It Takes A Village

Hosts Lou and Lauren welcome Katie and Michael Levine for a candid discussion on high-powered careers and modern parenthood, exploring both parents' perspectives. They honestly delve into challenges like guilt and overwhelm, the value of flexible work, and progressive parental support (like Uber's). Gain insights on self-compassion, aligning with what feels right, and authenticity to family needs....

Join Lou, Lauren, and Melinda Petrunoff, MD of Pinterest ANZ, as she shares her 25-year journey from the dot-com boom to leading a global tech brand. Mel candidly discusses the challenges and triumphs of raising three boys (including twins!) while navigating a high-flying career. She'll delve into the vital importance of planning, self-care, and building a trusted support system. Discover her insi...

Join Lou, Lauren, and Bel Harper, Chief Product and Marketing Officer at oOh!media, as she shares her journey to influential leadership. Bel opens up about how motherhood became a pivotal moment, shaping her career path and leadership philosophy. She discusses breaking norms with part-time work and the evolution of flexibility in media, often navigating this while her pilot partner is away. Bel em...

Join Lou, Lauren and Pat Crowley (General Manager, Marketing, Paid and Owned Media, CBA) as he shares his raw and inspiring story.  With over 30 years in media and advertising, Pat opens up about his journey into fatherhood, admitting that he had to learn to be a father, having lacked a male role to guide him.  He discusses the profound impact of family trauma, the challenges of raising...

Georgie Nichols (Chief Revenue Officer, Mamamia) shares her 30-year journey in media & marketing, advocating for parents while challenging the notion that "balance is bullshit." She recounts her fight against pregnancy discrimination early in her career and the profound impact of her daughter's health challenges during HSC. Georgie emphasizes the crucial role of supportive leadership and findi...

Join Lou, Lauren, and WPP Media CEO ANZ Aimee Buchanan as she shares her journey from media assistant to industry leader. Aimee candidly opens up about returning to work after her first child, the self-doubt, and the pivotal "Emma moment" that changed her perspective. Discover how her early life experiences shaped her empathetic leadership style, her focus on people and culture, and why she firmly...

Join Lou, Lauren and guest Ricky Chanana (Director of Sales, PubMatic Australia and NZ) as he bravely shares his deeply personal journey from an "invisible" work-driven dad to consciously "visible" after a pivotal family event. He candidly discusses the mental load of parenting, his 'two H's' in communication with his wife Michelle, and challenging societal norms around fatherhood. Ricky highlight...

Kate Smailes (Managing Partner, Havas Blvd & Chief Client Officer) takes us on her deeply personal IVF journey, sharing the raw reality of six pregnancies, multiple miscarriages, and finally welcoming twin girls. She reveals how Havas has transformed their HR policies, introducing miscarriage and fertility leave, and the profound impact this had. Kate candidly discusses the mental load of retu...

Join Pia Coyle, MD at PHD Sydney & mum of three in a blended family, as she tackles media's relentless pace and the art of "boundaries, not barriers." With 23 years experience, Pia candidly shares how parenthood transformed her into a principled leader, advocating for flexibility and designing roles for success for returning parents. Learn why she believes in running your own race and showing...

Join Lauren and Lou as they sit down with Willie Pang (Country Manager, Amazon Ads) for a candid conversation about balancing a high-pressure career with fatherhood. Willie shares how his incredible career journey, including a weekly commute from Sydney to San Francisco with a newborn at home, profoundly shaped his approach to family life. He opens up about the reality of "dad guilt," the pivotal...

Honest conversations with parents in media - because behind every pitch, campaign and client win is someone managing a whole other job outside the office. It Takes a Village is a 10-part podcast series that shares unfiltered stories from working parents across the media, marketing and creative industries. Hosted by Lauren Thornborough and Lou Wilson, two seasoned leaders and co-founders of Th...