Our Industry Insights Profile takes a weekly look at some of the professionals working across the advertising, ad tech, marketing and media sector in Australia. It aims to shed light on the varying roles and companies across the buzzing industry.
This week we head to Sydney to speak with Tonic Health Media commercial director, Jack Mortlock. Previously we spoke to Nine Entertainment Co group business director, Carly Astone.
Duration in current role/time at the company:
Two years.
In one sentence, how would you describe what the company does?
Our owned and operated TV and signage network reaches doctors' and hospital waiting areas around Australia and helps people understand and take control of their health whilst they wait for medical appointments.
In one sentence, what does your role involve?
I run the commercial division across three offices. I have a great team that I support to do great things. I manage the bigger commercial partnerships and work closely with my executive team to commercialise new innovations and assets. By far the most fun I have in my role is hosting The Healthy Living Series that we run through all agencies in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. We host presentations on nutrition and mental health and run a fitness boot camp twice a year in three locations for six weeks around Sydney.
Within the last six months/year, what stands out as the company’s major milestones?
Two years ago Tonic didn’t exist, we now have assets in 3500 practices across Australia with a team of almost 40 who are dedicated to growing a media business that does meaningful and good work in the community. If you can ask the question “Why do you do what you do”, and the answer is deeper than selling ad space, it sustains and drives you in a different way. There have been many milestones along that path, where we are now as a business is a reflection of that.
Best thing about the industry you work in?
The people. I was really surprised how open and helpful people were in agencies. So many people took a chance with us when we were starting out, I can’t thank them enough.
Previous industry related (ad land/ad tech) companies you have worked at:
Fairfax and Bauer.
Career-wise, where do you see yourself in three years time?
Hmmm, probably here, there is still a lot to do.
What is the elephant in the room? The thing that no one is talking about – but they should be.
I think people are already talking about it but I think binge watching culture has been accelerated in the last few years to the detriment of TV and cinema, I think this trend will only continue.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
I met my wife when I was 18. It took me 10 years to convince her to go out with me!
Top networking tip:
Talk to everyone, be present and remember that the fresh-faced media assistant has more influence than you think
My favourite restaurant for a business lunch is:
Any of those restaurants on Hickson Wharf, you can’t beat that view.
My favourite advert is:
The Nike ad with a young Rory McIlroy watching Tiger. It finishes with Tiger and Rory on the first tee together.
My must-have gadget is:
My range finder, you just won’t understand unless you play golf.
My favourite media is:
I love podcasts. I have a few different podcast apps that I tune into. I listen to podcasts when I’m doing almost anything. I think the ad market in this medium is totally under-developed.
My favourite TV show is:
Vikings. Lagertha is my TV crush.
The last book I read:
'Any Human Heart' by William Boyd is the best book I’ve ever read, the last book was 'Slaying the Tiger: A year Inside the Ropes on the New PGA Tour' by Shane Ryan. If you are into golf, you’ll love it.
My mantra / philosophy is:
Nothing easy is worth doing.
I got into advertising/ad tech/marketing etc because:
I think like most people I fell into it, realised that I was creative and not afraid of the phone and got stuck in.
If I wasn't doing this for a living, I'd be:
Running a ski tour business or a greens keeper at a golf course.
In five years' time I'll be:
My English wife is keen to go back to UK for a time…. there maybe? We’ll see where opportunity for both of us leads.
Define your job in one word:
Evolving.
What's your poison:
Scotch, scotch, scotch.
Have something to say on this? Share your views in the comments section below. Or if you have a news story or tip-off, drop us a line at adnews@yaffa.com.au
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