Your Future in Sales & Marketing

Send us a textIn this episode, Supriya Singh, Australia and New Zealand Managing Director at Blackmores, joins us to share the principles that have shaped her purpose-led career across global markets and iconic health and wellness brands.Supriya reflects on the importance of choosing organisations whose mission you believe in, and how connecting with a brand’s purpose can fuel both personal and commercial growth. She shares how she’s navigated career transitions by backing herself, proactively planning her path, and embracing change as an opportunity, not a disruption.We also explore the value of listening to consumers, creating communities, and building leadership capability grounded in compassion and care. From managing international moves to returning to the Australian market, Supriya offers practical insight into building meaningful networks and maintaining curiosity throughout your career.For professionals looking to lead with intention, adapt with confidence, and build careers aligned to what matters, this episode offers inspiration and advice in equal measure.

Send us a textIn this insightful episode, Ben Slocombe, Head of Marketing at Liquor Marketing Group and former Business Unit Director at Coca-Cola Amatil, joins Ben Carnegie to explore the key lessons and leadership qualities that have shaped his dynamic career across the FMCG and retail sectors.Reflecting on his journey from global beverage giants to leading marketing for a member-owned retail group, Ben shares how challenging moments and career agility have driven his growth from seeking feedback and mentorship to navigating business complexity with a mix of commercial acumen and creativity.He also unpacks the evolving role of retailers, the balance between short-term results and long-term brand building, and the value of staying curious, building networks, and owning the full marketing mix.With practical advice for future leaders, marketers, and professionals across fast-paced industries, this episode is a rich conversation about leadership, learning, and how to stay ahead in an ever-changing landscape. 

Send us a textIn this insightful episode, Eddie Balemian, ANZ General Manager at Perrigo Company, joins Mike to share the story behind his rise in the global consumer health industry.With a career spanning major FMCG players and now leading Perrigo’s growth across Australia and New Zealand, Eddie unpacks the leadership principles that have shaped his journey — including his open-door approach, belief in empowering teams, and balancing commercial performance with a people-first culture.From navigating the challenges of multinational operations to unlocking local market potential, this episode is full of practical insights for emerging leaders, FMCG professionals, and anyone passionate about building great teams in high-growth environments.

Send us a textIn this insightful episode, Toby Hilliam, CEO of Appetise, joins Andrew to share the journey behind his entrepreneurial career in Australia’s tech and food delivery space.Toby’s path includes founding two businesses, Mutu and now Appetise - where he’s learned first hand what it takes to solve meaningful problems and create something customers truly need.He shares his experience in building with intention, the importance of product-market fit, and why keeping the heart of the customer at the centre is non-negotiable for long-term success. From scrappy startup beginnings to scaling a purpose-led platform, this episode is packed with practical wisdom for founders, operators, and anyone looking to build something that lasts.

Send us a textIn this inspiring episode, Samantha Hutson, General Manager at Nudie Foods, sits down with Mike to share the journey behind her impressive career in Australian & UK FMCG. Samantha’s career seen her develop her tier 1 FMCG skills in the UK and Australia and apply them in a fast growth Aussie FMCG market leader with Nudie, first as Head of Sales and now as GM. She shares insights into navigating fast-paced sales environments, building high-performing teams, and how staying curious and commercially sharp helped her seize each new opportunity. From global corporates to proudly homegrown brands, this chat covers it all.

Send us a textIn this insightful chat, Tom Press, Sales Director for Key Pharmaceuticals (previously Sales Director for Microsoft ANZ) sat down with Mike to chat about his career and life and about all the serendipitous cross-overs in between. Tom shares his insights about his long-standing career in the FMCG industry, why he then made the (successful) transition into the world of tech in a highly competitive candidate market, and then finally, how the FMCG world drew him back in! 

Send us a textIn the latest episode of the Your Future in Sales & Marketing podcast, Mike Dickson sat down with Graham Fairbairn, Head of Sales & Marketing for Mutti pasta sauces to talk all things career, life and travels! Graham talks about being a global citizen, having lived and worked in over 10 different countries; his diverse FMCG career, the concept of the ‘imposter syndrome,’ and his relocation to Italy to grow the Mutti pasta sauce brand over there. Graham has lived a very interesting life and has collected so many wonderful experiences along the way, which he gracefully shares with us on the podcast! It’s well worth a listen! 

Send us a textIn this amazing crossover episode, Mike Dickson is joined by not one, but two FMCG powerhouses, Dan Bitti, APAC Marketing Director for Jack Link's & Justin O'Sullivan, Sales Director for Jack Link's to share their career insights, the journey and ambition of Jack Link’s and ask the big question: What is the difference between Jerky and Biltong?Key highlights include: How they got to where they are today Building the global Jack Link's brand in a market like Australia, where it was relatively unknown and new to consumers The best ways sales and marketing can work together to grow a brand The difference between beef jerky and biltong (and yes, there is one!)Why passion, grit and determination will get you everywhere So, grab your coffee (and perhaps some beef jerky?) and tune in! 

Send us a textWe’re back with our first senior leader on the pod for 2025, Kerry (Kez) Appathurai, National Sales Director at Lion – and what a story she has to tell! In this insightful chat, Kez sat down with Mike Dickson to share her journey to becoming a sales director, what it’s like working in the consumer beverages space, paving the way for women in leadership, her role in the formation of the AACS Women In Convenience group, why it’s so important to love what you do, and so much more! You won’t want to miss this one, so tune in now! 

Send us a textIn this special episode of the podcast, [axr] Sales & Marketing recruiters, Andrew Cannock and Ben Carnegie sat down to talk all this jobs, market trends, skills in demand and more! It's packed full of insights, as they talk through: Trends we saw emerging in 2024 and how that impacted marketing, sales and category jobs. What we can expect to see in 2025. How candidates can set themselves to make great career decisions in 2025 and how the team at [axr] can help you with that.The 4 P's of job searching.It's a fantastic listen - tune in now!