Cairns Masterclass presented by News Australia

New for this year, the Cairns Masterclass presented by News Australia brings together Cairns Crocodiles speakers and top industry leaders to share their secrets to success. This exclusive trio of sessions, followed by speed mentoring sessions, offers intimate insights into the world of advertising, marketing, and media. Cairns Masterclass are available to all Cairns Crocodiles ticket holders. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn from the best!

You must already have a valid ticket to the 2025 Cairns Crocodiles Festival, this is an add-on product only. To purchase a Cairns Crocodiles pass, please click here.

Agenda

Thursday 15 May

10:10 - 10:15

MC WELCOME

10:05 am - 10:45 am
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 From Gen X leaders clinging to outdated playbooks to Gen Y & Z waiting for permission to step up, Shackell unpacks the myths, mistakes, and messes that hold people back.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

10:45 - 10:50

BREAK

10:50 am - 11:30 am
Culture, Connections & Creativity: Unlocking the Creative Multiplier Effect

How can culture supercharge creativity? This session explores the three cultural tiers—country, category, and brand—that fuel bold, high-impact creative work across markets and budgets. With creative and effective content generating 4.7x the profit, mastering this multiplier effect is essential for brand growth. Join Irene, Head of Creative for APAC at Kantar, as she blends cultural insights with powerful data. Let’s put some fun into the funnel with a one-of-a-kind creative masterclass designed to inspire, inform, and transform your approach to creativity.

11:30 - 11:35

BREAK

11:35 am - 12:15 pm
Measured Magic

In this creative masterclass, Adam Ferrier will take you behind the curtain of how brand building creative ideas are developed. He'll mix together a bit of brand strategy, marketing sciences and hard-core creativity to help you create some measured magic for the brands you work on. The workshop will be fully interactive, you'll learn from each other, as well as learn some practical skills in brand building creativity. It also promises to be fun and chaotic. Limited numbers apply, and please don't try and sneak in if you are from a competitive agency.

12:15 - 12:20

BREAK

12:35 - 1:45

Lunch and Connection Hub

SPEED MENTORING

1:30 - 1:45

Welcome & Drinks on arrival

1:45 pm - 2:30 pm
GROUP 1

First Speed Mentoring Group | 5 rounds, 9mins per round

1:45 pm - 2:30 pm
GROUP 2

Networking and drinks

2:25 - 2:30

Break

2:35 pm - 3:15 pm
GROUP 1

Networking and drinks

2:35 pm - 3:15 pm
GROUP 2

Second Speed Mentoring Group | 5 rounds, 9mins per round

MENTORS

Adam Pinto

Head of Strategy, Insights & Emerging Industry

Alex Pacey

Chief Product Officer, OMG

Alexis Whelan

National Lead, Creators and Content, Kinesso

Asier Carazo

Chief Strategy Officer, Atomic 212

Azadeh Williams

Managing Partner, AZK Media

Brett Stiller

AUNZ Creative Director, The Monks

Bryan Richardson

Head of Social, Spotlight Retail Group

Cam Curtis

General Manager, Client Performance, Planning & Strategy

Cath Brands

CMO, Flintfox

Chris Colter

Managing Director, Media Strategy, Accenture Song

Dan Krigstein

Director, The Growth Intelligence Centre & The Growth Distillery

David Ohana

Chief Communications and Marketing Officer, United Nations Foundation

Dianna La Grassa

Head of Screen, Bus Stop Films

Ian Paterson

General Manager, NSW Advertising Sales

Joao Flores

Founder & Global CEO, The Monks

Jon Foye

Creative Partner, Akcello

Jonas Jaanimagi

Tech Lead, IAB Australia

Lennie Galloway

ACD, Droga5

Margie Reid

CEO Thinkerbell

Natalie Grabbe

General Manager, VIC Advertising Sales

Renee Stopps

Regional Director, Partner Sales, Microsoft

Rochelle Burbury

Founder, Third Avenue

Roshni Hegerman

JAPAC Enterprise Director, Sustainability Lead, Oracle

Sangeeta Leech

Founder, The Leach Partnership

Sherilyn Shackell

Founder & Global CEO, The Marketing Academy

Subhash Kamath

Brand Consultant, Trainer & Advisor

You must already have a valid ticket to the 2025 Cairns Crocodiles Festival, this is an add-on product only. To purchase a Cairns Crocodiles pass, please click here.