Media execs reveal their greatest mentors and morning rituals

Who is your greatest mentor?

Franck Appleby, people and performance director, Adshel

Fred Kofman, philosopher and vice president at LinkedIn. He introduced me to the concept of “Conscious Business”.

Michael Ebeid, CEO and managing director, SBS

Two mentors have been fantastic to me over the years, Joseph Skrzynski (co-chairman of CHAMP) and John Filmer (former director, Optus) and I have always admired Ann Sherry’s leadership.

Caleb Bush, managing director and vice-president, George P. Johnson Australia

I have been surrounded my whole life by very influential people. From a young age I asked a lot of questions and was very inquisitive. My grandmother – Bubtcha (Ukrainian for grandma) is a pretty inspirational woman. 

I could talk about so many people who have taught me so many amazing things. From global businessmen to tech pioneers, sailors, surfers and artists. I have been very fortunate to work with Peter Rix for the past eight years. A lawyer who signed his first musician at age 23, went on to be a founder of ARIA in Australia, managed some of the biggest Australian rock bands in the ’70s like Hush and Sherbert and then completely morphed his artist management company into an events business.

David Roddick, sales and marketing director, Adshel

My father was someone who never lost his passion for the things he believed in, and is someone I have always wanted to impress. I still hold his memory as a guiding light on how to be true to yourself.

Andrea Ingham, director of sales, ANZ, Spotify

I haven’t really had one formal mentor. I’ve been very lucky to have a number of trusted advisors across my career who have different skills and experience. I have had a professional coach as well which I’ve found very valuable.

Sean Seamer, CEO, Mediacom

Harvey Goldhersz (CEO GroupM Analytics) and Fraser Riddell (chief client officer, MediaCom USA).

Harvey Goldhersz: Sean Seamer’s mentor

What’s your morning ritual?

David Roddick, sales and marketing director, Adshel

Trying to remember what day it is and where I am.

Andrea Ingham, director of sales, ANZ, Spotify

In my mind – meditate for 10 minutes upon waking, 20 minutes of yoga, make my children Hunter and Izzy a colourful lunch of healthy organic goodies, shower get ready, drop off, drive to work.

In reality – wake up, shower get ready (in a rush) throw an apple and some chips in their bag, drive past bakers delight so they don’t starve, head to work.

Michael Ebeid, CEO and managing director, SBS

Read all the papers, followed by an early morning dog walk and breakfast with my partner.

Franck Appleby, people and performance director, Adshel

A coffee and a chocolate croissant.

Caleb Bush, managing director and vice-president, George P. Johnson Australia

Be present. Every day starts with getting up and tackling the world head on. Right now I am sitting looking out at Shanghai and it’s 6am. I had a horrible sleep but it doesn’t matter. The day is coming and you cannot stop it. So embrace it… be present in the morning and get into your groove. This is really important. Some people surf, mediate, run, walk the dog. Whatever it is. A quality of a lot of successful people I know is that they all tackle the morning. Even if they don’t enjoy it.

Andrea Walsh, CIO, Isentia

I like to be up early and review emails and my plans for the day. I will then either head into the office early or spend quality time with my daughter before the school run.

Sean Seamer, CEO, Mediacom

Get up early, get a strong coffee and get a head start on the day.

Success is…

Franck Appleby, people and performance director, Adshel

Leaving people and places in a better state than when you found them.

Caleb Bush, managing director and vice-president, George P. Johnson Australia

No accident. Think big and back yourself.

Caleb Bush: ‘Think big and back yourself’

Andrea Walsh, CIO, Isentia

I am fortunate to be one of the few female CIO’s in the country. As a woman who has been fortunate enough to enjoy an enduring, challenging and meaningful career in tech despite the unfavourable odds, I am extremely passionate about seeing other women benefit from the technology explosion and embark on a career in what I can only describe as one of the most exciting, well-paid and sustainable sectors there is. There is just a real shortage of women in technology, which is a real shame. When there is true parity in the technology sector – both in remuneration and female representation in senior positions – I will feel I have truly succeeded.

David Roddick, sales and marketing director, Adshel

Being able to live in the moment and make a difference for the people you love.

Andrea Ingham, director of sales, ANZ, Spotify

Health and happiness.

Ingham: ‘Health and happiness’

Sean Seamer, CEO, Mediacom

Being a better version of ourselves every day, week, year.

Michael Ebeid, CEO and managing director, SBS

A continuous journey and being able to make a difference in society and people’s lives.

Josie Tutty

Josie Tutty was Mumbrella's deputy editor. She worked on the publication between 2017 and 2019. She's previously written and edited in the UK for Jungle Creations and Trinity Mirror.

topics Andrea Ingham Andrea Walsh Caleb Bush CEO Magazine Executive of the Year Awards David Roddick Franck Appleby Michael Ebeid Sean Seamer

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