Article
How to Build a Diverse Marketing Team That Drives Results
December 16, 2024
The Importance of Diversity in Marketing
In the ever-evolving world of marketing, diversity is not just a term to be used lightly—it’s a critical driver of innovation, creativity, and, ultimately, business success. In Australia’s multicultural society, where 49% of the population was either born overseas or has at least one parent born overseas (ABS, 2021), marketing teams that reflect this diversity can better understand and engage with varied audiences.
A McKinsey study found that companies in the top quartile for ethnic diversity on executive teams were 33% more likely to outperform their peers on profitability. Teams with greater gender diversity were 21% more likely to achieve above-average profitability, reflecting the value of inclusive leadership. And organisations that achieve gender balance in top executive marketing roles often experience enhanced decision-making and stronger organisational performance, which highlights the importance of equitable representation at all levels.
Further, including individuals with disabilities in the workforce not only drives innovation but also improves employee engagement and retention. A 2020 Accenture report highlighted that organisations leading in disability inclusion outperformed their peers by 28% in revenue.
Why Diversity Matters in Marketing
- Cultural Relevance: A diverse team brings varied perspectives, enabling brands to craft messages that resonate authentically across different demographics.
- Enhanced Creativity: Diverse experiences and viewpoints fuel innovative ideas and solutions.
- Broader Market Reach: Inclusive teams can identify opportunities and trends in untapped markets.
- Improved Brand Perception: Consumers are more likely to support brands that champion diversity and inclusion.
Steps to Recruit a Diverse Marketing Team
- Audit Your Current Team: Assess the existing diversity within your team. Identify gaps in representation across gender, ethnicity, age, socioeconomic background, and skills. Use this as a benchmark to set clear, measurable goals.
- Craft Inclusive Job Descriptions: Language matters. Avoid gender-coded or exclusionary language in job postings. Highlight your company’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity. For example, instead of saying “strong English language skills required,” consider “excellent communication skills” to avoid alienating non-native speakers.
- Expand Your Recruitment Channels: Tap into diverse talent pools by partnering with organisations that support underrepresented groups. In Australia, groups like Indigenous Business Australia and Women in Digital can connect you with talented professionals.
- Blind Recruitment Processes: Remove identifying information from resumes, such as names, ages, and photos, to minimise unconscious bias. Use AI-powered tools designed to ensure fair screening.
- Inclusive Interview Practices: Train hiring managers to recognise and mitigate biases during interviews. Develop structured interviews with standardised questions to evaluate candidates fairly.
- Foster an Inclusive Culture: Recruitment is just the beginning. Create a workplace culture where diverse employees feel valued and supported. Implement policies such as flexible work arrangements and employee resource groups.
- Continuous Learning and Development: Offer training on cultural competence and unconscious bias. Encourage team members to broaden their perspectives through workshops and collaboration.
Measuring Success
Once your diverse marketing team is in place, it’s essential to track outcomes to ensure continued progress. Key performance indicators (KPIs) might include:
- Improved audience engagement metrics.
- Increased market share in diverse demographics.
- Employee satisfaction and retention rates among diverse hires.
- Innovation benchmarks, such as the number of new campaigns or ideas generated.
Final Thoughts
Building a diverse marketing team is not a one-off initiative; it’s a continuous process of learning, adapting, and improving. As Australian companies strive to connect with an increasingly diverse audience, investing in diversity within their marketing teams will pay dividends in creativity, relevance, and business performance.
By championing diversity, your organisation not only gains a competitive edge but also contributes to a more inclusive and equitable industry—one campaign at a time.
Contact Lucy
Of course, if you need help building a more diverse marketing team, get in touch with Lucy Bolan. Lucy can partner with you to secure the right talent that will support your business growth strategies.
✉️ lucy@newchaptertalent.com.au
📞 +61 416 153 144
📧𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧
𝑵𝒆𝒘 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒕
𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫
Or connect with Lucy on LinkedIn—she's got all the insights on recruitment you could ask for! For more updates, career tips, and job opportunities, follow New Chapter Talent on LinkedIn.
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On Thursday 11 September , more than 90 marketers, founders, students, and industry leaders came together in Melbourne for The Future of Marketing panel event hosted by The Marketing Club AU/NZ . The evening explored what’s next for our industry across content, brand, AI, recruitment, education, strategy, and research , with insights from some of the brightest minds in marketing. We were proud to see Lucy Bolan, Director of New Chapter Talent , representing the recruitment and hiring perspective, joining an incredible line-up of speakers. Panel 1: Fresh Thinking in Marketing 🎙️ Ebony Tewierik – Senior Marketing Manager, KeepCup 🎙️ Ebony Coatsworth – Social Media Executive, Melbourne Social Co 🎙️ Sarah No – Director of Brand & Marketing, BlueRock 🎙️ Indianna Symons – Executive Podcast Producer, Lost in Sound Panel 2: The Future of Marketing Careers 🎙️ Lucy Bolan – Director, New Chapter Talent 🎙️ Catherine Toms – Founder, AI Growth Academy 🎙️ Daniel Rayne – Marketing Lecturer, RMIT University 🎙️ Casey Kudrenko – Strategic Client Partner, Ideally Together, both panels shared powerful perspectives on where marketing is heading and how individuals and teams can stay ahead of the curve. A Bubble Bath of Change When asked to describe the current state of the industry, Lucy summed it up in one memorable line: 👉 “A bubble bath of change!” That opening sentiment, along with those of the panellists, sparked a rich discussion about the pace of transformation and the opportunities it presents for marketers who are ready to adapt. Hiring Trends Under the Spotlight Lucy also highlighted the key shifts she’s seeing in marketing recruitment: AI & Upskilling – Employers want marketers who can embrace martech, improve efficiency, and use insights to drive personalisation. ROI Under Pressure – Marketers are under more scrutiny than ever to prove the commercial impact of their work. T-Shaped Marketers – Specialists with deep expertise and strong knowledge across the wider marketing mix (brand, SEO, content, performance, CRM) are highly sought after. Soft Skills Matter – Curiosity, bravery, and innovative thinking are becoming just as important as technical expertise. Key Takeaways from the Evening Across both panels, a number of consistent themes emerged—practical, actionable advice that every marketer can apply: AI is here to stay - embrace it Pair AI with a strong brand strategy to ensure consistency and authenticity Emotional intelligence matters - stay focused on the people you’re trying to connect with Networking is critical to the future of marketing Stay curious and keep learning Soft skills will set you apart in a competitive recruitment market Listen more - the best marketers pay attention before they act Don’t be afraid to ask for help or seek clarity by asking questions Strive to be a T-shaped marketer with both deep expertise and broad knowledge Adaptability is key - be ready to pivot with change Find a mentor to help you grow and navigate your career Insights & Connection From the rise of AI and automation to the enduring importance of creativity and human connection, both panels left attendees with practical strategies to help future-proof their careers. And beyond the insights, the networking was just as valuable. With more than 90 attendees, the room buzzed with conversation, ideas, and new connections between marketers, students, founders, and hiring managers. Thank You A huge thank you to The Marketing Club AU/NZ for curating such a forward-thinking event, to Lost in Sound for partnering and supporting with their expertise in podcasting and content, and to BlueRock for generously hosting us in their Melbourne space. Events like these show just how powerful it is when the marketing community comes together to share ideas, collaborate, and imagine the future. At New Chapter Talent , we’re committed to helping marketers thrive through change, whether that’s taking the next step in their career or building future-ready teams. Lucy’s contribution to The Future of Marketing was part of that mission, and we’re excited to keep these conversations going.
As the marketing job market begins to show signs of recovery in Australia and New Zealand, many professionals are brushing off their CVs and stepping back into the interview room after months—or even years—away. But here’s the challenge: knowing your experience inside-out doesn’t always mean you can clearly communicate it under pressure. At New Chapter Talent, we’ve noticed a recurring theme with marketers we support: the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result)—a framework many interviewers expect—is often misunderstood or underused. And when nerves or self-doubt creep in, it becomes even harder to tell your career story with confidence. Whether you’re a Marketing Manager, Digital Specialist, or Head of Brand, here’s how you can prepare and deliver STAR-powered interview answers that make you stand out. Why the STAR Technique Matters for Marketing Interviews The STAR technique helps structure your answers so hiring managers can quickly understand not just what you did , but how you did it and the measurable impact. Situation : Provide context—what was happening? Task : What were you responsible for? Action : What did you actually do? Result : What was the outcome, ideally with metrics? In marketing interviews, this framework is especially valuable. It allows you to highlight creativity, problem-solving, and business impact while avoiding rambling or getting stuck in unnecessary detail. 5 Practical Tips to Nail Your STAR Responses Here are some actionable steps we’ve been sharing with our marketing network: 1. Put Pen to Paper List your top three accomplishments from your last role. What was the mandate? How did you deliver it? What were the results? For example: “I was tasked with revitalising customer engagement. I led the rollout of a new CRM program, introducing segmentation and automation. As a result, email open rates increased by 25% and churn reduced by 12% within six months.” 2. Reflect on Challenges Think about three significant challenges you’ve faced in your career. How did you navigate them? Marketing roles often involve tight budgets, shifting consumer trends, or new tech adoption—these are great opportunities to showcase adaptability and resilience. 3. Show Stakeholder Influence Marketing isn’t just about campaigns—it’s about collaboration. Prepare an example where you influenced a senior stakeholder, brought a cross-functional team onside, or shifted a business mindset. This shows leadership and strategic influence beyond day-to-day delivery. 4. Practice Out Loud It might feel awkward at first, but practising your answers out loud will help you tighten your delivery. Aim to be clear, concise, and confident. Try recording yourself or running through answers with a recruiter, mentor, or trusted friend. 5. Ditch the Jargon Avoid buzzwords like “synergy,” “best-in-class,” or “cutting-edge.” Instead, talk about impact in real, relatable terms. Employers are far more impressed with results than with corporate clichés. Common Mistakes Marketers Make in Interviews Through countless interview coaching sessions, we’ve noticed a few pitfalls: Overloading on detail – STAR answers should be sharp and structured, not an essay. Focusing on tasks, not outcomes – Results are what count. Did you increase ROI? Drive engagement? Improve brand equity? Undervaluing soft skills – Influence, collaboration, and resilience are just as critical as campaign results. Not tailoring answers – Align your examples with the specific role and company. Final Thoughts Interviewing is a skill—and like any skill, it improves with preparation and practice. If it’s been a while since your last interview, don’t leave it to chance. Rehearse with a recruiter, mentor, or trusted colleague. Mock interviews can surface blind spots and help you sharpen your story. In a competitive marketing job market, mastering the STAR technique could be the difference between blending in and standing out. By reflecting on your achievements, practising delivery, and focusing on real impact, you’ll be ready to tell a compelling career story that resonates with employers. ✅ Looking for your next marketing role in Australia or New Zealand? At New Chapter Talent, we specialise in connecting top marketing talent with leading brands. Contact Lucy Ready to start your next chapter? Looking for a new role? Explore our current marketing jobs H iring top marketing talent? Get in touch ✉️ 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 . New Chapter Talent – Your specialist partner in: Marketing Jobs | Digital Marketing Jobs | eCommerce Jobs | CRM Jobs | CX Jobs | Product Jobs | Brand Jobs | Creative Jobs | Communications Jobs | Category Jobs | Executive Marketing Roles
In the world of marketing recruitment , it’s not uncommon to hear senior professionals say: “It’s been years since I’ve had to formally interview; my last few roles all came via a tap on the shoulder.” And while that may sound like the dream scenario – being directly approached, skipping the panel interviews, and sliding straight into a new role – it can also be a dangerous shortcut. At New Chapter Talent, we’ve seen firsthand how skipping a formal marketing interview can lead to misalignment, frustration, and even short-lived appointments. The Allure of the “Tap on the Shoulder” For many senior marketers, opportunities often come through networks, reputation, or past colleagues. That “tap on the shoulder” can feel flattering – a recognition of your experience and track record. But here’s the risk: without a structured process, both sides miss the chance to properly test alignment. Recently, I spoke to a senior marketer three months into a new role. Their story was all too familiar: A few coffees with the GM Some warm, unstructured conversations An offer on the table No formal interview. No panel. No testing of values or expectations. The result? They’re now miserable. The role wasn’t what was promised; they’re being micromanaged, and the cultural alignment simply isn’t there. Why Interviews Still Matter for Senior Marketing Roles Even if you’re highly experienced, interview readiness is crucial. Interviews aren’t just about impressing the employer – they’re also about protecting your own career. Here’s what a structured process gives you: A chance to ask tough questions – about leadership style, company culture, resources, and expectations. The opportunity to identify red flags early – before you resign from your current role or commit to something that isn’t the right fit. Alignment on scope and priorities – so you don’t step into a role that looks completely different once you start. A level playing field – ensuring you’re assessed fairly alongside other candidates, not just hand-picked without scrutiny. The Cost of Skipping the Process When senior marketers bypass the interview stage, it can lead to: Misaligned expectations between the employer and employee Higher turnover in marketing leadership roles Frustration on both sides Damage to reputation if things don’t work out Sometimes, the most flattering offer is the one you should treat with the most caution. How to Prepare for Senior Marketing Interviews If it’s been years since your last formal interview, don’t panic – but don’t go in unprepared either. Here are some quick steps to boost your interview readiness : Refresh your story – Be clear about your achievements, leadership style, and the value you bring. Do your research – Understand the company’s market position, growth strategy, and challenges. Prepare questions – Go beyond surface-level queries. Ask about team dynamics, decision-making processes, and measures of success. Practice – Even experienced marketers benefit from a mock interview to sharpen their delivery and boost their confidence. Final Thoughts The interview process is not just a box-ticking exercise – it’s a safeguard. It helps both companies and candidates make better, more informed decisions. So, while the “tap on the shoulder” can feel flattering, skipping interviews can cost you far more than a few hours of nerves. At New Chapter Talent, we work with senior marketing professionals across Australia and New Zealand to ensure the right match between talent and opportunity – not just a quick appointment. Because the right role should feel like a long-term partnership, not a short-term misstep. Contact Lucy Ready to start your next chapter? Looking for a new role? Explore our current marketing jobs H iring top marketing talent? Get in touch ✉️ 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 . New Chapter Talent – Your specialist partner in: Marketing Jobs | Digital Marketing Jobs | eCommerce Jobs | CRM Jobs | CX Jobs | Product Jobs | Brand Jobs | Creative Jobs | Communications Jobs | Category Jobs | Executive Marketing Roles
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