Emerging Leaders Set to Inspire Change at MFA EX Sessions in Australia

Six dynamic industry leaders are scheduled to present at the MFA EX in Melbourne and Sydney during the upcoming Inspiration X sessions, aimed at driving innovation and effectiveness within the media agency sector. The sessions, which will take place on September 4 in Melbourne and September 18 in Sydney, will showcase the fresh perspectives of these emerging voices in the industry.

The Inspiration X sessions have become a hallmark of the MFA EX, with attendees consistently praising the content's engaging and motivating nature. According to Sophie Madden, CEO of the MFA, the quality of submissions this year was exceptional, making it challenging for the curation panel to select only six presenters. Madden stated, "Inspiration X has become a standout favorite at MFA EX, with attendees consistently calling it some of the most compelling and energizing content of the day. The final topics are sharp, relevant, and thought-provoking – with just the right mix of humor and edge. We can’t wait to be surprised, challenged, and inspired by these six rising stars in September."

The presenters, each with less than eight years of experience, were chosen through a competitive selection process. Their presentations aim to provoke thought and inspire action among industry professionals, all under the theme of "Dare to Change."

In Melbourne, Eloise Russell, Group Experience Director at Mindshare, will kick off the session with her talk titled "Search Everywhere: Are we getting smarter or just lazier?" Russell will explore how the rise of AI-powered search might lead to digital amnesia and inflated self-confidence, unpacking the broader implications for memory, creativity, and decision-making.

Joining her will be Sam Bessell, Strategy Director, and Jan Janas, Senior Strategist at Atomic 212°, who will present "Seriously. Shut Up!" This session will address the critical issue of poor listening in an industry marked by constant disruption. They will provide practical techniques to improve listening skills, which are essential for enhancing productivity and nurturing client relationships.

In Sydney, Florence Gleeson-Cook, Business Manager at Slingshot Media, will discuss "Data & Dragons" and how data can reveal hidden opportunities, challenging preconceived notions in the media planning and buying sectors. Caitlin Watters, Partnerships Manager at UM, will present on the importance of intentionality in culture-building within organizations, while Amartya Majumdar, Media Effectiveness Manager at iProspect, will highlight the risks of relying solely on surface-level metrics in their talk, "Not all catfish live in rivers. Some live in your dashboards."

The Inspiration X sessions promise to be not only informative but also transformative, offering insights that could shape the future of the media agency industry. As the sector continues to evolve with technological advancements and shifting consumer behaviors, the voices of these emerging leaders will be pivotal in navigating the challenges ahead. Their fresh ideas and innovative approaches will likely resonate with a diverse audience, encouraging industry professionals to rethink their strategies and embrace change.

The MFA EX events are designed to foster collaboration and inspire creative thinking, and the Inspiration X sessions are expected to continue this tradition. As the media landscape grows increasingly complex, the insights offered by these emerging leaders could provide valuable guidance for all those involved in the media and marketing sectors.