Leaning into diversity, equity and inclusion definitely requires bravery, Google’s senior director of marketing for A/NZ, Aisling Finch, says.

It was a brave call to invest a huge amount of time and money into customer research so early on in Employment Hero’s business journey, says its marketing director, Tasman Page. But it’s proven the right one for the people management software provider.

Mark Renshaw is a big believer in using data for decision making. But to suggest this is all he bases his moves on as a global chief marketing officer would be one-sided.

While many businesses postponed or shelved brand-related activities during 2021, Moet Hennessy was one of those making the strategic decision to continue building brand desirability.

Destination NSW GM of consumer marketing, Kathryn Illy, isn’t one who just embraces the status quo. In fact, she prides herself on her brave approach of not settling for ‘that’s how we do things around here’.

It’s funny how careers work out sometimes. Caroline Ruddick, currently general manager of marketing for Maurice Blackburn (MB), at one point in her career was offered a transfer to South Korea.

​Working for a luxury wine brand would surely be many marketers’ idea of heaven, and it’s an opportunity Kristy Keyte, CMO of Penfolds, fully appreciates.

Shae Keenan is the first to admit she who used to believe vulnerability in leadership was a weakness. But thanks to her experiences the last couple of years as Visit Victoria’s chief marketing officer, she now knows vulnerability is vital to brave, impactful leadership.

Caroline Raj, Senior Director and Head of Marketing AN/Z at ServiceNow, made a brave call during the pandemic, and this was to lead with vulnerability.

Lara Thom isn’t a marketer who just follows the crowd. The CMO of QSR brand, Guzman Y Gomez, says the mantra she’s instilled across her team is to focus on GYG’s business strategy and vision, rather than copying others.

The launch of LiSTNR in February 2021 marked the biggest change in Southern Cross Austereo’s strategic direction from broadcast to personalised digital audio at scale. So it’s not surprising to hear the launch and realisation of the brand vision is both a golden marketing moment for the media company’s CMO, Nikki Clarkson, as well as one of her most confronting over the past 18 months.

​Quokka sh*t is not something usually associated with health insurance. However, general manager, marketing and engagement of HBF, Louise Ardagh, made the brave call to associate it when launching HBF into eastern Australia.

Someone once gave Oonagh Flanagan, chief marketing officer of Funlab, career advice - which she has firmly ignored.

Slashing Mars Wrigley Australia’s innovation plan and driving a fewer, bigger, better mentality was a big call for marketing director, Ben Hill, to make. But demonstrating such bravery is paying dividends.

​With a Masters degree in mechanical engineering, CCO of Australian Ethical Investment, Maria Loyez, was sponsored by Ford Motor Company and worked for 18 months before and during her degree. So marketing is not necessarily where she was headed.

It’s been a big year for the Cadbury’s brand and the marketing team behind it. This year, the iconic chocolate brand celebrated its 100th year of manufacturing in Hobart, Tasmania.

Consistency and evolution sound like two different approaches to marketing and brand leadership. But one look at Andrew Hicks’ playbook as CMO at Woolworths Group, and the connection between two becomes a winning formula.

One brave call Manelle Merhi, general manager of marketing and customer experience at Kennards Hire, made was to pursue the ‘Ken Oath’ creative.

​When people are planning a holiday, they may not necessarily think of Tasmania - or rather they didn’t used to think of Tasmania.

​Jo Feeney was at a career crossroads before joining Michael Hill Jeweller. Ultimately she chose change - at a time when most were avoiding change.

Jenni Dill joined Arnott’s two years ago, shortly after the FMCG was purchased by private equity giant, KKR. She came in with a burning ambition to deliver business impact well beyond traditional marketing. So that’s exactly what she’s done.