COMMTRACT’S 12 DAYS OF EXPERTS
We’re feeling festive here at Commtract, and starting off the holiday season with our “12 Days of Experts”. During the coming weeks prior to the holidays, we are featuring and interviewing 12 of our newly onboarded talented professionals who are here to help with your upcoming projects.
Make sure you visit this page again to meet the featured experts!
On the 12th day of Christmas, Commtract gave to me…
Jo Lawton | Marketing Communications Professional | Auckland, NZ
1. What are you famous for?
In a few wordsā¦ getting stuff done, even the tricky stuff. However, that is fame amongst my colleagues, friends and family. If I look at something grander, I would say changing the mobile market in New Zealand. Faced with a highly regulated, highly competitive industry and a big barrier to entry I worked with my legal team and a fantastic agency and turned around a campaign in 48 hours that literally changed things forever. I love that my creative was āstolenā by the competition and ultimately made things better for New Zealanders. Iām not sure this counts as fameā¦ does my winter boots walking across a carpet in a TV ad count?
2. What interesting skills and experience do you bring to the table as a contractor?
I have worked globally delivering campaigns in many languages predominantly for the IT/Telco sector and to a diverse range of audiences. I have a broad communications background and thereās very little I havenāt delivered. I am flexible, approachable and I love to make things happen.
3. What have been your favourite projects/engagements/roles/clients?
Apart from the market-changing campaign I mentioned here in New Zealand, my other favourite was getting to craft the brand for a telecommunications company in the UK. I joined the company at a very challenging time and there was a need to turn things around and do things differently. I got to work with the senior executive team and help shape the companyās brand. I then had to take the entire organisation and associated businesses on the journey to. The outcomes were phenomenal. I had even the most cynical of people understand where the business was going and what part they played in that turnaround situation. Having the opportunity to transform a business was fantastic.
4. You recently did a project with the CEOs and Strategy Officers of New Zealandās advertising agencies where you created a book and advertising campaign around the importance of brand effectiveness. Tell us more about how you got involved, what you enjoyed the most and a major lesson you learnt from this project.
I was brought in to bring to life the notion that investing in advertising delivers profitability in the long term. Trial and error showed that a simple ad campaign wasnāt going to work; approaching an internationally renowned marketing strategist, Peter Field, was the best way forward. I worked with Peter on how best to tell the story of where things are right now and how we got there; this is followed by the seven principles to adopt that will ultimately deliver long term results. Endorsed by one of the NZās leading female executives, Joan Withers, this book has already started to have a positive impact in the market. I produced it from the initial brief to creative execution and launch. I have to say it isnāt every day you get to sit with some of the most powerful people in the advertising industry discussing how you can help deliver value to their businesses and how they help their clients achieve improved profitability. It was fascinating to watch discussions on creative and positioning with such a diverse group of competitors! I would highly recommend you read the book.
And finally, what are you doing this Christmas?
I will be relaxing out on the water with my husband, Neil, and our spoodle Sprocket. We have been updating bits and pieces on our boat, a Farr1220, over winter and sheās ready to get out thereā¦ as are we.
Have anything to share for us to check out?
At the Blind Foundation, I helped bring the inaugural 7 Day Challenge (7 blind or low vision Kiwis, going 700 kms in 7 days taking on an epic challenge each day) to life – this is one of the participants giving us a snapshot of how she lost her sight and what drives her. The experience was both inspiring and humbling in equal measure – check out the video below.
On the 11th day of Christmas, Commtract gave to me…
Andrew Elsbury | Corporate Communications and Government Engagement Consultant | VIC
1. What are you famous for?
Iām known as a Member of State Parliament for the western suburbs of Melbourne, winning the seat as a Liberal in a Labor dominated part of Victoria. I held this role from 2010 to 2014 and served a diverse community with a range of needs during this time.
I engaged in active two-way communications plans as well as reactive and crisis response initiatives with selected scope on the audiences who needed to be addressed.
2. What interesting skills and experience do you bring to the table as a contractor?
I have a strong understanding of politics at the Victorian State and Australian Federal levels which provides useful insights into ministerial approaches and departmental reactions to issues when they arise.
I also possess a range of communications techniques which I have developed over 18 years including writing for different mediums, website development, graphic design and social media management.
3. Do you have any entertaining stories about this contracting life?
I have many stories from my career like being pulled over by police for following the Prime Ministerās car while capturing photos of his trip, I have represented the government at a meeting of angry parents of a private school which became insolvent and represented the Victorian Parliament at international forums.
The benefit of working in a political environment is the exposure you receive in the diverse elements of our community. There are many different businesses I have learned more about such as a; Barramundi farm in Werribee, sawmills in the Gippsland region or IT security firms in Melbourne, each has a story to tell. That is what makes communications such an exciting field of expertise.
4. As a veteran communications specialist (16 years in the field!), any wise words to share with other professionals in contracting?
Be prepared for a crisis. When an issue arises there is no time to try to get all the ducks to line up. You need a clear plan ready to roll within minutes of a crisis occurring. In the age of social media you have less than half an hour to get some semblance of control, even if the response is a generic statement saying an incident has occurred and when we have the full facts we will be making a formal statement. Crisis plans should be developed for foreseeable issues which may emerge in the industry you serve so that if something does arise you have the look of controlling the situation while making sure you actually do have control.
5. And wise observations for clients who are considering engaging contractors?
Make sure you have set the imperatives of the project before engaging a contractor. Time and resources can be lost if goals have not been decided before the contractor is onsite.
6. What is one thing you want to tell people about working in the government field that they might not know or think of?
When working with Government, organisations need to appreciate that it works to a different time scale to business. Government does not have the same imperatives of monthly reporting, rather it works on scales of sitting dates, Budget Days and Election cycles.
Communicating with MPs and Ministers needs to be finessed so that what is being provided aligns with Government policy direction or political ideological drivers. This can mean a rethink for an organisation as to how to approach topics.
These factors drive when and how to make ministers open to discussing topics and if they will have an open view to hear what an organisation has to say.
And finally, what are you doing this Christmas?
This Christmas Iām going to my brotherās for lunch with my family, and spending some time on projects around the house.
On the 10th day of Christmas, Commtract gave to me…
Kylie Johnson | Communications Specialist | Sydney, NSW
1. What are you famous for?
The way my eyes light up when I discover a new communication channel. For example, when I first heard about podcasting and platforms like YouTube 12 years ago, I was so excited about the potential. I think I was very fortunate to work in public relations when the digital wave started and to have surfed it all the way to the shore. Now, digital is part of everything we do but there was a time when it was considered quite radical. I didnāt think it was radical, I loved it!
2. What interesting skills and experience do you bring to the table as a contractor?
I think Iām a bit of a Swiss Army knife, with a whole host of skills. For example, I can confidently guide a client around Parliament House. I know the significance of the pink carpet, the green carpet and the blue carpet (the Senate has pink carpet, the House of Representatives has green carpet and the Ministerial Wing has blue carpet). I was fortunate to work in Parliament House for a few years and know a few of its secrets. As for my other skills, I can write a speech for a CEO or create a high level communications strategy but I also love to edit audio, like podcasts. I even find it relaxing. I think it comes from working in radio newsrooms when I was a journalist.
3. What have been your favourite projects/engagements/roles/clients?
One of my favourite clients was an allied health body who needed communications and government relations support. This allied health body was decidedly unfashionable but had a very important mission. I accompanied the CEO and the Director to Federal Parliament to lobby all political parties. We were waiting for an MP in his office. He walked in, pointed to me and said āI know youā. It turns out he was sitting near me at a cafĆ© in Canberra that morning. I think that comes from having red hair and glasses so I stand out! From that day forward he was so helpful and so encouraging. His team supported us as we set up a parliamentary briefing and our issue was introduced into parliament. It really reminded me that Canberra is a small town and relationships are everything.
4. Tell us more about creating the podcast series for the CSIRO ā what was your thought process, inspiration, and what was a major lesson you learnt from this project?
I āfellā into podcasting in 2006. I was at CSIRO after working in radio for several years. I was frustrated by the fact that there were so few journalists and they didnāt have the resources to tell some of the great stories that were coming out of CSIRO. I became so frustrated that I decided that if journalists wouldnāt tell our stories, we should do it ourselves. I think it sounds obvious now, but in 2006, it was a pretty radical idea. We built a studio with the help of a radio engineer who put it together with spare parts. We even had an on air light from the old 2GB studios at Parliament House!
In about six months, the podcasts went to the top of the science and medicine category on Apple podcasts, ahead of Dr Karl and even the Science Show.
It was a remarkable achievement for a podcast from a government organisation. Now, I love helping other organisations create their own podcasts.
And finally, what are you doing this Christmas?
Iāll be in the Blue Mountains for a big family Christmas with my son and then off to the beach to recover.
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 ā Iām 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 ā 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 ā 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 worldās largest sporting event ā the Olympic Games – has been pretty special and become a major part of my life. The Olympic Games brings together the worldās very best athletes ā 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 isnāt 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 ā 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 ā whether consulting or contracting ā has come from my network of colleagues and people I have worked with. Many of these people have become my very good friends ā 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 ā because at some stage you wonāt 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 ā and I probably still will ā love to run my own cafĆ©. There is something about a cafĆ© that to me is a great part of any community. It is where people gather, spend time with family and friends and relax. My cafĆ© would probably have a sporting theme, but that’s me.
And finally, what are you doing this Christmas?
How lucky am I ā 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, Iām 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 Iām grateful for that early influence. Iām 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 ā primarily for the arts round, but also travel and other sections. My journalistic experience allows me to approach corporate storytelling in different ways. Iāve 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 pictureā¦click here.
4. What is your favourite type of content to produce ā Infographics? Speeches? Articles?
I will always have a soft spot for publications ā 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 āvalue addā 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 ā 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 ā 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! Iām lucky to have incredible variety in my clients, and I can choose to do pro-bono work when it suits me ā 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 ā you canāt always do that in a large agency. Itās also professionally fulfilling ā clients come to my agency for my specific skill set and itās very rewarding!
5. You have been in the industry for two decades now ā 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 itās Adobe everything. Websites like Canva have gone far in democratizing design, especially for those with jobs in digital media. Itās 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 ā¦ 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 itās for being a world class journalist and weapon of mass disruption in the corporate world of public relationsā¦ 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. Iām 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!!
Iāve been in countless press conferences and media scrums where people fall spectacularly from grace. Thatās a pretty solid training ground. Itās also very different when you are the person at the centre of itā¦. And a couple of times I have been that person. The pressure is difficult to fathom unless youāve actually experienced it.
When these situations arise, itās 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 donāt want to sound all āsecret agentā here, but my most rewarding projects are ones I canāt really discuss publicly. Big business doesnāt like the public knowing theyāve engaged ācrisis managementā 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 youāre 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, itās 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. Thatās not melodramatic, thatās fact. Risk Management is your seat belt and Media Training is your airbags.
If youāre 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?
Thatās tough, there have been so many events and people whoāve 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 whoād been orphaned by airstrikes, many of them baring the physical scars of chemical weapon warfare. Theyād kick around a coke can, using it as a soccer ball to pass the time in makeshift camps between borders. Theyād 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?
Iām 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.
Iāve been fortunate enough to work with a number of Australiaās most trusted and iconic charities helping them to get this balance of communication right. And Iām 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. becauseā¦.
I started my working life as a cadet journalist in Queensland, and ever since then Iāve 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 ā in the not for profit sector that means achieving engagement with a philanthropist and working together to tackle some of societyās 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 ā 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 ā what were some of these, and what did you learn most from them that helped your communications career?
Yes thatās true, Iāve 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, Iāve 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 Iāve 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 youāve said youād do, make sure that you clarify any points you donāt understand so you have a clear brief to deliver on and make sure you keep everyone updated on what youāre doing.
And finally, what are you doing this Christmas?
Weāre 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. Weāll sleep in, eat way too much, and take long walks with Coco our 5 year old taboodle (ā¦yes taboodle not cavoodle ā 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 itās about breadth. Iām a communicator who understands technology. Iāve been a journalist, corporate communicator and PR lead. Iāve delivered comms in an organisation of more than 100,000 people and now in one with less than ten. The skills are the same ā the rest is application.
3. What have been your favourite projects/engagements/roles/clients? In particular at BT?
BTās next-generation network 21CN was a fantastic multi-year national campaign to be working on. It was a great opportunity to showcase BTās 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 weād 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 clientās niche and this can unsettle some people. My view is to listen hard early on and do your homework before engaging. Clients donāt want to hear how great you are ā 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 š . 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 arenāt 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 Sydneyā¦or Melbourneā¦orā¦ Been in the UK for 25 years and still canāt cope with the winters.
Where can we follow you?
Click below for my recently published article in the London Institute of Bankingās 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, Iāve 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 ācommunity partnerā 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 ādoā the task, it doesnāt 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, Iām not famous at all. Itās a bit of a fallacy that all communications people love being in the limelight and the centre of attention; Iām 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 ā 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 Iāve 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 ā thatās 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 ā 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 āspinā 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 thatās dangerous.
5. Any wise words to share with other professionals in contracting?
In the early years of contracting thereās 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 itās 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?
Iām going to be home with my family on the beautiful Kapiti Coast, and afterwards, Iām 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 wasnāt doing this for a living, Iād 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.
