Meeting Of The Minds: Claxon’s Daniel Willis and Jessica Mirosevich

Article was originally published by MediaWeek on November 22, 2023

Meeting of the Minds brings together two different points of view from an industry rookie and an experienced expert.

The Mediaweek series aims to showcase their diverse perspectives, thoughts and opinions.

This week’s Meeting of the Minds sees Daniel Willis and Jessica Mirosevich from Claxon reveal their leadership heroes, current streaming binge and career goals.

Daniel Willis – Chairman and CEO

Best career advice

I’ve received a lot of great advice throughout my career, but a lot of it did not really make sense until I was a bit older. However, when I was a young sales manager, the big boss at our office once sat me down and talked to me about the importance of ‘managing upwards’ – treating the relationships with those ‘above you’ on the corporate ladder with the same care, attention and purpose as you’d treat those that report directly to you.

This really resonated with me and the following day I decided I would follow this advice and personally called head office and asked to speak to the CEO as I thought it was important he knew who I was. He took my call and we’re actually still in contact all these years later.

My favourite podcast/read

I’m more of an audiobook guy than a podcast guy, listening to on average one book a month, however, when I do listen to a podcast it’s always Harvard Business Review IdeaCast as I love the variation of guests and the insights they share.

Current streaming binge

TV is definitely one of the ways I switch off, so I’m regularly bunging something. Right now, it’s all the seasons of Shark Tank USA.

Leadership hero

My mum, who wasn’t a businesswoman at all, but was exceptional at understanding what people needed and wanted, and then inspiring them to get something done, because they wanted to do it. I took so much of what I learnt from her growing up into my career.

I wish someone had told me

That enjoying the journey is just as important, if not more, than enjoying the outcome. The outcome is only a fleeting moment in time (which you very rarely take the time to stop and appreciate) whereas the journey can last years or decades.

Guilty content pleasure

Love Island or any fun reality TV show that allows me to switch my mind off for a while!

Best training course/session

‘The Science of Leadership’ that I went through about 20 years ago with one of my early career mentors Mike Winlaw, and that I have since in turn, delivered at over 50 companies in 8 countries around the world.

Your mentor

I don’t want this to be seen as avoiding the questions as I’ve had a lot of impactful mentors that have ebbed and flowed throughout my career over the last 25 years I wouldn’t want to name only one as they’ve all played an important role.

Hot medium or show

The ‘Untold’ series of epic sports documentaries on Netflix, Succession on Binge, and Billions on Stan.

Favourite media event

Being based on the Gold Coast unfortunately I don’t have the luxury of attending all the industry events I would living in Sydney and Melbourne, but the IMAA events are ones that I always do my best to attend. There’s something special about an indie event and the super supportive vibes.

Wish I’d done that

Taken a full Soccer scholarship to Dartmouth University in the US when I was 16. It makes me feel even worse that I chose not to take it because I was in love with my very first girlfriend! Young love – thanks a lot, Suzy Wilson!

Career goal for the remainder of the year

One of the challenges we face is our own brand awareness and consideration in key markets despite doing industry-leading work. So, for the first time in our 6-year lifespan, we have a robust strategic marketing plan of our own that we’ve just rolled out. The other goal is to make our 2nd acquisition of this year, which will make our 3rd in total.

Jessica Mirosevich, Digital Strategist

Best career advice

“If you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room.” Surround yourself with people who are smarter than you, and you will never stop learning and growing.

My favourite podcast/read

She’s on the Money, Victoria Devine – love the podcast and books!

Current streaming binge

Suits… for the fifth time.

Leadership hero

My mum! A single parent and a dedicated workplace manager. She instilled a strong work ethic and a drive to succeed in me from a very young age. I look forward to having many leadership heroes within the marketing industry in the future.

I wish someone had told me

Fake tan does NOT look natural!

Guilty content pleasure

Too Hot to Handle and Married at First Sight. I don’t watch a lot of reality television, but these two particular shows allow me to switch off my brain after a big day at work.

Best training course/session

I’m mostly self-taught, but definitely eyeing off the Mini MBA course.

Your mentor

The entire team at Claxon! The Claxon team are truly the best at what they do – I’m incredibly honoured to be a part of the team.

Hot medium or show

Mamma Mia – Out Loud podcast for insightful, juicy content.

Favourite media event

A lot of my time in the industry thus far has been spent in lockdowns, so I haven’t been to many! I did really enjoy the IMAA Digital Deep Dive at the Sydney Aquarium last year though. Looking forward to Who’s Who in the Zoo this year!

Wish I’d done that

I wish I had invented Afterpay!

Career goal for the remainder of the year

I am really keen to deepen my knowledge of Google and AI and aim for a senior role at Claxon.