Thursday March 26, 2026
Kyle and Jackie O fallout spreads as ARN cuts key staffer
ARN Media’s post-Kyle and Jackie O reset is continuing to unfold, with staff redundancies now emerging alongside mounting market and legal pressure.
Publicist Kiana Harvey, who worked closely with Kyle Sandilands and Jackie ‘O’ Henderson, has confirmed her redundancy, following the cancellation of the KIIS FM breakfast program.
Harvey, who rejoined ARN in May 2024, announced her departure in a LinkedIn post, reflecting on her time with the company and the broader industry.
“It’s hard to put into words just how much this chapter has meant to me. I’m so grateful to have returned to ARN and to have had the privilege of working in an industry I genuinely love for the past six years,” she wrote.
“I would challenge you to find someone more obsessed with radio and live production, storytelling, content or creating connection. Go on… I’ll wait!”
During her tenure, Harvey worked across high-profile campaigns and events tied to the network’s talent and commercial slate.
“During my time as Publicist, I’ve been lucky enough to work across some truly unforgettable projects – from iHeartLIVE with Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, to multiple Kyle & Jackie O stunts and events, as well as ARN’s inaugural Upfronts event. Each experience has only deepened my passion for bringing big ideas to life and connecting audiences in meaningful ways.”
She said her time on the breakfast show remained a defining experience.
“The most rewarding? Waking up with the country’s best breakfast team in the studio each day and being part of the magic that was the KJ Show. To have my name written alongside the show in its history books is truly my life’s biggest honour. And for that, I am forever grateful.”
Staff cuts follow abrupt show cancellation
The redundancies come after staff were left blindsided earlier this month when ARN moved to axe the show.
The company disclosed to the ASX on 3 March that Henderson’s $100 million contract had been terminated, triggering a rapid operational shift across KIIS FM.
Harvey signalled that she is now seeking new opportunities across media and communications.
“So… what’s next? Well, LinkedIn community. I’m hoping that is something you can help me with in shaping!”
“I bring hands-on experience across radio producing, promotions and events, spanning live television, radio, and international events — along with a fantastic contact book of media and talent connections.”
“But, while this chapter is closing, I’m incredibly excited for what’s next.”
“I’m currently open to opportunities across PR and communications, live television or radio production, promotions, and client integration. If you think I’d be a great fit for your team, or you know someone who needs a media-obsessed girl like me, I’d love to connect!”
Legal battle and market reaction intensify pressure
ARN Media (ASX: A1N) faces escalating pressure linked to its handling of the show’s exit and the fallout with Sandilands.
The dispute has now moved into formal legal proceedings, with Sandilands filing a statement of claim challenging the termination of his reported $200 million deal.
The market response has been immediate.
ARN shares have fallen sharply in recent weeks, with the company’s market capitalisation slipping below $100 million, less than the value of the original Kyle and Jackie O deal.
The combination of legal uncertainty and operational restructuring is now converging, with staff cuts emerging as one of the first tangible impacts inside the business.
Further changes are expected as ARN works to reset its programming and commercial strategy in the wake of the show’s collapse.
Main image: Kiana Harvey
Addiction by design: Meta and Google hit with landmark liability ruling
A Los Angeles jury has found Meta and Google liable for designing addictive platforms that harmed a young user’s mental health, in a landmark verdict that could reshape how tech giants defend growing safety claims.
The case centres on a now 20-year-old woman, known as Kaley, who sued over her childhood use of Instagram and YouTube.
Jurors ruled the companies intentionally built features that contributed to addiction, awarding roughly $4.5 million in damages, with Meta responsible for 70% and Google 30%.
The decision lands as pressure mounts globally on social platforms over their impact on children and teens, and as multiple similar cases line up in US courts.
A verdict that signals a shift
The jury found both companies negligent in the design of their platforms, particularly for failing to warn users about potential harms.
Kaley’s legal team argued the platforms operated as “addiction machines”, pointing to features like infinite scroll and algorithmic feeds that encouraged prolonged use.
“Today’s verdict is a referendum – from a jury, to an entire industry – that accountability has arrived,” the plaintiff’s lead counsel said.
Meta and Google both pushed back.
Meta said: “We respectfully disagree with the verdict and are evaluating our legal options.”
A Google spokesperson added: “We disagree with the verdict and plan to appeal. This case misunderstands YouTube, which is a responsibly built streaming platform, not a social media site.”
Plaintiff’s lawyer outside the court
Platform design under scrutiny
The case focused less on content and more on product design, a strategic shift that made it harder for the companies to deflect liability.
Kaley told the court she began using YouTube at age 6 and Instagram at age 9, with no effective age checks.
“I stopped engaging with family because I was spending all my time on social media,” she said.
She described developing anxiety and depression by age 10, alongside body image issues linked to filters that altered her appearance.
Meta chief executive Mark Zuckerberg defended the company’s policies in court, citing its ban on users under 13, while acknowledging enforcement challenges.
“I always wished” for faster progress identifying underage users, he said, adding the company had reached the “right place over time”.
Instagram head Adam Mosseri rejected claims of addiction tied to extreme usage, describing a reported 16-hour session as “problematic” rather than proof of dependency.
Financial impact small, strategic risk large
While the damages are relatively modest for companies of Meta and Alphabet’s scale, analysts say the broader implications are significant.
“This process will likely get dragged out through future cases and appeals, but eventually may cause these companies to put in consumer safeguards that may dampen growth,” said Gil Luria, a technology sector analyst at D.A. Davidson.
Shares in both companies edged higher following the verdict, suggesting investors see the financial risk as contained for now.
But the litigation pipeline is growing.
Another case involving multiple states and school districts is set to go to trial later this year, while additional proceedings are scheduled in California and Los Angeles.
Instagram head Adam Mosseri
The ruling comes alongside a separate New Mexico verdict that found Meta liable for exposing children to harmful content, underscoring what Forrester analyst Mike Proulx described as a “breaking point” between social media companies and the public.
“Negative sentiment toward social media has been building for years, and now it’s finally boiled over,” Proulx said.
In parallel, US lawmakers and state governments are moving to tighten regulations, including age-verification requirements and restrictions on device use in schools.
MAFS viewers unite in grief after Mel Schilling's death
The public responses from viewers of MAFS in the wake of beloved expert Mel Schilling’s death may shock you – with their profound empathy and kindness.
It’s a notable departure from the usual judgmental, nasty, and often negative comments made about the show online.
The outpouring of grief has brought out the humanity of the audience, which typically reacts to outrageous parts of the show – such as the introduction of new groom Tyson Gordon last month. In fact, as the backlash intensified this season, the show was even forced to disable comments on some social media posts.
Now, seeing the beautiful, respectful posts all over social media, it is obvious that Schilling was the best and most beautiful part of an often toxic and controversial show.
Public responds to Mel Schilling’s death
“Heartbreaking” is a term repeated in many of the comments sections of posts online, such as on the official MAFS Instagram account.
Here are some beautiful examples from the general public that offer comfort and kindness:
“This celebrity passing has shaken me to the core! 😢 Poor lady didn’t deserve all that she went through! Soo heartbreaking! She’s not suffering anymore with the evil disease and peace. Thoughts are with her husband and daughter ❤️”
“Impossible…She was such a nice and gentle person 🥰 It was nice to see and get to know her…even if only through television…I extend my sincere condolences to her family and all her friends…And I’m sending you a big hug from Slovenia”
“Such a massive light dimmed way too early. A true powerhouse of a woman and inspiration to us all.”
“A loss that will be felt around the globe.”
And this comment is an example of how reflective viewers have been:
“I can’t stop thinking about this… we’re here, people know us, we know people, people impact us, we impact people, we exist, and then, poof, we’re gone. And all that doing, building, loving, interacting, is just a memory. Kinda shows how life has lots of value, and little, all at the same time. Stark reminder I’ve carried with me all day… ❤️💔”
View this post on Instagram
“So kind and nice to me during filming’
Even an old contestant, Jesse Konstantinoff from season four wrote: “You were always so kind and nice to me during filming and continued even years after my experience on the show, my thoughts and prayers are with your family and loved ones. Rest in peace 🕊️”
As her co-expert John Aiken said of Schilling yesterday: “She, she loved love. She was completely committed to the participants – she wanted everyone to get the fairy tale.”
He added, “She was a glass half full” person, and “she lit up a room.”
It is obvious that this was not lost on viewers, and in fact, had a huge impact – despite the often negative storylines of the show.
Mel Schilling and her family in an image posted to her Instagram account.
MAFS expert Mel Schilling dies aged 54 after cancer battle
Schilling had been a central figure on Married at First Sight for the past decade, becoming one of the show’s most recognisable experts and a key part of its format and success.
She stepped away from the show in February after 10 years on the program to focus on her health and family.
Schilling was first diagnosed with colon cancer in December 2023. In March 2026, she revealed her condition had become terminal after the cancer spread to her brain, sharing that her oncology team had told her “there’s nothing further they can do”.
Her health had deteriorated over Christmas, when she began experiencing “blinding headaches and numbness” down one side of her body.
“I honestly don’t know how long I have left, but I do know I will fight to my last breath and will be surrounded by the love and support of my people,” she said at the time.
AiMCO welcomes six new members including Bastion and History Will Be Kind
Australian Influencer Marketing Council (AiMCO) has announced six new member sign-ups, as it tracks toward record membership growth in 2026.
The new members include Bastion, History Will Be Kind, Key Creators, Bedou, Jetpak Media and impact.com, reflecting continued momentum across the influencer marketing sector.
Agencies and platforms join ranks
Bastion, Australasia’s largest independent full-service marketing and communications agency, joins with a team of more than 350 across Australia, New Zealand and the US.
The agency works with brands including 7-Eleven, Choice Hotels, Suntory, GPT, Kellanova, Unilever, SIXT and URBNSURF.
History Will Be Kind, a B Corp-certified agency operating at the intersection of creative communications, culture and impact, brings experience across campaigns for brands including Little Moons, Life360, Maille, the McGrath Foundation, Hilton and Heinemann.
Key Creators, a boutique full-service creator management agency, represents talent across YouTube, livestream, short-form, and VTuber content, and works with brands in technology, retail, and gaming.
Bedou specialises in talent representation and marketing consultancy, focusing on neurodivergent talent and people-led brand strategy, with clients including Mitchell Coombs, Kayla Jade and Jess Waterhouse.
Jetpak Media works across creator partnerships, offering channel strategy, sponsored content and multi-format campaigns for brands and talent.
impact.com joins as a technology partner, providing a platform that manages the full lifecycle of partnerships, spanning influencers, affiliates, publishers and brand ambassadors.
Driving industry standards
Adam Perry, Co-Founder and Director at Key Creators, said joining AiMCO represents an opportunity to help shape the industry.
“We are incredibly proud to join AiMCO and to work alongside so many well-established agencies and businesses. Together, we aim to help set a high standard for influencer marketing in Australia.”
Patrick Whitnall
Patrick Whitnall, Managing Director at AiMCO, said the new additions reflect the sector’s growing depth.
“Our latest AiMCO members reflect the depth of expertise we now have among our ranks and the growing momentum within Australia’s influencer marketing sector.
“We are thrilled to have nationally recognised agencies like Bastion and History Will Be Kind on board, along with local talent agencies like Bedou and Key Creators, who are doing incredible work to push the needle on the content creator landscape.”
Membership becomes an industry benchmark
Whitnall added that AiMCO membership is increasingly seen as a marker of credibility within the industry.
“As the influencer space continues to evolve, joining organisations like AiMCO is critical for brands, agencies and platforms that want to stay ahead of rapid change while ensuring best-practice standards.”
AiMCO brings together brands, agencies, creators, platforms and technology companies, with members collaborating to improve standards and elevate the influencer marketing industry nationally.
The new sign-ups follow recent additions, including Made by Muse, Ace Creators and creators such as Matty Fahd and Ryan Jon.
Top Image: Mitchell Coombs, Kayla Jade and Jess Waterhouse
Emotive hires Clément Simon as Head of Social & Content
Emotive has appointed Clément Simon as Head of Social & Content, as the agency continues to expand its integrated, earned-first output.
Simon’s past experiences
Simon joins from M+C Saatchi Sydney, where he was Social Strategy Director, leading award-winning social strategies for brands including CommBank, ART, Woolworths, Lifeblood and the Minderoo Foundation.
Across a career spanning Paris, London and Sydney, Simon has focused on translating cultural insight into work that drives real business impact, helping brands show up in ways that feel native to both platforms and the communities they operate in.
“Social is more than a channel, it’s the clearest signal of, and gateway to culture,” Simon said.
“The best ideas now operate at the intersection of brand, social and influence, earning attention and driving participation. In a world where people are voraciously consuming content, it’s no wonder brands are hungry for better, more strategic, scroll-stopping ideas.”
Building an earned-first model
Simon will work closely with Sebastian Revell, Executive Strategy Partner at Emotive, and Jessica Cluff, Head of Earned Creative at Emotive, who have helped sharpen the agency’s focus on culture-first ideas since joining last year.
Revell said: “He brings huge value to the agency strategically, with his extensive expertise in building engaging and innovative social and content strategies. This is an operator who understands both platform behaviour and where culture is heading.”
Cluff added: “Every brief we’re getting is asking for smart, strategic social thinking and best-in-class creative execution across organic and paid. That’s because social isn’t just a channel, it’s where culture is shaped and shared.
“We’re building out and investing in our earned-first capabilities at Emotive, and Clément is a vital piece of that offering.”
Momentum builds for Emotive
Simon’s appointment comes as Emotive continues to build momentum, with recent new business wins including Google Pixel, North and El Jannah.
The agency now works across more than 20 cross-category brands and reports a market-leading average client tenure of 4.7 years.
Top Image: Clément Simon (Middle), Credit: Julian Wolkenstein
'Unbearable': Savannah Guthrie speaks for the first time about her missing mum
Australian-born US television presenter of TODAY, Savannah Guthrie, has spoken of her family’s “agony” in the first interview since her mum Nancy’s disappearance.
Nancy Guthrie, 84, has been missing since February 1, when she was last seen at her Tucson, Arizona home. Police released images of a masked person captured by a security camera, but are no closer to finding Nancy.
“To think of what she went through, I wake up every night in the middle of the night, every night, ” Savannah said in an excerpt of the interview released by the US TODAY show.
“Someone needs to do the right thing,” she added, tearfully speaking to her former co-host Hoda Kotb.
“We are in agony. It is unbearable.
“In the darkness, I imagine her terror.
“And it is unthinkable – but those thoughts demand to be thought and I will not hide my face. But she needs to come home now.”
‘There’s blood’: How a reporter changed the course of the Nancy Guthrie case
The case has had some major developments since Nancy was dropped off after dinner on the Saturday night, but uncharacteristically failed to attend church the next morning.
As the mystery continues, one man might have answers: investigative journalist Brian Entin.
Speaking exclusively to Mediaweek, Entin talked about his time looking for Nancy, and the incredible find one day when the police had removed the crime-scene tape, and the team knocked on her door.
“One of our photographers actually shot the video of Nancy’s front steps,” he said.
“We realised the crime scene tape was down and wanted to knock on the door to see if anyone was home. It was shocking when we realised there was still blood on the front steps.”
Entin revealed to the world that there was a trail of blood at Nancy’s door, with his team obtaining disturbing footage of it.
“I can’t remember another time we discovered something quite like this.”
Blood discovered at Nancy Guthrie’s front door. Image: Brian Entin
Entin said that while the evidence was crucial in finding out what happened to Nancy, he still walks a fine line with the authorities.
“We are always careful not to interfere with police investigations. We never would have approached the house if it were still a crime scene.
“At the end of the day, we all want Nancy to come home.”
The Guthrie family is offering a $1 USD million reward, in addition to $100,000 pledged by the FBI, for information leading to Nancy’s return.
Top image: Savannah Guthrie and her mother, Nancy. Image: Instagram
Seven overhauls news leadership team
Seven Network has strengthened its news leadership team by appointing Rahni Sadler and expanding Gemma Williams’ role.
Sadler will take on the role of Executive Producer of 7NEWS Spotlight, leading the flagship current affairs program as it continues to focus on investigative journalism and long-form storytelling.
Sadler returns to Seven
Sadler returns to Seven after nearly two decades across two stints with the network, including a decade as a correspondent on Sunday Night.
Her work has spanned major international investigations, from exposing illegal fishing operations to reporting on the disappearance of Madeleine McCann and covering global events including Hurricane Katrina and the election of Barack Obama.
Most recently, she worked as a senior producer at ABC’s 7.30, where she led high-profile investigations and was recognised with a Clarion Award.
Williams steps into broader role
Williams, who has led 7NEWS Spotlight for the past two years, will transition to the role of Managing Editor at 7NEWS.
In the expanded position, Williams will help shape Sydney’s editorial direction, strengthen broadcast and digital integration, and work alongside the National News Desk on major coverage, including federal election reporting and the Bondi attack.
Williams said: “It has been an absolute privilege to lead the 7NEWS Spotlight team over the past two years… I’m incredibly proud of how far the program has come.”
Spotlight growth continues
During Williams’ tenure, 7NEWS Spotlight’s average total TV audience grew 13% year-on-year, with streaming on 7plus increasing 61%.
The program has also built a strong digital footprint, reaching a combined five million followers across social platforms and generating more than one billion video views over the past year.
Ray Kuka
‘A bold new chapter’
Ray Kuka, Director of News and Current Affairs at Seven Network, said the appointments position the program for continued growth.
“Rahni brings a rare depth of experience and instinct for long-form reporting and producing. I have no doubt she will lead 7NEWS Spotlight into a bold and ambitious new chapter,” Kuka said.
Sadler said she is looking forward to returning to the network.
“I’ve spent so much of my career at this network that it honestly feels like I’m coming home. I’m so fired up to be heading up such an amazing Seven show.”
Sadler will commence in April, with Williams transitioning into her new role from June, following a handover period.
Top Image: Rahni Sadler and Gemma Williams
Sally Eagle appointed CEO of Are Media as Jane Huxley steps down
Are Media has appointed Sally Eagle as CEO, replacing Jane Huxley, who will step down after five years leading the business.
The transition will take effect from early April, with the company confirming the appointment as part of a planned leadership change.
Huxley departs following a period of transformation at the publisher, during which Are Media repositioned itself as a multiplatform content business across print, digital, social and live events.
In a note to staff, chairman Ben Hawter said: “Jane has led the business during a formative period, during which time Are Media established its identity as the pre-eminent media platform for women in Australia and New Zealand, across print, digital and live events and social media.”
He added: “The transformation under Jane’s leadership has been significant. Early in the journey was the acquisition of the industry’s sole distribution platform, now Are Direct, bringing distribution security for both Are Media and the broader industry. The brand portfolio was also significantly rationalised, clarifying the focus on women and lifestyle audiences.”
The company also invested in systems, digital platforms and internal capability during her tenure.
Eagle steps into CEO role
Eagle has been with Are Media for 16 years and most recently served as director of content, leading the company’s content strategy.
Her previous roles include book publisher and customer director, where she worked on retail partnerships and audience engagement.
“Sally has been with Are Media for 16 years, starting in Finance, then moving to Publisher – Books in 2015, followed by three years as Customer Director, where Sally led the retail team focused on building stronger relationships with large retailers and newsagent groups.
“Sally brings to the CEO role a unique blend of people leadership, commercial acumen, customer insights and a deep understanding of consumer engagement. Sally has incredible passion for our brands, our vision and our people,” he said.
Hawter said the board was “thrilled” to appoint internally and looked forward to working with Eagle and the executive team.
The leadership change comes as Are Media continues to operate as one of Australia’s largest women’s lifestyle publishers, with brands spanning food, fashion, beauty and entertainment.
Huxley’s departure and Eagle’s appointment will take effect in early April.
Myer launches GAP return campaign with Olivia De Jonge
Myer has unveiled the latest chapter of its ‘My Store Is’ platform, celebrating the return of GAP to Australia with a new campaign led by Olivia De Jonge.
The brand’s return marks the latest in a series of major brand additions at Myer, following launches including TOPSHOP, Sportscraft, Lioness, 4th & Reckless, Nobody Denim and The Wolf Gang.
The campaign also marks De Jonge’s second major collaboration with Myer in recent months, after fronting the launch of TOPSHOP earlier this year.
Culture-led casting
The campaign brings together talent across fashion, sport and creative industries.
Rome Champion, an Australian hip-hop dancer and choreographer, adds a performance-led edge aligned with GAP’s creative identity.
Isaac Quaynor, AFL player at Collingwood Football Club, and Kat and Yianna Velos, founders of Golden Groves Olive Oil, round out the cast, reinforcing the brand’s connection to culture and community.
Targeting younger shoppers
Belinda Slifkas, Chief Merchandise Officer at Myer, said GAP’s return signals a broader shift in the retailer’s brand strategy.
“In recent years, GAP has re-established itself as a cultural force and is clearly resonating with a new generation of shoppers, particularly through its social-led campaigns featuring the likes of Troye Sivan and Katseye,” Slifkas said.
“We’re well underway in refreshing our brand portfolio to attract new customers, especially younger Australians seeking fashion that feels contemporary and trend-forward. GAP aligns perfectly with this direction.”
Continuing ‘My Store Is’ platform
Created by Howatson+Company, the campaign continues Myer’s ‘My Store Is’ platform, positioning the retailer as a space for personal expression and individual style.
GAP is now available in select Myer stores nationwide and online via myer.com.au, as the retailer continues to expand its fashion offering.
Credits
Client: Myer
Creative Agency: Howatson+Company
Production Agency: Howatson+Company
Media: Essence Mediacom a WPP media brand
Top Image: Kat Velos, Yianna Velos, and Isaac Quaynor
Fortnite owner Epic Games knocks over 1,000 jobs
Redundancies have stormed the Fortnite maker Epic Games once again, resulting in the loss of 1,000 jobs.
Tim Sweeney, Chief Executive Officer of Epic Games, confirmed the layoffs, citing a decline in player numbers and broader cost pressures.
“This layoff, together with over $500 million of identified cost savings in contracting, marketing, and closing some open roles, puts us in a more stable place,” Sweeney said.
Fortnite under pressure
The cuts follow a reduction of more than 800 roles in 2023, highlighting continued challenges across the business.
Once one of the most popular battle royale games, Sweeney pointed to a mix of industry-wide pressures, including increased competition and reduced consumer spending, but also acknowledged issues specific to Fortnite.
“Despite Fortnite remaining one of the most successful games in the world, we’ve had challenges delivering consistent Fortnite magic with every season,” he said.
Tim Sweeney added that the company is still in the early stages of returning to mobile and optimising the game for a global smartphone audience
He added that the company is still in the early stages of returning to mobile and optimising the game for a global smartphone audience.
“We’re only in the early stages of returning to mobile and optimizing Fortnite for the world’s billions of smartphones; and in being the industry’s vanguard we have taken a lot of bullets in a battle which is only in the early days of paying off for ourselves and all developers,” he explained.
Not an AI-driven move
Sweeney clarified that the layoffs are not related to artificial intelligence, with affected employees receiving severance packages including four months’ pay and, for US-based staff, six months of healthcare.
There were earlier signs of pressure when Epic raised the price of V-Bucks, Fortnite’s in-game currency, to pay the operational bills.
At the same time, the company confirmed it will wind down several game modes, including Rocket Racing, Ballistic and the Fortnite Festival “battle stage”, while keeping its core Festival experience online.
Industry-wide shakeout
Epic’s cuts reflect a broader shakeout across the live-service gaming sector, which has seen a wave of layoffs and shutdowns in recent weeks.
Free-to-play shooter Highguard has been shut down, EA has cut developers on Battlefield 6, Riot Games has reduced staff on its upcoming fighter 2XKO, and Remedy has ended updates for its team shooter FBC: Firebreak.
“Market conditions today are the most extreme we’ve seen since our early days,” Sweeney said.
“That’s what we’re aiming to do for our players, and we aim to bring other like-minded developers along on the journey to build an increasingly open and vibrant future of entertainment together.”
Top Image: Fortnite
Indie agency Three Are One accelerates global expansion
Since launching its integrated model, Indie Three Are One has scaled its international footprint significantly. The agency operates across seven countries and generates more than 50% of its revenue from outside Australia.
The current roster features global heavyweights, including Google and The Washington Post. Locally, the agency works alongside Australian industry leaders such as Medibank, Brickworks, News Corp Australia, and ClubsNSW. This diverse client base signals strong demand for integrated capabilities across all growth levers, ranging from corporate giants to tech startups.
Fusing strategy and creativity
Founders built Three Are One on the belief that most agencies treat innovation, creativity, and strategy as separate departments. By fusing these disciplines into a single process, the company moves faster when solving complex challenges.
Brendan Collogan, director, noted the agency’s philosophy sets a new standard for growth.
“Growth doesn’t happen in silos; it’s created through the deliberate alignment of commercial strategy, product and proposition innovation and world-class creative activation,” Collogan said. “We’ve architected our model to be globally relevant and to deliver across that entire system, bringing together decades of expertise from client, consulting and creative worlds into a single, unified capability.”
AI and the creative horizon
The arrival of Stu Turner, director, accelerated the agency’s evolution. An award-winning creative leader, Turner brings over two decades of experience and top industry recognition from Cannes Lions, D&AD, and Effies.
His recent experience deploying generative AI within creative agency workflows aligns closely with the company’s mission. The agency helps brands build enduring AI capabilities internally.
“Our mission at Three Are One is to build brands and solutions the world wants,” Turner said. He added that the agency’s AI enablement work with Google and other clients makes it feel like they sit right in the middle of something exciting and relevant.
As the company scales, Three Are One remains focused on evolving its fused model. The agency will debut several new generative AI creative partnerships in the coming months.
Feature image- Three Are One’s Celia Wallace, Brendan Collogan, Stu Turner, and John Duck: supplied
Uncomfortable Growth® Uncut playlist: Strength in the struggle
Uncomfortable Growth® Uncut is a space where we strip away the polish and perfection to explore what growth really looks like; messy, uncertain, deeply human. These are unscripted, unrehearsed conversations about the moments that shake us, change us, and ultimately shape how we live and lead. Nothing is pre-planned. What’s shared is real – even to us.
This playlist, Strength in the struggle, brings together three powerful episodes where leaders open up about the personal upheavals that forced them to stop, reflect, and rebuild from the inside out. These are not stories of overnight success, they’re stories of inner work, resilience, and the courage it takes to move forward when life doesn’t go to plan.
The stories inside this playlist
Emma Jensen, vice president of small business at Optus, shares a devastating and deeply vulnerable chapter of her life – the unexpected end of her marriage and the first time she truly felt she had failed. Through moments of chaos, kindness from strangers, and the slow rebuilding of identity, Emma reflects on how this experience reshaped not only her life, but her leadership. Her story is a powerful reminder that asking for help, embracing authenticity, and letting go of ego can create strength beyond what we imagine.
Pia Coyle, managing director of PHD Sydney, opens up about what happens when a life built on expectations is suddenly dismantled. After a divorce following 20 years of marriage, Pia navigates single parenthood, self-discovery, and the rediscovery of joy – while redefining what authentic leadership really looks like. Her story beautifully connects personal transformation with professional confidence, showing how vulnerability can become a source of belief, connection, and impact.
Wayne Brown, founder of Cureative, takes us deep into his journey from a traumatic childhood in Southeast London through mental health struggles, loss, and what he calls “the breakdown”. Wayne shares how leaving London, embracing therapy, Buddhism, and reflection helped him heal from within. His story is honest, grounded, and powerful – a testament to the fact that transformation doesn’t come from avoiding pain, but from moving through it with intention and support.
Your host
I’m Rowena Millward, your host – a global expert in growth and reinvention for businesses and people, 2x best-selling author, and the creator of Uncomfortable Growth®. Through this podcast, I sit alongside leaders at their most real, exploring how life’s hardest moments often become the foundation for reinvention, clarity, and new chapters.
🎧 Listen to Strength in the struggle on Spotify
🌱 Visit Rowena’s website to learn more about working together and owning your reinvention.
If you’re navigating your own crossroads – personal or professional – this playlist is for you.