Sherilyn Shackell

Founder & Global CEO, The Marketing Academy

Sherilyn is the Founder & Global CEO of The Marketing Academy - a unique non-profit organisation dedicated to developing leadership talent in Marketing, Media & Advertising.

The Marketing Academy opened in 2010, bringing together some of the world’s best known & popular brands to provide world class learning for all levels of talent from emerging leaders to CMOs. Their highly respected programs are delivered in the UK, Australia, APAC & USA.

She is also Founder & Chairman of The Marketing Academy Foundation, a stand alone charity providing marketing apprenticeships for young people from challenging backgrounds and is a Board Advisor to Grace Blue and WeAreFearless.

A highly popular keynote speaker and podcast guest, she’s also in demand as a business coach and you’ll often find her delivering leadership development programs around the world. When she gets the chance, she writes about talent development and all things ‘leadership’ featuring in many articles in The Sunday Times, FastCo, Telegraph, AdNews, Marketing Week, AdWeek, Marketing Magazine, Management Today and CMO.com.

She has been frequently recognised for her work; receiving the CIM Women in Marketing 'Special Award for Contribution to Marketing’, inducted into the Courvoisier Future 500, invited to join the Marketing Group of Great Britain, identified as one of the UK’s Vision100 by Adobe and included in AdNews Top 50 list of most powerful influencers in Australia.

11:35 am - 12:15 pm

Leadership Exposed: Why Our Industry’s Leadership Sucks And What YOU Can Do About It

Ever feel like some industry leaders belong on reality TV rather than in the boardroom? You’re not alone. In this fast, furious, and no-BS session, Sherilyn Shackell lays bare why leadership in our industry is so broken — and, more importantly, what you can do to fix it. From Gen X leaders clinging to outdated playbooks to Gen Y & Z waiting for permission to step up, Shackell unpacks the myths, mistakes, and messes that hold people back. Expect raw truths, big laughs, and a serious wake-up call on why leadership isn’t about power, it’s about action. Whether you're a boss in need of redemption, an employee craving control, or just sick of workplace dysfunction, this session is your rallying cry. Spoiler: There will be expletives, epiphanies, and a whole lot of wisdom. Key Message: No matter your title or where you sit on the org chart, you can start leading, right now, and transform your career, your workplace, and your life. Three Actionable Takeaways: Leadership Hacks: Gain practical tools to be an outstanding leader in any situation Mastering Relationships: Learn how to navigate tricky bosses, difficult clients, and workplace politics like a pro Ditch the Doom Loop: Recognise when it's time to move on, level up, or shake things up, before your career flatlines

10:05 am - 10:35 am

The Leadership Reckoning

In an era of uncertainty and a world on the brink of seismic change, leadership isn’t just about survival, it’s about shaping the future. Join Sherilyn Shackell, founder and global CEO of The Marketing Academy for a wake-up call to brands and creative leaders. In this fearless keynote, she'll unpack what it takes to lead when the old playbook no longer applies, where hesitation is fatal and where only the bold will drive culture, creativity and business forward.