This week’s Meeting of the Minds sees Gareth Brock and Evelyn Coklie from Curious Nation reveal their leadership heroes, current streaming binge, and career goals.
The Mediaweek series showcases diverse perspectives, thoughts and opinions by bringing together two different points of view from an industry rookie and an experienced expert.
Gareth Brock, Co-Owner and Head of Strategy, Curious Nation
Favourite podcast/read – Hadley Thomas’ Shandee’s Story has been my go-to on runs. It’s gripping, heartbreaking, and a reminder that even something as trusted as DNA science can fail when flawed systems or human error get in the way. A great example of why we should always stay curious and keep asking “why”.
Current streaming binge – I’m obsessed with The White Lotus. I even visited the Four Seasons in Taormina from Season 2 – just as ridiculous and stunning as on screen. I’m usually good at picking the twist, but this one keeps you guessing. Razor-sharp writing and beautifully flawed characters. Season 4 is rumoured to be filmed on location at Qualia, Hamilton Island, so I may have to do a trip there too.
Misconception about your role – That strategy is just decks and frameworks. I love a good one-pager or a model, but real strategy is messier. It’s about tuning in, spotting what’s unsaid, and knowing when to ask the tough question. A mix of psychology, pattern recognition, and instinct.
Best career advice – You can’t be great at everything – surround yourself with people who are better than you in different areas. And remember: you become who you spend time with. The biggest lessons often come from listening and being open to new perspectives.
Leadership hero – Brené Brown. She champions vulnerability as a strength, which I’ve found invaluable as a business owner. Leading with honesty and empathy, especially through the messy middle, builds real trust and stronger teams.
How do you stay motivated – Working with people who give a damn. No two days are the same, from on-pack promos to using Minecraft in schools or creating fan moments at the Australian Open. It’s challenging, unpredictable, and never boring. And while we’re not saving lives, we can spark joy, shift behaviour, and make someone’s day. That’s worth showing up for.
Best training course/session – I studied consumer psychology at uni, and years later did Mark Ritson’s Mini MBA, it brought everything full circle. It sharpened my view that marketing isn’t just about creativity, but behaviour change. Still one of the most practical tools I use.
I wish someone had told me (sooner) – That certainty is overrated. The real value comes from asking smart questions, not having all the answers. Some of the most important moments in my career came from embracing the unknown.
Something that’s surprised you about the industry – Clients often have brilliant thought starters, they just need to feel safe sharing them. They know the brand inside out, and when we collaborate rather than gatekeep, the work gets stronger and more aligned.
What is your hot take on the industry – We’re obsessed with tools and tactics, but emotional resonance still wins. Whether it’s a TikTok or a brand experience, if it doesn’t make someone feel something, it probably won’t stick.
Favourite way to switch off from work – A run to the beach or a mindless TV binge. During Covid, I started turning a desk lamp on at the start of the day and off when I finish – a small ritual that helps me draw a line between work and home.
Career goal for 2025 – Keep evolving with purpose. More mentoring, more curiosity, and more work that connects. Less autopilot. More intention.
Evelyn Coklie, Senior Account Executive, Curious Nation
Favourite podcast/read – It would be one of my current read, ‘Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop’. The book tells the story from a bookshop owner’s perspective who meets various characters, where she gets to learn more about them from their life stories. This reminds me again that everyone has their own life stories and that there were events in their life that made them who they are now.
Current streaming binge – Black Mirror! The new season came out recently and I really loved their marketing tactic on one of the episodes, “Bête Noire”. The character in this episode was “gaslighted” into thinking that the reality was somehow altered. Black Mirror created the same “gaslighting” effect for the viewers, where everyone experienced slightly different versions of the episode.
Misconception about your role – People might think of an account executive as someone who’s just doing and executing any tasks that were given to them, without any deep thoughts. But, I believe that being a great account executive is about taking the time to understand a brand/client/campaign, despite being given only one simple task on that project!
Best career advice – Growth often hides before discomfort. Especially in my early journey of my career, it is always a good reminder that sometimes I have to say “yes” to things before I am ready. I will not be able to grow myself if I am waiting for the time to be 100% prepared for whatever challenges or opportunities in front of me.
Leadership hero – I would say my parents are my leadership heroes. They have raised me to have good values in life, which have shaped me into who I am now. Both my parents led by example and they demonstrated how to live the values that they have taught me through their actions every day. And for that I have so much respect for them and I know that one day, if I were to lead/manage, leading by example is the way to go.
How do you stay motivated – Putting my eyes on the goal. I sometimes find myself struggling to love the process/journey, but I know that I find satisfaction when seeing results or accomplish something. For big project, I tried to celebrate and ticked off small milestones to keep me going.
Best training course/session – We had an internal session called ‘What Client Thinks’. It was such a great insight to see creative agencies from a client perspective and what most client expect when they are working with creative agencies.
I wish someone had told me (sooner) – that everyone’s still figuring out their life, no matter how old they are. Growing up with an Asian norm, I tend to find myself stressing about everything and racing towards a certain standard that people my age are expected to be. But I realised that it is okay sometimes to take a little breather and enjoy the moment, and that most people were still figuring out just like me.
Something that’s surprised you about the industry – How experiential marketing and events are on the rise, and how they are in demand in all kinds of brands. The brands that I have had the opportunity to work with over the past year were diverse.
What is your hot take on the industry – With the rising of AI and tech, they contribute in elevating experiential events. But I believe that there should still be a balance of the tech and human/hands-on aspects, as human interaction and connection are still keys in contributing to a good experiential events.
Favourite way to switch off from work – Binge-watching while crocheting. This way I get to escape from reality for a while, but still doing or creating something! Still learning to get rid of my rest guilt feeling.
Career goal for 2025 – Network more. Learn more. Experience more. Do more. Grow more. The only way is up and I want to upskill and increase my ability to be able to grow my capacity.
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Past editions of Meeting of the Minds.
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Top image: Gareth Brock and Evelyn Coklie