Zach Kitschke

Looking forward to presenting this webinar to upskill the industry on the importance of contracts and some key issues to consider. #influencermarketing #influencers #aimco

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Happy New Year! For those operating on the Australian Financial Year (FY), this is the first week of FY25. Much like the turning of the calendar year, a new FY is met with lots of anticipation and optimism. Many Marketing teams are being asked to do 'more with less' ... so there is no better time to re-read this ripper article by Mark Ritson. > Consumers don’t get tired of ads, only marketers do < There are several actionable takeaways for marketers toward the end of the article, but this one is my favourite: > Save this year's creative budget to spend on media A great tip at a time when budgets are being trimmed while expectations are not. Happy New Year, and may FY25 bring you all much success! https://lnkd.in/gG6pn2xt

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Headline: When Aussie Telcos Missed the Memo on Mobile Tech (and It Cost Them Trillions) 💰🤣 Throwback to 2007, the year the iPhone dropped and my mates and I pulled off a cheeky IP heist that made Scrooge McDuck jealous. We swooped in during the US/Euro recession and nabbed some sweet 3G/4G patents from Sagem. 🤑 Suddenly, we were raking in 1/6th of 18% of every handset $$ sold globally – talk about passive income! 😉 But here's the kicker: we slyly licensed our goodies to Apple, Microsoft, and Google, giving them a taste of the big leagues. Cue the global court battles and us sipping champagne with the biggest names in tech. Cheers! 🥂 Fast forward to 2009, and I'm dishing out advice to a Aussie telco boardroom on their Apple contract. Turns out, they'd handed over the keys to the kingdom without even realizing it! 🤦‍♂️ Lesson learned: C-suite smarts don't always equal street smarts. The proof is in the pudding: while Apple, Microsoft, and Google skyrocketed to a combined market cap of $7.4 TRILLION, our Aussie telcos, Singtel and Telstra, barely budged from their $70.4 billion valuation in '07, in fact down to $66.2 Billion. 🙈 Yikes! Looks like we're not exactly breeding rocket scientists in the Aussie telco world. 🤔 And now, AI's on the horizon,promising cost savings and efficiency. But without that intuitive spark, I fear history's about to repeat itself. Memo to Aussie telcos: hire the smartest minds, embrace innovation, and stop leaving trillions on the table! #TelcoTales #InnovationOverDelegation #AIRevolution #AussieHustle

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Congratulations Audrey Lobo-Pulo and the team for your successful participation at the Tech Council of Australia's Parliamentary Showcase this week! The "Meeting the AI Skills Boom" report developed by the Council in partnership with Microsoft, LinkedIn and Workday, was released and identified that the opportunity and challenges that lie ahead for Australia. 🔔 AI has the potential to create up to 200,000 jobs in Australia by 2030 and grow the economy by up to $115 billion annually - but this will need entry-level training, up-skilling of existing workers and mid-career retraining. 💡Australians are rapidly adopting AI with over 84% of knowledge workers already using AI at work. 💻 Roles in sales, marketing, finance, and human resources are required to scale AI systems. So as a marketer myself, how I upskill myself and my team to embrace the opportunities ahead is critical. To learn more, check out the report at: https://lnkd.in/gAyD6t8v

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AI is the Fourth Industrial revolution. Businesses need to harness it. Here's a how to book by Jo Cribb and David Glover straight out of Aotearoa in The Post ... https://lnkd.in/g5iFytAQ

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NDIS POWER DYNAMICS NDIA: The Treasury Titans Control Over Funds: NDIA’s control over the distribution of #NDIS funds is like putting a fox in charge of the henhouse. Influence participant outcomes & scheme's sustainability, all while looking out for the bottom line. Do you trust them to prioritize anything other than saving a buck? NDIS Commission: Rulebook Tyrants Regulatory Authority: #Commission has power to make or break service providers. They say, "Jump," & providers ask, "How high?" But are they the watchdogs we need or just another layer of bureaucracy pretending to care? DSS: Policy Puppeteers Policy & Funding Control: DSS holds the puppet strings of policy & funding, shaping NDIS's direction. High-level decisions from people who might never have seen a participant up close – what could go wrong? Conflicts NDIA: Bean Counters vs. Human #Needs Financial vs. Participant Needs: Imagine an agency more obsessed with keeping the ledger balanced than keeping people alive. Will they cut corners to save a dime, even if it costs participants dearly? NDIS Commission: Judge, Jury & Executioner Provider Interests vs. Participant Protection: The Commission's job is to protect participants, but what happens when they're too chummy with providers? Bias in investigations could turn justice into a joke. DSS: Budget Hawks vs. Social Advocates Budget Constraints vs. Service Provision: DSS dances on a tightrope between budget constraints & need to provide services. When politics get involved, who do you think gets the short end of the stick? Ambiguities NDIA: Decision-Making in a Black Box Transparency: Trying to understand NDIA’s decision-making process is like deciphering hieroglyphics. Participants are left in the dark, questioning if there's any rhyme or reason behind their funding & plan decisions. NDIS Commission: Rule Roulette Consistency: The Commission's enforcement of rules can feel like a game of roulette. Will they be lenient or strict today? Even they might not know until the wheel stops spinning. DSS: Policy Ping-Pong Federal & state policies often clash like rival siblings. This coordination, or lack thereof, leads to policy gaps that participants fall through, leaving them wondering if anyone up top actually knows what's going on. Hidden Agendas NDIA: The Surveillance State Centralization & Surveillance: NDIA's push for central control & data collection, privacy concerns rise. Are they genuinely interested in participant welfare or just playing Big Brother with a benevolent mask? NDIS Commission: Provider Pawns Influence of Providers: When the Commission starts bending to the will of powerful providers, trust flies out the window. Are they there to regulate or just to make it look good on paper? DSS: The Political Puppet Show Political Influence: DSS's decisions often reflect political strategies rather than participant needs. Is it about improving disability services, or just scoring political points and votes?

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When it comes to board tenure, the intersection of accountability and identity can create a complex dynamic for directors. A recent paper by Natalie Elms from QUT's Faculty of Business & Law delves into this intriguing topic. The study, based on interviews with Australian directors, reveals that Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) highly cherish their director identity and the associated recognition that comes with it. The research uncovers a fascinating paradox where some directors are hesitant to leave a board, as it would mean relinquishing their vital director identity. This dilemma can lead directors to overlook term limit guidelines if preserving their director status outweighs conforming to the expectations of the role. Moreover, the paper highlights instances of unspoken agreements among certain directors to back each other's prolonged board presence. This practice may involve manipulating skills matrix tables in Annual Reports or maintaining an 'independent' status even after 25 years on the board. Such actions pose significant challenges for board rejuvenation and hinder the acquisition of diverse skills necessary for a technology-driven future. Explore more on how director identity influences board tenure in the thought-provoking study here: https://lnkd.in/gT8RYQ8f

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Let's delve into the details to expose the misinformation regarding NDIS's sustainability & highlight the #agenda behind the excessive administrative costs. NDIS Budget & Projections 2022-23 ACTUALS: Participants: 534,655 Funding: $36.9 billion 2023-24 Budget Forecast: Projected Funding: $42.1 billion 2024-25 Budget Forecast: Projected Funding: $47.0 billion​ (Team DSC)​. -------------------------------------------- Analysis & Comparison INITIAL Projections & Performance: 2011 Productivity Commission PROJECTIONS for 2018-19 Participants by : 411,000 Funding by 2018-19: $22 billion ACTUALS in 2018-19: Participants: 286,015 Funding: $14.5 billion committed, $10.0 billion paid out ------------------------------------------- CATCH-UP GROWTH (2019-2022): Participants: Rapid increase from 286,015 in 2018-19 to 534,655 in 2022-23, indicating significant growth TO CATCH UP WITH INITIAL PROJECTIONS. Funding: The funding has increased to support this growth, with $36.9 billion in 2022-23 and projected to rise to $47.0 billion by 2024-25. ------------------------------------------- Exposing Misinformation & Disinformation: Claims about NDIS being unsustainable are not supported by the data. The scheme's funding & participant growth are aligned with projections when accounting for the necessary catch-up growth. NDIS is #financially sustainable, with funding & participant numbers growing as needed to meet initial projections. Claims of unsustainability are part of an agenda to justify excessive administrative costs & do not reflect the true state of the scheme. ---------------------------------------- Exposing the True Agenda Control and Surveillance The government’s claims of unsustainability are being used to justify a shift towards more control and surveillance over participants. This approach conflicts with the foundational principles of #NDIS, which are based on human rights and #empowerment of individuals with disabilities. The increase in NDIA staffing levels from 4,976 in 2022-23 to an estimated 5,698 in 2023-24 highlights the growing #bureaucratic apparatus aimed at controlling costs rather than providing support. The Hypocrisy of #Sustainability Measures The new "sustainability measures," including the 8% growth cap and the NDIS Bill 2024, are unnecessary and counterproductive. These measures are not about sustainability but about cutting costs at the expense of participants. The recent spike in participant numbers and expenditures is a result of necessary catch-up growth, not a sign of inherent unsustainability. NDIS has proven sustainable when not burdened by excessive administrative & legal costs. The real issue lies in the government's misallocation of resources & manipulative tactics to control costs. https://lnkd.in/gpHgP4RY Marie J. Samantha Connor Graham Taylor Mark Sweeney Mark Toomey Jarrod Sandell-Hay Peter Gregory Arahni Sont Brendon Grail Helen Bonynge Jane Scott ♿ Richard Hoskins,

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Some great marketers with some great thoughts on staying relevant in a changing industry thanks Paul McIntyre for supporting marketers staying relevant and growing their brands and careers Andrew Thornton Simon Cheng Chelsea Wymer CPM Anthony Voyage Australian Marketing Institute #marketingcareers #marketing

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Are you embracing the AI Revolution? Over the last few years, I've witnessed first-hand the seismic shifts in our industry. The rapid adoption of AI technology is no longer a distant future; it’s our present reality. According to the State of AI in PR 2024 report by MuckRack, 64% of PR professionals are now leveraging generative AI tools. This statistic alone underscores the urgency for deeper insights into how AI influences brand perception and engagement. Enter GAIO.tech, Hotwire's pioneering AI tool designed to revolutionise how brands are perceived by AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Perplexity. This isn't just another tech gadget; it's a game-changer for our industry. How so? 1. AI-Powered Brand Insights: GAIO.tech uses advanced technology to offer invaluable insights into how brands are perceived by AI chatbots. In a world where AI-driven conversations are becoming the norm, understanding this perception is crucial. Traditional SEO focuses on keywords and backlinks, but GAIO.tech takes it a step further by optimising for generative AI, providing a clearer picture of brand visibility in AI chatbot responses. 2. Enhancing Brand Visibility and Strategy: We know that staying ahead of the competition is key. GAIO.tech enables you to see how brand and product mentions are prioritised in AI chatbot responses. It identifies the most frequently cited products, sources, and influencers, offering a strategic edge in crafting informed PR and marketing strategies. This tool helps brands not just to be seen, but to be prioritised in the digital conversations that matter most. 3. Addressing the Rapid Adoption of AI: The significant increase in the use of generative AI tools among PR professionals highlights a pressing need for tools like GAIO.tech. As AI continues to reshape our industry, understanding its impact on engaging target audiences and stakeholders becomes paramount. GAIO.tech equips PR professionals with the insights needed to navigate this new landscape effectively. In a nutshell, GAIO.tech is not just about keeping up with technological advancements; it’s about harnessing them to build stronger reputations and relationships that boost customer retention and revenues. This tool is a testament to how Hotwire is leading the charge in responsible AI innovation, providing our clients with the competitive edge needed in today’s fast-paced digital world. So, as we embrace this AI-driven future, tools like GAIO.tech will become indispensable in the PR and marketing toolkit. They provide the critical insights needed to craft strategies that influence AI chatbot answers, enhance message delivery, and improve overall brand perception. GAIO.tech is just the beginning, and it's available today to all Hotwire Australia clients! Book a demo today  https://lnkd.in/g7wtwSPi #PRInnovation #BrandStorytelling #Hotwire #GAIOtech #MarketingInsights

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Start small, think big and build, build, build, is one lesson of GO Media. Personal charisma reflected in what you do is another - here's the story of Go Media, Andrea Rongonui, Mike Gray and all those they've helped, and those who have helped them. https://lnkd.in/gakp9Ujs

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When a language is lost, a piece of culture fades away. Our partnership with Straker and Stuff is to help to ensure te reo Māori is not one of them. The first step? An AI-powered translation tool leveraging Straker's translation capabilities with our AI—allowing Stuff to rapidly publish full news articles in te reo Māori at scale. But there is always a human in the loop, with each translation being reviewed by a professional Straker translator. By harnessing technology, we can give Kiwis greater access to and engage deeper with te reo every day. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gRpcFkq2 #MicrosoftNZ #AI

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Just one reason why Australian privacy reform is moving away from a purely consent-based framework…. Marketers, brace yourselves! These changes will fundamentally shift how we think about, collect, handle, use, hold and provide notice about data. As the drivers of growth within your business, the responsibility for managing data correctly sits heavily on your shoulders. It is also intrinsically connected to the trust your consumer has with your business’ digital marketing practices. Ensure your business and teams are prepared for the changes ahead. Contact ADMA to see how the team can help…or reach out to me for a conversation about the road ahead. BTW….I’m fine 😉

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Unleash the power of AI in ways you never imagined! From Siri to maps on your phone, AI is everywhere. But did you know it could revolutionize office moves and redesigns too? Find out how in our latest article: https://ow.ly/E8Ko50RmLsU #AIOfficeMoves #AIOfficeRedesign

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If you are a Board Director, this is a must-read to understand how to lead your organization in AI. One of the most thoughtful interviews I've had that has turned into a great article.

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Most of the value created by startups that grow to be successful is captured by founders and shareholders. If community building events (like those organised by KiwiSaaS) are important inputs to that eventual success then those founders and shareholders should surely be willing to pay for them directly, rather than expecting everybody else to cover that cost. I strongly advise all the founders I work with to spend *less* time at “ecosystem” events and *more* time focused on making their own ventures one that counts. That is by far the biggest contribution that any individual can make to actually growing an ecosystem. It requires founders to engage in the sector where their customers are, rather than the “ecosystem” where other founders are, and many are reluctant to do that because those are much harder conversations. It’s easy for those who love the vibe of the so called “innovation sector” to dismiss me as a hater, as they have done in the past when I’ve made comments like these. But these are the hard truths.

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So far this year, according to the Ad Standards Case Reports, 6 advertisers have been the subject of complaints about breaches of the AANA - Australian Association of National Advertisers Code of Ethics when it comes to distinguishable advertising, with one complaint involving 8 different posts. With 3 of those complaints upheld, 2 remain listed as not modified or discontinued on the Ad Standards website. Last month, the ACCC released its 2024–25 Compliance and Enforcement Policy and Priorities, noting that consumer and fair-trading issues in the digital economy, particularly misleading or deceptive advertising within influencer marketing, online reviews, in-app purchases, and price comparison websites, remain a top priority for the regulator. The ACCC also noted in their findings of their internet sweep of testimonials and endorsements by influencers, released in December 2023, that the ACCC will monitor adverse findings made by Ad Standards to assess whether they involve ACL concerns, and take enforcement action where appropriate. With 17 case reports listed on the Ad Standards website with "Upheld - Not Modified or Discontinued" as their determination in relation to the distinguishable advertising obligations under the AANA Code of Ethics, watch this space to see what action, if any, the ACCC takes in the coming period in relation to these ads, determined by the Ad Standards Community Panel to be non-compliant with the relevant self-regulatory code in Australia. The products advertised in these ads span clothing, food and beverage, health products, retail and information technology. Whilst the ACCC of course cannot pursue all matters that come to their attention, and some advertising of certain products may fall into the jurisdiction of other regulators, the ACCC does have a range of compliance and enforcement tools at their disposal to encourage compliance with the law, and focus on circumstances likely to impact consumers experiencing vulnerability, harm the competitive process or result in widespread consumer or small business detriment. What do you think? Putting aside the fact that proper ad disclosure builds confidence and trust in influencer marketing, and is therefore important for the industry, in your view, is hidden advertising in influencer posts advertising the abovementioned types of products likely to impact consumers experiencing vulnerability, harm the competitive process or result in widespread consumer or small business detriment, and therefore worthy of an allocation of regulatory resources to stamp out? #influencermarketing #accc #adstandards #aana #influencers #digitalmarketing #policy #priorities #opinion

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Further to this post, I expect that we will see the ACCC take action in relation to influencer posts in the coming period. Here's why:   1) We still see influencers failing to comply with Ad Standards Community Panel findings despite the potential for damage to a brand’s, agency’s or influencer’s reputation following negative publicity about these adverse findings. 2) Non-compliance with self-regulatory codes doesn't attract any financial penalty to significantly deter non-compliance, and therefore whilst most brands will take steps to ensure compliance, others will continue to fail to do so.  3) Influencer content can often reach a large audience, and significant sales can flow to the brand (and their agency) from increased publicity from influencer campaigns. 4) It's often evidenced in follower comments on influencer posts and in the conversion rates using influencer codes that followers are influenced to make purchasing decisions based on content uploaded by influencers they admire and trust. 5) The ACCC had concerns about posts uploaded by 81% of the influencers they monitored.  Risk is increased in my view where influencers have not been appropriately briefed about the products or services they are advertising, where no formal influencer agreement exists, and where influencer content is not vetted by the brand or their agency for false or misleading statements about the products or services and to ensure that appropriate ad disclosure is evident. What do you think? Do you agree? Let me know your thoughts in the comments. #influencermarketing #influencers #adstandards #aana #accc #adlaw

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How can making BOLD career moves (before you feel ready) propel your professional growth? This week's episode of the Career Confidence podcast is not to be missed! I sat down with Lauren Lance, the GM for Enterprise Delivery at Suncorp, and WOW, what an inspiring conversation this was. If you want to learn what it takes to overcome self-doubt, become a great leader, and step up when you feel 50% ready, this episode is not to be missed! I look forward to hearing your key takeaways. #career #leadership

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