‍Meet the team is our blog series that takes a behind-the-scenes look at the people of PBComms. In each blog we hear from a member of the team about their personal stories, their career and professional insights, and advice for those entering the industry.

What made you enter the marketing and communications field?

Ask my friends and they’ll tell you that I’ve never been shy of spinning a yarn. As a teenager, I worked at a local newsagent/service station and read the Herald Sun, The Age and local newspapers cover to cover every day. I wanted to be a journalist because I wanted to be close to the action, but pretty early on I realised that being in front of the camera wasn’t for me. I thought I’d be far better at trying to shape the bulletin than be the one presenting it.

After covering a federal election and local politics, becoming a ‘spinner’ was a natural next step. Working as a media adviser during a state election, you simply cannot get closer to the action. Question Time, press conferences, early-morning radio interviews, sprinting between TV studios, it was chaos, but the kind that sharpens your instincts. The real magic though was strategising in the back of a campaign car, building trust with journalists I’d admired for years, and seeing how the right message could cut through the noise.

Now I’m putting that into practise in different ways, but the core elements remain the same – a good story is a good story, so find it, make it resonate, and deliver it in away that sticks.

How have you navigated career changes? 
Change is never easy, even if it’s of your own doing. But I think the key to navigating transitions is relationships.

Early in my career, I worked alongside journalists I’d later need to try and persuade as a media adviser. Now, I work with former political reporters who’ve moved into finance. The field is smaller than you think, and you never know where a connection might end up. So, treat people well, be reliable, respectful, and ready to help, even when there’s no immediate payoff.

I also believe in paying it forward. When I’ve needed guidance, I’ve turned to mentors and peers, so now I make time to do the same for others. The job market is tough, but it’s also a cycle, and I’ve found that what you’re willing to give often has a funny way of finding its way back. And when it does, you’ll be glad you built relationships and not just a contact list.

What’s your favourite place you have travelled to? 
I feel like this is my chance to be a little self-indulgent – but I’m fortunate to have had stints living in both London and New York and never being too far away from the next trip to the airport.

I’ve seen Billy Joel on stage at Madison Square Garden, jumped out of a helicopter over the Swiss Alps, and watched Novak, Roger, Rafa and Serena do their thing at all-four tennis grand slams. I’ve tee’d off at Pebble Beach, experienced a white Christmas in Canada, cheered on the Aussies during an Ashes Test at Lord’s, and drank more than I care to admit at Oktoberfest – twice.

But given the chance, Dad and I would jump in the ute and head north to Windorah, a tiny outback town in Queensland, knowing exactly where we’d end up – the Western Star Hotel. We’d sit at the bar for a week, not once fall short of something to say, and wonder why we’d want to be anywhere or doing anything else.

What are your hobbies?
You'll typically find me being generally useless on the family farm or on my boat chasing Murray Cod at Lake Mulwala. But my real passion resides in the kitchen. I'm a serious home cook who is just as happy catering for a crowd at Christmas as I am preparing a simple carbonara for my partner Chloe.

A dream that won’t become reality is running an intimate 20 seat restaurant at the foothills of the Victorian alps. Think an open fire, red wine flowing freely, and honest, paddock-to-plate food that makes you lean back in your chair and ask the waiter to send your compliments to those out the back.

What’s on the special board you ask? Braised beef ragu on handmade pappardelle. Served with a hearty glass of Warrabilla Shiraz. You won't find dessert on the menu though – whatever minor talent I have with a frying pan is yet to extend to baking.

Any restaurant recommendations?

This is where I do my best work.

Melbourne:
After a cheap meal? Head to Shanghai Street on Little Bourke, the dumplings are great, but my order is a serve of xiao long bao with spicy pork noodle soup, every single time.

If you’re after a lunch bite – then head to San Telmo. Their $30 lomito lunch (steak sandwich + Malbec) is the city’s best midday meal. After dinner? Splurge on their ribeye and chorizo. It’s worth it.

Quick fire round: Kisume does some phenomenal Japanese, but if you’re after ramen you need to go to Shujinko on Russell St. Marameo’s cacio e pepe is so good it’ll ruin other pasta for you. You can order anything on the menu from De Stasio Cita on Spring Street, and top it off with a short walk up the road to Siglo overlooking Parliament for a night cap.‍

New York:
Los Tacos No.1 is a behemoth chain – but it’s quality, fast, and delicious. Don’t go past the steak tacos, and load up on the spicy red salsa.

If you want a full pizza, then go to Johns on Bleeker and brave the line. Only serves full pies though, so bring a crowd as it’s not the place if you’re only after a slice.

Corner Bistro does the best burger in the city. There is no competition. Sit at the bar, drink a beer, order the bistro burger with bacon and pay cash.

Hidden Gem? An unmarked Lanzhou noodle shop on 26th & 3rd, exclusively serving cheap, traditional hand pulled noodles. During a chilly December, I ate here 4 times a week. Worth the 24hr flight alone.

Regional Victoria:
And if by chance you happen to be in my native Rutherglen wine region in Victoria, you simply must go to Grace. The head chef is a genius. Get the steak chips – it’s not what you think.