Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with James Deysel, Marketing Director of SnackBrands, to explore a career built on resilience, values, and strategic growth. Raised in Johannesburg, South Africa, James shares how his early life shaped a strong sense of fairness, justice, and hard work - principles that helped him earn a full university scholarship and set the foundation for his professional journey. James takes us through his academic path at the University of Johannesburg, wh...

Send us a text In this MindPick Special edition of Your Future in Sales and Marketing, we sit down with two seasoned business leaders - Jon Bradshaw and Chris Baddock - who have each carved out influential careers before establishing their own coaching and consulting practices. Now serving as mentors in the MindPick peer-to-peer mentoring program, Jon and Chris open up about their journeys, their leadership philosophies, and why they’re passionate about developing the next generation of comme...

Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with two of Fever-Tree’s key leaders - Grant Howard, General Manager, and Alanna Gibson, Head of Strategy - whose very different journeys converged at one of the most dynamic brands in premium beverages. Originally from York in the UK, Alanna’s entrepreneurial spirit showed up early. From lemonade stands to crepe carts and ice-cream stores, she spent her school years discovering a love for business that led her to study at the University of Bath and...

Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with Adam Vine-Hall and Tess Gerrand - a true FMCG power couple whose story blends elite sport, business transformation, and family life. Tess, a former Olympian turned Head of Customer Category & Execution at Kraft Heinz, shares her journey of retiring from sport at just 26 and navigating a new professional identity. From the recommendation of Coca-Cola Amatil’s Managing Director to join a cross-functional leadership graduate program, to discov...

Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with Donna Oakley-Davies, a seasoned marketing leader whose journey from the rolling hills of Wiltshire to the boardrooms of global FMCG brands is nothing short of inspiring. Originally from a small village near Westbury - famous for its iconic White Horse - Donna shares how her rural upbringing, love of the outdoors, and strong family values shaped her grounded yet ambitious approach to leadership. With a father who was a cabinet maker and a mother...

Send us a text In this episode, we're thrilled to welcome back Seb Brandt, but this time, Seb's story takes a turn. In this special return episode, we catch up with Seb, who recently hit pause on his high-powered corporate life to cycle across the United States on what he calls “The Deliberate Detour.” From growing up in Leichhardt and landing his first marketing job at Ashfield Mall, to leading iconic brands like Carlton Draught, Doritos, and Red Bull across Australia, Canada, and the U.S., ...

Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with Natalie Woolley, the Modern Trade Strategy Centre of Excellence Director for APAC at Suntory Oceania, whose journey through the world of FMCG is as global as it is inspiring. Born in the UK and raised across continents - with formative years spent in Singapore - Natalie brings a unique, multicultural lens to brand, category, and trade strategy. From launching her career at Danone in the UK to driving modern trade excellence across t...

Send us a text In this special episode of Your Future in Sales and Marketing, we shine a spotlight on the prestigious Joe Berry Award - one of the retail and FMCG industry's highest honours for young talent. We're joined by Holly Gregory, the 2025 winner and Assistant Brand Manager at Arnott’s, who shares insights into her journey, winning paper, and what this recognition means for her career. Also joining the conversation is Keith Quigg, CEO of Activate Group and Director of the Joe Be...

Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with Nicole Dennis, Commercial Director at Diageo whose journey from a farm in regional Victoria to the helm of global FMCG brands is nothing short of inspiring. Raised with a strong work ethic and deep resilience, she shares how her rural upbringing shaped her leadership style, her transition to city life for education, and the pivotal moments that defined her career at Unilever, Arnott’s, and now Diageo. We explore her path through a c...

Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with Dan Crabtree, Senior Sales Director at PepsiCo, to explore a career journey that started in the aisles of Woolworths and led to the leadership table of one of the world’s biggest FMCG companies. Growing up in Sydney with a down-to-earth, hard-working family, Dan’s first exposure to retail came as a teenager pushing trolleys and stocking shelves. After completing a Commerce degree in Marketing and Finance, he entered the Woolworths graduate prog...

Send us a text In this episode, we’re joined by Amy Darvell and Travis Miller, members of the Mindpick pod, to talk about the power of peer-based learning and what it really takes to thrive in FMCG. Key highlights include: How trust is built when things don’t go to plan—and why that matters in account relationships.The value of being cross-functional and taking on challenges outside your comfort zone.Why peer-based learning is so powerful—and how Mindpick fosters it.The reassurance that “no o...

Send us a text We’re back with a powerful new episode featuring Brad Madigan, Managing Director at Brown-Forman ANZPI, whose career journey is as rich and layered as the brands he’s led. From his early days at Unilever - to transformative leadership roles at Campari, Diageo, and SONY, Brad shares how aligning personal values with company culture has shaped every step of his path. His 15-year tenure at Campari culminated in a move to the UK as Managing Director, and now he’s bringing that glob...

Send us a text Ever wondered what an NBM role really looks like inside a fast-moving, brand-led business like Bobby? In this episode, we sit down with James Powers, National Business Manager at Bobby, to unpack the role in all its depth - far beyond the job title. James takes us behind the scenes of what it really means to be a commercial leader in today’s competitive FMCG landscape, where strategic thinking and day-to-day hustle go hand in hand. We explore how he balances big-picture plannin...

Send us a text This week, Amy Darvill, Marketing Director ANZ at Vinarchy, joins us to share her thoughts on how to navigate a successful career in marketing. She gives insight into some of her own career highlights thus far, including going through the merging of two well established businesses in the wine industry. Amy teaches the importance of the marketing function being included in business strategy (not an addition to) and that great marketing professionals should be confident in ...

Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with Michelle Foley, Chief Customer Officer ANZ, at The Arnott's Group. Having spent an impressive 21 years developing her far-reaching career within a single organisation, Michelle delivers a masterclass in adaptability, curiosity, and resilience. When it comes to succeeding in FMCG, we explore the importance of developing a deep understanding of your customer and staying in tune with the ever-evolving consumer landscape. And regarding impactful le...

Send us a text In this episode, Sarah Quinn, Head of Independents at Campari, talks us through some of her career-defining moments and how saying “yes” to opportunities, even when it has felt uncomfortable, has allowed her to build such a far-reaching and fulfilling career. Sarah’s advice: lead with curiosity, back yourself, and never stop seeking further development. On navigating her career day-to-day, Sarah talks us through how she juggles people leadership and strategic planning whilst ma...

Send us a text In this episode, Supriya Singh, Australia and New Zealand Managing Director at Blackmores, joins us to share the principles that have shaped her purpose-led career across global markets and iconic health and wellness brands. Supriya reflects on the importance of choosing organisations whose mission you believe in, and how connecting with a brand’s purpose can fuel both personal and commercial growth. She shares how she’s navigated career transitions by backing herself, proactiv...

Send us a text In this insightful episode, Ben Slocombe, Head of Marketing at Liquor Marketing Group and former Business Unit Director at Coca-Cola Amatil, joins Ben Carnegie to explore the key lessons and leadership qualities that have shaped his dynamic career across the FMCG and retail sectors. Reflecting on his journey from global beverage giants to leading marketing for a member-owned retail group, Ben shares how challenging moments and career agility have driven his growth from seeking ...

Send us a text In this insightful episode, Eddie Balemian, ANZ General Manager at Perrigo Company, joins Mike to share the story behind his rise in the global consumer health industry. With a career spanning major FMCG players and now leading Perrigo’s growth across Australia and New Zealand, Eddie unpacks the leadership principles that have shaped his journey — including his open-door approach, belief in empowering teams, and balancing commercial performance with a people-first culture. From...

Send us a text In this insightful episode, Toby Hilliam, CEO of Appetise, joins Andrew to share the journey behind his entrepreneurial career in Australia’s tech and food delivery space. Toby’s path includes founding two businesses, Mutu and now Appetise - where he’s learned first hand what it takes to solve meaningful problems and create something customers truly need. He shares his experience in building with intention, the importance of product-market fit, and why keeping the heart of the ...