On Wednesday 4 June 2025, Lucy and New Chapter Talent rolled up their sleeves and got sandwich-making with a purpose. Alongside more than 20 other small business recruitment agency owners from Recruitment United — Australia’s fastest growing community for recruitment agency owners — the team joined forces with Eat Up Australia to make a real difference. The morning event, hosted at Eat Up’s Melbourne base, saw the group prepare 954 cheese sandwiches in under an hour — all destined for schoolchildren across Victoria doing it tough. Who is Eat Up Australia? Eat Up Australia is a not-for-profit organisation founded by Lyndon Galea . Their mission is simple but powerful: to feed the one in five Aussie kids who go to school hungry. Since its inception, Eat Up has delivered millions of lunches to children in need, thanks to the support of volunteers, schools, and partners across the country. Their work ensures that kids can focus on learning, laughing, and being kids — rather than worrying about where their next meal will come from. As the cost-of-living crisis continues to impact Australian families, teachers are increasingly stepping in to share their own lunches with students. It’s a heartbreaking reality — and one that Eat Up works tirelessly to change. Bringing the Recruitment Community Together The initiative was organised by Pete Watson , founder of Recruitment United. Pete’s goal? To bring together a community of like-minded recruitment business owners who not only support one another professionally but also show up for causes that matter. And show up they did. Laughter, teamwork and a fair bit of cheese filled the air as the group assembled sandwich after sandwich, each one a small act of kindness for a child in need. While the group narrowly missed their ambitious 1,000 sandwich target (running out of bread with just 46 to go!), the impact of the morning was undeniable. New Chapter Talent was proud to take part in such an uplifting and hands-on initiative. It was a chance to connect with an incredible community of recruiters, support an extraordinary organisation, and give back in a meaningful way. From all of us at New Chapter Talent — a huge thanks to Pete Watson for bringing the recruitment community together, and to Lyndon and the Eat Up Australia team for the incredible work you do. We were honoured to be a part of it! Learn more about Eat Up Australia and how you can support at eatup.org.au .

We’re so excited to announce the launch of the inaugural New Chapter Talent Marketing Leader Awards (MLAs) – a celebration of standout marketers across Australia and New Zealand who are shaping the future of our industry and inspiring us all along the way. These awards are our way of recognising two very special groups of people: those who are just getting started and showing exceptional promise, and those who are already leading the charge with strategic brilliance, commercial impact, and unwavering support for their teams. We’ve got two award categories , some truly brilliant judges , and a prize pack that’s seriously worth shouting about . Let’s dive in. The Marketing Rising Star Award This category celebrates emerging marketers who are already making a big impact, despite being early in their careers. These rising stars are the ones to watch – full of ideas, drive, and a hunger to learn. Our judging criteria for this award include: Leadership and Innovation: Do they think differently, lead with purpose, and bring a fresh perspective? Collaboration and Integration: How do they work with others and motivate those around them? Passion and Goal-Driven: Are they constantly learning, pushing themselves, and chasing their goals? Impact and Results: What have they delivered so far – campaigns, projects, performance? Self-nominations are welcome – just include a testimonial from a senior colleague, manager, or mentor. 

What Brands Want in Marketers Right Now ~ Spotlight Fridays with Lucy Bolan

New Chapter Talent was proud to take the stage at Brandwatch’s Marketing Bootcamp Melbourne on 13 May – a full-day event dedicated to helping marketers cut through the noise, harness data-led insights, and sharpen their social media strategy. Held at Zinc at Fed Square, the event brought together marketers from across the industry for a high-energy day of learning, connection and conversation. From inspiring keynotes to practical panels, Brandwatch Bootcamp delivered a line-up of expert voices and valuable advice – all topped off with some fantastic networking and a well-earned happy hour. Among the highlights? A panel discussion titled “Future-proofing your marketing career: The skills you’ll need tomorrow” – co-hosted by our very own Lucy Bolan , Founder of New Chapter Talent, and Emma Graham , Founder of Emma Graham Consulting . For Lucy, this was a milestone moment: her first public speaking appearance. “Yes, the butterflies were in full swing,” she admits, “but I’m so proud I said a big fat YES to something that pushed me out of my comfort zone.” Alongside Emma, Lucy unpacked the core skills marketers need to stay ahead in a fast-changing digital world. Whether you're early in your career or a seasoned CMO, the insights shared offered something for everyone looking to future-proof their career. So, what were the key takeaways? Shift from passive to active. Don’t wait for opportunity – create it. Take charge of your career path and become your own advocate. Learn to work with AI. As economist Richard Baldwin famously said, “AI won’t take your job – it’s somebody using AI that will.” Understanding how to collaborate with AI tools is fast becoming a must-have skill. Build a personal brand. Whether it’s within your organisation or across the wider industry, visibility matters. Marketers who put themselves out there and showcase their value are better positioned for long-term growth. Nurture your network. It’s not just what you know – it’s who you know. Building and maintaining genuine professional connections can open unexpected doors. Know your value. Being able to clearly articulate your strengths and the impact you bring to an organisation is essential – especially in competitive job markets. The panel was a chance to walk the talk. “I talk a lot about the importance of saying yes, building a personal brand and being more visible,” Lucy said. “This was an opportunity to do all of that – and it was such a rewarding experience.” Special thanks to the Brandwatch team for hosting such a seamless and inspiring day, and to Martin Kelly and Benjamin McGinn for making it all happen. Other highlights from the day included: Michael Appleford (Tag WW) on Cutting Out the Noise and Delivering Killer Content A panel on Social Media in the NFP Sector featuring Olivia Gumienny , Jess Olorenshaw and Monica Marchesani Harrison Orchard (Cricket Australia) on the power and responsibility of Fandom in Marketing Beatrix Fisher (Havas) on Consumer-Led Marketing A forward-looking discussion on Retail Marketing in 2025 with experts from 7-Eleven and Bakers Delight Looking Ahead As the marketing landscape continues to evolve, one thing’s clear: future-proofing your marketing career is about staying curious, being courageous, and staying connected. Whether you're thinking about your next career move or just want to make sure you're keeping your skillset sharp, New Chapter Talent is here to help you navigate what’s next. Need support planning your next career step in marketing? Reach out to the team at New Chapter Talent – we’d love to chat. Contact Lucy Need help finding your next marketing role ? We’re here to connect top talent with the right opportunities. At New Chapter Talent, we understand the marketing landscape and can guide you towards the roles that best fit your skills and aspirations - get in touch with us today! Feel free to contact Lucy... ✉️ lucy@newchaptertalent.com.au 📞 +61 416 153 144 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝑵𝒆𝒘 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 Or connect with me ~ Lucy on LinkedIn ~ as I'll share all the insights on recruitment you could ask for! For more updates, career tips, and job opportunities , follow New Chapter Talent on LinkedIn

Why Your Marketing Org Chart Might Be Outdated in 2025 When was the last time you reviewed your marketing org chart and asked: “Is this structure built for performance – or are we just clinging to legacy job titles?” It’s a critical question every Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) should be asking in 2025. At New Chapter Talent , we support businesses across Australia and New Zealand with senior marketing recruitment and team structure planning. And one of the trends we consistently see is this: marketing teams designed for a world that no longer exists. The marketing landscape has shifted dramatically. So why are so many teams still operating with structures that made sense five years ago? Questions Smart CMOs Are Asking to Future-Proof Their Teams Forward-thinking marketing leaders are starting to reframe the conversation with sharper, performance-focused questions: Are we structured around the customer journey, or just job descriptions? Do we have the right balance of strategic thinkers and hands-on executors? Are we duplicating skills, or leaving gaps in capability? Where do we need real marketing impact – not just extra headcount? These questions are crucial if you want your team to stay relevant, agile, and effective. From Hierarchies to High-Impact Teams: The Shift We’re Seeing In today’s fast-paced marketing environment, agility and digital fluency are more valuable than rigid job titles or layered hierarchies. The best CMOs and Hiring Managers are shifting their mindset – and their team structures. Here’s what we’re seeing: Team structures designed around outcomes, not just org charts Hiring for skills and impact, not just job titles or seniority Small, agile teams that can pivot quickly and deliver results This might mean rethinking traditional roles and creating hybrid positions – especially in areas like digital marketing , data analytics , or content strategy . What Happens If You Don’t Redesign Your Team? If you’re still working with the same structure you had in 2020, here’s the risk: Bloated teams Slower delivery Marketers who are busy – but not making real impact Your team might look impressive on paper, but if it’s not structured for outcomes, it won’t deliver the performance you need to stay competitive. Ready to Rethink Your Marketing Team Structure? At New Chapter Talent , we help companies map out future-ready marketing teams and hire the talent that drives real growth. From CMOs to performance marketers , we know how to build teams that make a difference. 📩 Want support with redesigning your org chart or filling key marketing roles? Contact us today to start building a team fit for the future.

(That Aren't Just ChatGPT!)

(Yes, even when you’re not job hunting!)

Over the past few weeks, I’ve had dozens of conversations with marketers across Australia – from Digital Leads to Brand Directors – all quietly (or not so quietly!) exploring what’s next in their careers. Some are actively applying, while others are just keeping an eye on the market. But there's one trend that's impossible to ignore. A third of the people I’m speaking to are still earning BIG post-COVID boom salaries. Yes, we’re talking 20%+ increases – in one case, a digital marketer had their salary doubled to keep them from jumping ship. Clever retention strategy? Absolutely. Sustainable? Not so much in today’s market. So, what’s changed? Fast forward to 2025, and the economy has well and truly caught up with us. Businesses are feeling the pinch, and many marketers are holding onto their current roles for dear life – keen to protect their salary, even if the work or culture no longer lights them up. But here's the shift: Many are now facing the reality that securing their next role might come with a pay cut. And you know what? For a lot of people, that's actually okay. Because here’s what really matters... It’s not just about the $$$. Don’t get us wrong – a fair, competitive salary is always important. But time and time again, we hear that what truly matters is who people work with, how they work, and why the work matters. Culture, leadership, and growth opportunities are what keep people happy (and staying!). If you’re hiring in 2025, here’s what candidates are looking for beyond the pay packet: Flexible working – especially WFH. This can be a major sweetener when negotiating salary. If you can offer a couple of days from home or flexible hours, it often makes the pay cut easier to swallow. Perks with real purpose. No WFH? Then what else makes you stand out? Think generous parental leave, L&D budgets, clear progression pathways, or even just a strong sense of team culture and community. A workplace people want to be in. We always ask: Why do people love working for you? If you can’t answer that confidently, it might be time to rethink your EVP (employer value proposition). Final thoughts In a shifting market, salary expectations are starting to level out. But if you’re a business that can lead with purpose, flexibility, and culture – the best marketers will still want to work for you. And if you're a marketer navigating the current climate, know this: you're not alone. Whether you're adjusting your expectations or just weighing your options, we're always here to chat. Want help navigating your next marketing hire or career move? Reach out to the team at New Chapter Talent – we get marketing, and we get you. Contact Lucy At New Chapter Talent, we understand the marketing landscape and can guide you towards the roles that best fit your skills and aspirations or help you secure the talent you need to move your business forward - get in touch with us today! Feel free to contact Lucy... ✉️ lucy@newchaptertalent.com.au 📞 +61 416 153 144 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝑵𝒆𝒘 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 Or connect with me ~ Lucy on LinkedIn ~ as I'll share all the insights on recruitment you could ask for! For more updates, career tips, and job opportunities , follow New Chapter Talent on LinkedIn .

(And how to answer without waffling!)