For Nat Harvey, topping the Influence category in the Mediaweek 100 isn’t just a personal milestone, it’s proof that independent voices like Mamamia’s still matter in a rapidly changing media landscape.
Fresh from her win, Harvey says the real achievement lies in the team’s ability to evolve while staying grounded in trust and purpose.
As AI reshapes how audiences discover and engage with content, she’s determined to ensure Mamamia maintains a human touch – the kind of brand people actively seek out, even when algorithms don’t.
1. What does it mean to win an award like this?
It actually means a lot, not just for me, but for the entire team at Mamamia. No one in this industry achieves anything alone. Every success is built on the strength of an incredible team, so while this award might have my name on it, it really belongs to all of us at Mamamia.
We work hard every day to make a positive impact on the industry and, most importantly, for Australian women.
2. Why are awards and events like this important for the industry?
I really liked the new format this year because it recognises and celebrates not just the biggest and most powerful in the traditional sense, but also those who are driving genuine impact in different areas of the industry – people who are innovating, creating positive change, and achieving things we haven’t seen before.
Recognition like this matters because it motivates all of us to keep pushing, keep experimenting, and keep fighting for the ideas and values we believe in.
3. What do you think this recognition says about the direction your company (or the industry) is heading?
It acknowledges the growing importance and influence of independent publishers and the Australian media industry as a whole.
The landscape is evolving at pace, and we all have a role to play. At Mamamia, we’re proud to champion the value of independent voices and the role we play in building strong, trusted communities.
We’ll continue to shout loudly about the importance of supporting a healthy local media ecosystem – and we’re not slowing down anytime soon.
4. Looking ahead, what’s the most significant opportunity or challenge you see for your area of the industry right now?
Let’s start with the opportunity. The tools now available to everyone have levelled the playing field in ways we’ve never seen before.
Once upon a time, transforming a business required huge budgets and entire tech teams but that’s no longer the case. Whether you’re a senior executive or new to the industry, everyone has access to the same AI and technology that can redefine how we work and connect with audiences.
The challenge, for both brands and publishers, is just how fast the customer and audience experience is about to change. We’re entering an era where discovery, consumption, and loyalty could all look completely different, and few are truly ready for the pace of it. Mamamia’s advantage is the depth of trust and engagement we’ve built over 18 years, relationships that can’t be replicated or automated.
The next phase is about building both a Human and Agent Strategy. One that strengthens our connection with people directly, and one that ensures our brands are understood, surfaced, and valued within the new world of intelligent agents
5. Who or what has inspired your approach to innovation within the industry?
For me, it’s all about the opportunity in front of us. We’re at a pivotal moment that’s forcing every business to redesign itself for the modern world. The challenges are universal – just at different scales. My mix of passion and curiosity makes this moment especially exciting.
Anyone who’s worked with me knows I never settle for the status quo. I’m constantly (maybe annoyingly for my colleagues) asking “why not?” – and right now, that mindset feels absolutely in my element. Or, you could say, like a kid in a lolly shop.