Dynamic Duos: ‘We have created a formidable partnership’
This week in Dynamic Duos, we hear from PEPR Agency's general manager, Lyndsey Gordon, and founder and director, Philip Engelberts.
In Dynamic Duos, Mumbrella each week asks two colleagues with a professional and personal affiliation to share with readers the importance of workplace relationships in an increasingly hybridised world of work.
Lyndsey Gordon:
I first became acquainted with Philip in 2017 when I started my role as PR manager at Carnival Australia. He had a reputation for having the best media relationships in the industry, and I can now confidently say that reputation was entirely deserved.
At a cruise industry event shortly thereafter, we immediately hit it off. I was drawn to Philip’s warm, sociable, and positive nature. He’s one of those people you could talk to for hours, and he’s a lot of fun to be around!
After the pandemic and the birth of my daughter, I was seeking a fresh challenge and knew I wanted to work with Philip at PEPR Agency.
Philip had made a lasting impression on me, and I was in awe of his enviable portfolio of travel and tourism clients—many of whom have been on retainer for over a decade.
Having only worked at large agencies before transitioning in-house, I was really attracted to the idea of joining a smaller, close-knit agency like PEPR.
Fast forward six years and I was absolutely thrilled when Philip reached out with a senior vacancy at the agency.
Working with Philip at PEPR has truly been one of the highlights of my career. We are both inspired and dedicated to delivering excellent client service and achieving outstanding results.
We also share a common vision—to run a PR agency built on genuine, meaningful relationships that last, both internally and externally. Philip has been living and breathing this philosophy at PEPR since its inception 21 years ago. Now, we’re socialising this vision and these values with our amazing co-workers to create a framework for our future business.
PEPR’s approach to doing business reminds me of my first job out of university, when you’d pick up the phone to call a journalist, keep a black book of contacts, and always deliver on your promises.
These core skills are deeply ingrained at PEPR. They’re the reason why some of the best hotels, cruise lines, destination boards, airlines, and experiences choose PEPR—and stay with us for the long term. They’re also why we hire such fantastic PR professionals, who choose to stay at the agency longer than the industry average.
I genuinely enjoy coming to work each day because we share a great sense of humour and our office is the kind of environment where you can share both personal and professional wins and challenges. There’s never a dull moment.
Philip Engelberts:
I met Lyndsey at a cruise industry event about eight years ago when we were both doing cruise comms – Lyndsey in-house at Carnival, I was consulting to one of Carnival Corporation’s brands.
What struck me at the time was the Duracel bunny-like high energy she exuded and her positivity. Couple this with a great sense of humour and an ability to put things in perspective – and you got Lyndsey.
With cruise and travel back to buoyant after having survived a cruise-decimating pandemic, we caught up again over a coffee to discuss an opening at PEPR in the lead up to the agency’s 20th birthday.
Almost two years in, and with a mutual passion for travel, cruise and aviation, we have created a formidable partnership, resulting in Lyndsey’s appointment as PEPR Agency GM late last year.
We are leading the team’s work with some fantastic brands including MSC, Explora Journeys, Cunard, Mandarin Oriental, COMO Hotels, Virgin Australia and many others.
Her structured, no-nonsense and always fair and considered approach is embraced by both our partners and team members.
Importantly, the team has fun in the office, with plenty of laughs at ourselves and the world, and the office energy is is lifted by the daily presence of Lulu our mascot Groodle. It is an environment I am very proud of creating and one that Lyndsey and I are nurturing.
One word WhatsApp messages suffice as we frequently find ourselves at sea or land at opposite ends of the globe; we are lucky to read each other like a book – it is a truly wonderful collaboration.
Lyndsey on Philip:
Most memorable moment with Philip: Philip has excellent taste in style, dining, wine and dogs! The moment Lulu, Philip’s Groodle, comes running into the office each morning is a daily delight. Philip went overseas with work for many weeks and Lulu took a holiday to a farm. We filmed the reunion between Philip and Lulu and it brought tears to our eyes. Such a bond between the two of them.
Best word to describe him: ‘Charismatic’ and ‘compassionate’.
Most annoying habit or endearing behaviour he has: Philip knows more people than the average person would know in their entire lifetime. Not only does he remember their full name, but in true Dutch style, he remembers everyone’s birthday too.
Philip on Lyndsey:
Most memorable moment with Lyndsey: Our twice-yearly team excursions to the Royal National Park where we picnic, swim, laugh and generally have a good time, are a true highlight for me.
Best word to describe her: One word!? That is hard. I would say ‘adaptable’ or ‘agile’.
Most annoying habit or endearing behaviour she has: She is a true people person and a fantastic listener. She always has her compassionate radar on, intuitively picking up on and looking after people who need a bit of extra support or a shoulder.
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Lauren McNamara was the associate editor at Mumbrella. She joined in November 2022 as editorial assistant, after completing a Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) at UTS. She left Mumbrella in August 2025.
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