The communications industry’s introverts truly are the ultimate Survivors
The finale of Australian Survivor was a win for introverts everywhere and delivered an important lesson to the industry, says Brooke Hemphill.
Last night’s Australian Survivor win for Kristie Bennett is a testament to the power of introverts everywhere.
The show’s finale, which drew a metro audience of more than a million, saw Bennett beat the odds to take out the title of sole Survivor in the Ten series, a shocking win for introverts across Australia who thought it impossible for one of our own to triumph in a game seemingly ruled by extroverts.
Given Bennett quit her job as an account exec at Sydney communications agency, Bang to chase her dream of being on Survivor, the win sends a message to the industry to not to write off these quiet achievers.
Kristie says she is actually an extrovert: http://www.smh.com.au/entertai.....sai8b.html
I’m not convinced though.
Nice piece about an industry that spends way too much time talking, and not enough time listening. Or at least I do.
But I do think the bible beat you to it:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthew_5:5
Two ears but only one mouth 🙂
Nothing new here folks, it was luck she won, if Lee hadn’t stumbled off the pole he would have taken El to the final. No contest.
Flick was dishonest and didn’t give a shit about anyone except herself. That’s why Kristie didn’t trust her in the final. Not strategy, not because she was an introvert – just pure luck.
Kristie sure was lucky for 54 days.
Well written! Similar story in a Brand Marketing environment, just because we don’t shout it from the hilltop doesn’t mean we’re not doing a bang up job.
seriously, is anyone discriminating against introverts? i cant remember anyone ever judging someone’s work because of the personality of the person that put it together.
this article is a bit silly.. its like saying Kristie’s win is a win for “all brown haired girls in plats”.. yay Kristie! go the brown-hair-plat-brigade!!
Look at these job ads, from right here on Mumbrella:
https://mumbrella.com.au/jobs/senior-copywriter-26
https://mumbrella.com.au/jobs/junior-art-director-8
They specifically call out “this role will best suit candidates who aren’t the shy or introvert type”. Now, if Saatchi & Saatchi is willing to put that out there so bluntly, you do have to wonder how many feel the same but won’t say it. It certainly shows introverts can hit a wall.
I don’t even watch Survivor – but I LOVE this article. Well said and I hope many read it. It would be nice for more people to “get it.”
Thank you!
🙂
Interestingly enough I actually perceived the vote as a clear reflection of how poorly the tribal council coped (read: felt threatened / jealous ) when faced with a good looking alpha male who demonstrated strong leadership….no matter how decent a bloke he was. In an industry full of peacocks the parallels with the Survivor outcome might be more about knowing what people say to your face isn’t necessarily what they really think of you!
Does anyone actually watch Survivor?!
The “game” is won on manipulation and deceit.
As a recruiter who understands the value of diversity, unfortunately this is a piece written by an obvious introvert seeking justification. Introverts do some things better than extroverts, and extroverts do other things better than intro counterparts!
One day we’ll all accept this, stop trying to be the same or equal, and utilise each others differences as strengths instead of seeking recognition as an equal!
We are human therefore unique, why do we need to be robot like same?
The loudest voice in the room isn’t always the smartest.
I think Kristie is like me, able to switch between introvert & extrovert. I’m at ease in public speaking, manning trade shows & presenting at conferences, but also happy working on my own for days on end.
In Kristie’s post win interviews, she is clearly in her element on TV & radio. Relaxed & natural, speaking good off the cuff.
I loved her in Survivor because while she seemed like an introvert, there were glimpses of a much more complex person. A totally intriguing character. Her critics missed her subtle brilliance, which she hid to avoid bringing heat to herself. Like a silent assassin, she knocked off or contributed to several big kills without being noticed, then when down to the final three it was all guns blazing. Loved it. Such a brilliant, heroic & deserving winner. Well done Kristie!