Career Profile
Hi, I’m Madonna
- More than 17 years of global experience working in advertising and news media.
- Managed people and million-dollar budgets in creative, deadline-driven environments.
- Originally from Australia, can legally reside and work in the UK and USA.
Throughout my advertising career, I have worked on top brands such as AmEx, BP, McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, British Airways, P&G, Unilever, IBM, Disney, Tiffany’s, National Australia Bank, and on pitches for many more. As a news researcher and assignment desk manager, I have covered elections, terrorism, celebrity funerals and natural disasters. As a strategic consultant, I have lead market research, crafted copy and content strategies for small businesses, global non-profits, real estate agents, law firms and well-known industry leaders
Please get in touch if you think we could work well together —either on a full-time or consultancy basis.
Expertise
News
The bulk of my career has been in the advertising industry but working in journalism gave me a quick metabolism for the daily news cycle and an appetite for newsworthy ideas.
Research
I’m naturally curious with a deep knowledge of current affairs, cultural and social trends. I am a forensic investigator who turns information overwhelm into actionable intelligence. I immerse myself in a complex topic, get to the heart of it, and quickly develop solutions.
Brands
I’m passionate about brands and how they operate in context —outside conference rooms and quarterly sales meetings. I collaborate with agency teams on pitches and brainstorms.
Writing
I produce corporate blogs, websites, social media campaigns and presentations. I’m also a copywriter and work on personal branding for senior executives, bios, newsletters, articles, and thought leadership material for industry gurus.
History
Consultant, CONTXTURE
2016
I provide creative and strategic support to local businesses, brand consultancies, advertising agencies, and their clients.
Head of Brand Intelligence, Deutsch
2015 – 2016
Strategic direction for new business and creative development for clients including Pizza Hut, Sprint, Volkswagen, Taco Bell,
Head of Intelligence Group, Ogilvy
2011 – 2015
Set up a heavily-used strategic intelligence department to support all disciplines, including advertising, direct marketing, digital media, shopper marketing, public relations, and healthcare.
Adjunct Professor (Brand Experience) City College of NY
2014 – 2015
Taught theory and methods for creating effective ‘on-brand’ immersive, tactical executions.
News Researcher, New York Times
2008 – 2009
Supported newsroom staff with investigative research and fact-checking.
Assignment Manager, Fox News Research
2007 – 2011
Primary liaison between producers, newsroom, corporate, and research team. Delivered content that added context to news reporting. Managed 23 news researchers, handling 1,200 requests a week, on a 24/7 schedule.
Head of Information, Leo Burnett Group
2000 – 2007
Provided best practice business intelligence and research leadership across the business. Created proactive services, digital resources to encourage the flow of ideas within the group.