Unlock Your Career Potential: Meet the Top 10 Marketing Mentors Shaping Australia's Industry Leaders

Finding a good mentor at work can make or break a career. In this edition of B&T’s Best of the Best, we spotlight the individuals who have profoundly shaped and molded the careers of others in the marketing and media industry.

Creating this list is a challenge, as all mentors are exceptional in their own right. While we feature ten standout individuals (with some joint entries where responsibilities are shared), we also acknowledge others who narrowly missed the cut, such as Virginia Hyland of SQUAD M&A, Amy Weatherlake from Equality Media + Marketing, and Emily Cook from dentsu QLD, among others. Notably, this list excludes professionals whose primary business is mentorship, like The Marketing Academy’s Sherilyn Shackell, to focus on those integrated into broader industry roles.

B&T’s Best of the Best series continues until December 17, with upcoming features on Independent Agency Creatives, Holding Company Creatives, and In-House Agency Leaders. Nominations for these categories are open and encouraged via the provided form.

10. Liana Dubois, MD, Entertainment Partners

Liana Dubois is a highly recognizable figure in media, with a 12-year tenure at Nine, including nearly three years as chief marketing officer. Nominated multiple times for her unwavering support and honesty, Dubois is praised for delivering constructive criticism in an empowering way. One respondent noted, "She challenged me to think bigger, act braver, and lead smarter." Now at Entertainment Partners, she serves on boards for the Cerebral Palsy Alliance, Inclusively Made, and Women In Media Australia, impacting countless professionals.

9. Bel Harper, Chief Product and Marketing Officer, oOh!media

Bel Harper is a new addition to the list, celebrated for her courage and conviction. As the ELT sponsor of oOh!media’s Gender Equality pillar, she champions partnerships with The Village to support working parents. Her ability to foster deep curiosity in staff has led colleagues to ask, "What would Bel Harper do?" when facing challenges, highlighting her significant influence.

8. Nat Taylor, Founder and Executive Producer, Poppet

Nat Taylor, a powerhouse in production, founded Poppet to produce with purpose and empower others. Named Woman of the Year at B&T’s Women in Media Awards and a finalist in the Mentor category, she mentors through The Trenches, The Aunties, and weekly sessions at Poppet. Her efforts have supported many women to become award-winners and Oscar nominees, and she serves on the board of Snehalaya, a charity for trafficked women.

7. Mark Coad, CEO, IPG Mediabrands

As CEO for nearly six years, Mark Coad’s positive and knowledgeable approach has mentored individuals like Mark Jarrett, now in line for COO at Omnicom Media Group. Described as empathetic and always half-full, Coad’s mentorship extends beyond his organization, with mentees praising his ability to share in their journeys and provide unwavering support.

6. Margie Reid, CEO, Thinkerbell

Margie Reid brings order to Thinkerbell while actively promoting inclusivity. She serves on boards for Support the Girls and Inclusively Made, participates in Youngbloods VIC Speed Mentoring, and mentors for The Marketing Academy. Her focus on leadership and resilience makes her a key advocate for a more inclusive industry.

5. Jo McAlister, CEO, Initiative

Jo McAlister’s people-first leadership has revitalized Initiative after a challenging 2024. Highly commended in the Executive Leader category at the Women in Media Awards, she is known for her personal touch with staff and clients, forming deep connections that drive success.

4. Chris Savage, The Savage Company

Chris Savage runs a consultancy but is most impactful through his mentorship, forming close personal connections and opening doors for others. Described as "the GOAT" by nominators, his vast industry experience and limitless time for others make him a trusted confidant.

3. Dr Sameera Durrani, Assistant Professor, UTS

Dr Sameera Durrani, an academic at UTS, won the Mentor category at the Women in Media Awards for her exceptional work. Teaching hundreds of students, with 80% being women, she fosters environments of trust and empowerment. Her student approval ratings near 100%, and her mentees now work at top firms like Archetype and Deloitte. One student remarked, "Sameera shapes more than skills—she shapes futures."

2. Esther Clerehan, Founder and CEO, CLEREHAN

With over 35 years in the industry, Esther Clerehan is a distinguished figure who has shaped countless careers. A frequent lecturer at AWARD School and tutor at Copy School Sydney, she is known as the "OG Auntie" for her relentless advocacy for women. Awarded the Lifetime Achievement trophy at the Women in Media Awards, her mentorship remains invaluable.

1. Peter Vogel, CEO, Wavemaker

Peter Vogel excels as both a behind-the-scenes mentor and a public supporter of his staff. He prioritizes his team in pitches and celebrations, rarely taking the spotlight. Describing his leadership as "supportive, involved, committed, authentic," Vogel sets a standard for celebrating and empowering employees, making him a top mentor in the field.