Meeting of the Minds: Jillian Matthews and Eliza Davey from Pedestrian Group

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Meeting of the Minds - Jillian Matthews and Eliza Davey

Matthew and Davey reveal the best career advice they’ve received, industry hot takes, and what they have on repeat.

This week’s Meeting of the Minds sees Jillian Matthews and Eliza Davey from Pedestrian Group 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.

Jillian Matthews, National Sales Director, Pedestrian Group

Meeting of the Minds - Jillian Matthew

Favourite podcast/read: Diary of a CEO, Steven Bartlett’s Podcast , my favourite episode being the interview with the pioneer of AI, Geoffrey Hinton and his predictions on the areas of AI no one is prepared for.

Current streaming binge: The most recent season of Squid Game. I’ve really developed a love for Korean content, the storytelling is bold, the production quality is world-class, and there’s always an emotional depth that sticks with you. Parasite has an amazing twist and Train to Busan was one of the most intense and original thrillers I’ve seen. I’m hooked.

Misconception about your role: That it’s all just about selling ads. The reality is far more nuanced, it’s about deeply understanding audience behaviour, brand objectives, market trends, and then building creative, strategic partnerships that cut through. A lot of what we do is consultative and long-term, not transactional.

What do you have on repeat: Honestly, nothing at the moment. With so much incredible content out there, I like to keep my consumption habits fresh and constantly discover something new, whether it’s a podcast, playlist, or series. Variety keeps me inspired.

Best career advice: Align yourself with the best leaders and listen to your gut. If your job no longer feels right, it probably isn’t. Surround yourself with the best peers and mentors after all you are often a reflection of the company you keep. Also resilience is a key skill that can aid you well in everything you do.

Leadership hero: There have been two standout leaders who have shaped my career in really meaningful ways. The first is Angela Rawstorne, whom I had the privilege of working with during the early days of my career at the Hearst Corporation in London.

Angela was a dynamic, fearless leader with an incredible ability to inspire and empower those around her. She led with conviction, clarity, and care, and she taught me the importance of bringing your full self to the role. She’s not only a professional inspiration but remains a close friend and mentor whom I like to channel in my own leadership journey.

The second is Mason Rook, our Managing Director at Pedestrian.TV. I’ve seen firsthand how Mason leads with both intelligence and humility. He creates space for his team to bring big ideas to the table, and he builds trust quickly which is so important, especially in a challenging market.

Both Angela and Mason share a real commitment to collaboration, cultural leadership, and investing in people. They’ve shown me that great leadership isn’t about control, it’s about unlocking potential in others, and building workplaces that people genuinely want to be part of.

Best training course/session: Scottworks – Negotiation training – recommended for everyone whether in sales or not – after all life is one big negotiation.

I wish someone had told me: It’s okay to not have all the answers, especially in leadership. What matters more is knowing how to ask the right questions, listen well, and empower your team. Early on, I thought I had to be the expert in everything. But growth comes from curiosity and collaboration.

Favourite place to network: Casual industry events where the guard is down, not necessarily the big conferences. A good pub catch-up or coffee with peers often leads to the most meaningful conversations and partnerships. Real connections are built in real environments.

Something that surprised you about the industry: How resilient and creative it is, especially during market downturns. Even in challenging financial times, the innovation doesn’t stop. In fact, limitations often push us to be more inventive and audience-first in our thinking.

What is your hot take on the industry: Branded content and editorial integration aren’t “nice to haves” anymore, they’re essential. Gen Z and millennial audiences can smell inauthenticity a mile away. Media platforms that blend storytelling with genuine value for brands will lead the next wave of growth.

Career goal for 2025/26: To grow Pedestrian.TV’s commercial footprint in new categories and states while also building a team that’s known not just for hitting targets, but for being best-in-class partners to clients. I want us to be seen as the most agile, creative sales team in the market which in my opinion we are.

Eliza Davey, Advertising and Partnerships Director, Pedestrian Group

Meeting of the Minds - Eliza Davey

Favourite podcast/read: ABC Conversations – particularly the episode with Richard Harris, where he shares his incredible experience leading the Thai Cave Rescue mission. I also love Diary of a CEO and The Rest Is History, both offer fascinating insights and always leave me with something new to think about.

Current streaming binge: Any British crime drama, Dept Q. or Mobland – but have also just watched David Atteborough’s ‘Oceans’ insightful, inspiring and a little bit daunting but a powerful insight into how as the next generation of caretakers, we have the ability to make a positive difference to our environment.

Guilty pleasure content: Musicals or country music – give me a cast recording or a ‘90s country playlist and you’ve got one happy girl. Since joining Pedestrian.TV, there’s been a huge amount of personal output and new connections, so music has become an essential way for me to switch off, reset, and recharge. Singing in the car is a must when it comes to relaxation techniques.

Best career advice: That above all, it’s not just about sales – it’s about people. Don’t take things personally and focus instead on showing up with integrity, consistency, and empathy. If you stay true to your values and lead with authenticity, the right partnerships will follow naturally.

Misconception about your role: That it’s just about selling ads. Trust is everything, and in a competitive market, salespeople have to work even harder to earn it. We’re not just selling space; we’re trading on our personality, resilience, and ability to connect.

Leadership hero: Throughout my career, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to learn from some exceptional leaders. Early on, the OG Fearless Leader Jo Rao took me under her wing – empowering and inspiring me as I learned the fundamentals of partnerships, the importance of networking, and how to truly understand the market.

Later, at Are Media, I had the privilege of working under Will Jamison – a period that was instrumental in shaping my career. I was challenged, supported, and encouraged to define what I wanted my professional path to look like, all under the guidance of an industry great.

Today, I’m proud to be working under the leadership of Jill Matthew (and no, she didn’t tell me to say this). As we step into a new era of Pedestrian.TV, I’m lucky to be part of a team led by someone so qualified, driven, and genuinely inspiring.

Best training course/session: The Mark Ritson Mini MBA offered a valuable foundation in marketing, providing insight into the industry from a marketer’s perspective rather than a publisher’s. That said, some of the most meaningful learning has come from being in the thick of it – continuously adapting on the job as the industry evolves. I’ve learnt so much from those around me and believe that staying open to new ideas, ways of working, and ongoing change is essential to long-term growth and success.

I wish someone had told me: Imposter syndrome, in many ways, is a superpower. In sales, where so much of the work is self-driven and autonomous – it pushes you to stay sharp, humble, and always striving to be better. But it’s equally important to back yourself. Confidence in who you are and what you bring to the table is what truly sets you apart. When you trust your voice, that belief shines through in your work and builds trust with others.

Favourite place to network: Post meeting catch ups, be it for a coffee, a drink or just a quick ‘catch up’ phone call. The formalities are done and the hard sell isn’t needed – providing a space to build a strong client/partner relationship in a relaxed setting.

Something that surprised you about the industry: Everyone – from the top of the chain down, is still learning and evolving. Ours is an industry that’s constantly shifting, where what we knew yesterday might not hold true by the end of the week. But that’s what makes it exciting. We’re navigating this volatility together, and as a cohort, there’s strength in our shared adaptability, collaboration, and commitment to growth.

What is your hot take on the industry: There’s still plenty of room for bold, creative, out-of-the-box advertising. While budgets may be tighter, our ideas can be even sharper – driven by everything we’ve learned and the insights we now have.

Career goal for 2025/26: I’m excited to be part of Pedestrian.TV’s new era from the ground up – helping shape where we’re headed while growing with the brand. Ultimately, I hope to be a key player in making Pedestrian.TV even more innovative and relevant in the digital space. LETS GO!!

To take part in future editions of Meeting of the Minds, please email: [email protected]

Past editions of Meeting of the Minds.

Top image: Jillian Matthew and Eliza Davey

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