Dynamic Duos: Forbes Australia’s Sarah O’Carroll and Ben Pellow
In this week's Dynamic Duos, Forbes Australia's editor-in-chief Sarah O'Carroll and group sales director Ben Pellow share how balancing the editorial and commercial sides of the recently relaunched publication has led to a friendship based on mutual respect, as well as a cheeky laugh or two.
In Dynamic Duos, Mumbrella each week asks two members of the same organisation with a professional and personal affiliation to share with readers the importance of workplace relationships in an increasingly hybridised world of work.
Sarah O’Carroll:
“He’s the one” – I remember saying those words to my colleague, Anna Hannaford, after interviewing Ben for the position of group sales director. From the moment he stepped into the office, his confidence, passion, and genuine excitement about launching Forbes in Australia were palpable.
Ben shared my vision for what Forbes could be in Australia from the beginning. He understood that the commercial opportunity for brands was not just about selling ads or sponsoring events, but about engaging and aligning with the ambitious Forbes community we were building.
Our relationship is based on trust, mutual respect, and a shared belief in the power of the Forbes brand. Six months into our working relationship and four months since launching Forbes Australia, Ben has proven to be integral in building a strong team culture. I love his “work hard, play hard” attitude and his ability to lift the spirits of everyone, even during the ups and downs of launching a new business.
Ben Pellow:
I first met Sarah (my stunningly talented, Irish partner in crime) when interviewing for Forbes Australia back in June 2022, and to say that she was a major factor in me taking the role would be an understatement. Our COO and CEO, Anna Hannaford and Michael Lane, bring a diverse wealth of knowledge to the table, and Sarah ties that executive team together perfectly. Sarah’s ability to stay true to her editorial vision without compromising commercial opportunities is an incredibly rare skill. I immediately had faith in her as an editor in chief and as a leader in the business, ultimately resulting in my decision to join Forbes Australia.
A few days later we headed up the road to the pub in order to discuss our ambitions for the year ahead, and it only reinforced that I had made the right decision. Sarah ordered a beer, I ordered a double scotch on the rocks… she quickly told the bartender that she would also be having a scotch with her beer. And so, there we sat, double parked for the better half of an afternoon, buzzing with excitement for everything we knew we could achieve moving forward.
Months later, my ability to trust in Sarah’s vision has only grown stronger. As cliché as it might sound, our relationship really is built on mutual respect. I have never had to question Sarah’s editorial approach, and vice versa, because we both have never had to question each other’s unwavering commitment to Forbes Australia. Together we have built an incredible working bond, often communicating with a cheeky look or a wry smile. I am proud to say that Sarah has become a mentor and friend that I am able to unequivocally trust. A truly rare relationship between a sales director and an editor in chief.
Sarah on Ben:
Most memorable moment with Ben: One of our most memorable moments was the work Christmas party. I’ll simply say that Ben was on fire that night!
Best word to describe Ben: Cheeky, but if I had to pick a second word, it would be hilarious. He always knows how to put a smile on my face.
Ben’s most annoying habit or endearing behaviour: Ben’s most endearing behaviour is his cheeky smile as he approaches my desk, knowing he’s about to ask me to pull off some crazy stunt for one of his clients. He has a disarming nature that makes him an excellent salesperson.
Ben on Sarah:
Most memorable moment with Sarah: My most memorable moment with Sarah came before we even launched Forbes Australia, and I’m not sure Sarah will even remember – given it was 2,000 meetings ago. But I distinctly remember sitting silently in our boardroom as Sarah first presented the Forbes Australia editorial vision to our leadership team. I remember thinking “Who is this absolute gun?”. Every decision was backed up with thought and insight, and her confidence was mesmerising. As a salesperson, you develop as strong radar for bullshit in presentations; she didn’t utter a word that she didn’t believe in.
I remember leaving that room spinning with excitement and confidence in our brand. That’s the Sarah I think of every time her name is brought up. Strategic, confident and unwavering in her convictions.
Best word to describe Sarah: Brave.
Sarah’s most annoying habit or endearing behaviour: I better balance this out so it doesn’t turn into a love letter, so let’s focus on an annoying habit… Sarah always inviting me for an after-work beer but failing to realise a true salesperson’s “work day” ends around 5pm, not 7pm like an editor-in-chief. As a result, I end up hovering around her desk for two hours like a puppy waiting to be fed. Pull it together please Sarah, the beers are getting warm.
If you and a colleague would like to submit your story to Dynamic duos, please email kwelch@mumbrella.com.au.
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