how will your role further propel it?
No Lights No Lycra is a global dance movement that has been running for almost ten years with over 70 locations around the world. The organisation is very grassroots, and I am working with them three days a week to help further develop their business structure and processes as well as building major partnerships. We have just partnered with Lifeline as their first “community partner” with a launch set for March!
I had attended No Lights No Lycra for three years and it was just earlier this year that the opportunity came up to work with them. I love everything about what they do and the incredible and unique experience that the sessions provide. From a mental and physical health perspective, the benefits are incredible.
4. And wise observations for clients who are considering engaging contractors?
Contractors can bring incredible external ideas and energy if they are the right fit. That being said, just because someone can ‘do’ the task, it doesn’t mean that they will be the best person to do that task for you. Make sure you find someone whose working style and values align with yours or your organisations.
And finally, what are you doing this Christmas?
Driving to Adelaide (from Melbourne) to see my family and to see a childhood friend get hitched!
Where can we follow you?
You can find a selection of my work on my website and blog below.
On the 2nd day of Christmas, Commtract gave to me…
Kathy Milne | Communications Professional | Wellington, NZ
1. What are you famous for?
Happily, I’m not famous at all. It’s a bit of a fallacy that all communications people love being in the limelight and the centre of attention; I’m happiest working behind the scenes. I love the part of my work that promotes organisations and the great people working hard to evolve amazing brands and experiences for their customers/clients. Telling their story is what I enjoy the most – which is why answering these questions about myself is quite hard!
2. What interesting skills and experience do you bring to the table as a contractor?
I encourage leaders to take some risks and have a level of comfort with the consequences, which is not something that comes naturally to many people. Humans are hard-wired to fear failure, but the best opportunities to learn and improve come from mistakes that have been made. The best CEOs I’ve worked with understand this and create great cultures in their organisations with high trust models as a result.
3. What have been your favourite projects/engagements/roles/clients?
Roles that have variety work better for me – a mix of strategic and operational deliverables, as well as a few challenges to keep the work interesting. I enjoyed working in the education sector, which is full of big challenges and opportunities to do something different – that’s when I created a podcast series called Teaching Today and recorded a Facebook Live interview with the education minister.
4. You have been in the communications field for at least a decade – what are some of the major shifts you experienced, and how did you tackle them?
One of the biggest changes seen in communications in the last decade is the eruption of social media. Communications professionals and the organisations they work for have needed to respond quickly to understand new developments and expectations. One of the benefits of these changes is that ‘spin’ is dead and transparency is now a given, but on the downside, social media has given rise to the view that people with opinions are experts who speak the truth, and that’s dangerous.
5. Any wise words to share with other professionals in contracting?
In the early years of contracting there’s a self-imposed pressure always to be working, and that can lead to making poor choices about the kind of role you accept. As time goes on you realise that it’s more important to choose roles that enable you to flourish and be your best, because they do come along, you just need to hold your nerve.
And finally, what are you doing this Christmas?
I’m going to be home with my family on the beautiful Kapiti Coast, and afterwards, I’m going to nip off to Melbourne for some rest and relaxation on my own. Pure bliss.
Have anything to share for us to check out?
Click below for an article I wrote about cultural competence in education when I was at the Education Council
On the 1st day of Christmas, Commtract gave to me…
Steve Green | Financial Communications Professional | Melbourne, VIC
1. What interesting skills and experience do you bring to the table as a contractor?
I have been reading about investing, the financial markets and various individual stocks for about 25 years now. I should have tried to get into the property market earlier than I did but investing elsewhere from a young age has instead taught me a thing or two. All my reading about investing and mistakes made on the share market has likely resulted in some knowledge gained. I think this can be communicated well to readers when I write about investing topics.
2. Why did you choose freelancing?
It was a simple decision in that I wanted to trade away some of my earning potential, in return for more freedom. That can mean the time to choose working on the tasks I am more passionate about. I can say that the part about trading away some of my earning potential has definitely occurred so far. That was before I discovered Commtract only last month of course, now that will change! The flexibility is also enjoyable as I get to spend a good amount of the year in different locations overseas if I wish.
3. What have been your favourite projects/engagements/roles/clients?
For the last couple of years I have spent around half my week writing up research on ASX listed companies. It is enjoyable because it is for a Private Family Office that has a very similar investing style to me. I also feel it is a constant learning experience with every research piece I work on.
4. What topic and content do you enjoy writing the most?
Now that I have put a few of my opinions in articles on the internet I probably favour writing about very long term predictions. That way I am long gone before anyone can say whether I really got it wrong or not! Your online articles published elsewhere in some cases can be like tattoos, tricky to remove. I like how it teaches you to develop a thick skin though, as there are plenty of people out there that are happy to disagree with your views. As an investor it is the opposing views I prefer to hear. They tend to be more likely to save you from making mistakes.
5. If I wasn’t doing this for a living, I’d be:
Probably struggling! Having a strong interest in one area can sometimes mean you neglect learning other skills. This probably applies to me to a large extent. I thought I used to make a good coffee with our office machine so perhaps a barista. To make good money there though you have to be cool, and I may struggle to fit into hipster skinny jeans these days.
Where can we follow you?
I began blogging about my investing almost 3 years ago now just as a hobby. I never imagined I would keep it up for this long so you will have to excuse the more informal writing style, particularly in the beginning. It may however provide some insight into how I think about investing. Click on the button below for my blog.