As originally published by Mediaweek.
This week’s Meeting of the Minds sees Lanai Wiadrowski and Greg Lewin from oOh!media reveal their leadership heroes, current streaming binge, and career goals.
The Mediaweek series showcases diverse perspectives, thoughts and opinions by bringing together two different points of view from an industry rookie and an experienced expert.
Lanai Wiadrowski, NSW Sales Director – Agency, oOh!media
Favourite podcast/read – Years ago, a colleague I admired introduced me to ‘Legacy: What the All Blacks Can Teach Us About the Business of Life’ by James Kerr (yes, I referenced the All Blacks… look away, husband!). It’s a book I keep coming back to, one that continues to inspire and ground me, and one I often recommend to aspiring leaders.
Its values-driven approach to leadership and focus on high-performance principles are incredibly relevant, both professionally and personally. I’m also a huge fan of podcasts.
With two young kids and a fast-paced role, finding time to sit down with a book can be tough. Podcasts have become a brilliant way for me to make the most of my commute, quiet my busy mind, and learn in a format that’s both bite-sized and impactful.
Current streaming binge – Mobland on Paramount+. Tom Hardy, Pierce Brosnan, Helen Mirren and directed by Guy Ritchie… gritty, sharp, surprising. SO GOOD!
Misconception about your role – One common misconception about the sales director role is that it’s solely focused on revenue, pipeline, and closing deals. While those skills are fundamental, the role is much more strategic and people-centric. It’s not just about hitting targets, it’s about leading and developing teams, shaping culture, aligning cross-functional strategies, and driving customer retention and long-term growth. To succeed, you need to think like a GM, lead like a coach, and execute as a strong operator.
Best career advice – I’ve been lucky to work with many amazing leaders throughout my career, each of whom has helped shape the leader I am today.
One piece of advice I come back to often is that the most effective leaders balance two key qualities: warmth and strength. That really resonates with me because it aligns with who I am, my values, and the kind of impact I want to have on the people I lead.
My biggest takeaway? Don’t try to be someone you’re not. Lean into your strengths and your authentic voice, your intention and expectation will shine as a result.
Leadership hero – In my industry I admire Cathy O’Connor, who I’ve been fortunate to work for. She combines sharp commercial instincts with a genuine people-first approach, striking an impressive balance of warmth, strength, and authenticity that inspires her team.
Across the ditch, Jacinda Ardern is another leader I respect greatly. She’s proven that being decisive, effective, and a good human do not need to be mutually exclusive.
How do you stay motivated – I’ve always been a resilient self-starter, so motivation tends to come naturally for me. But on tougher days, I reconnect with my “why”, especially the example I want to set for my kids and the path I want to create for them to learn and thrive.
Beyond that, I stay motivated by focusing on the impact I want to have on the people I lead, the people in my community, and the business I’m part of.
Best training course/session – Years ago, at an oOh! conference, Ben Crowe was the keynote speaker, and his presentation truly stuck with me. It’s not every day you get to hear from an elite sports coach, so you can imagine how captivating it was.
Ben spoke powerfully about the importance of mindset in driving performance, the role of purpose, and the impact of aligning actions with intrinsic motivation and core values. He also emphasised focusing on what you can control. I still revisit the, many, notes I took during that session and regularly apply those insights to both my work and life.
I wish someone had told me – I wish I hadn’t taken myself so seriously early in my career. Always keep the bigger picture in mind and manage your ego. You don’t have to sprint toward the next role or chase growth nonstop.
Instead, focus on mastering your craft, find ways to stretch beyond your comfort zone, and be kind to yourself when you inevitably make mistakes (because you will). Most importantly, build a solid network of trusted people around you, they’ll be the ‘board’ you can lean on throughout your journey.
Something that’s surprised you about the industry – One cause I’m deeply passionate about is showing working parents, especially emerging talent, that you can be present and engaged at home while building a successful, dynamic, and fulfilling career in our industry.
Despite its reputation for innovation and creativity, our sector still struggles to provide consistent, practical support for those navigating the realities of parenthood alongside professional ambition. It’s surprising and unacceptable that these challenges continue.
If we want to retain great talent and build an inclusive future, we must create systems that support the whole person, not just the professional.
Early last year, I had the privilege of meeting Lauren Thornborough and Louise Wilson, founders of The Village, a vital initiative born from this very need.
I’m proud that oOh! has partnered with The Village to create a supportive space filled with connection, practical resources, and honest conversations, helping parents thrive both professionally and personally.
What is your hot take on the industry – The hot conversation is around AI. For me, it’s about the elevation opportunity AI presents. As AI continues to reshape media sales, it will free us to focus on what truly matters: building genuine relationships, understanding client needs deeply, and inspiring teams will be more important than ever.
Exceptional sales professionals will leverage emotional intelligence, authentic storytelling, and adaptability to create trust and influence decision-making. Human connection is the ultimate differentiatorr, it is the super power of our industry!
Favourite way to switch off from work – Sweat it out. I have a go-to interval run that really pushes me. It’s the perfect way to shake off a big day, tunes up, mind off and reset so I can be fully present and at my best at home.
Career goal for 2025 – This year, I’m focused on building deeper, more meaningful partnerships with our customers and nurturing the incredible talent within my team. I’m embracing the hustle of our industry and striving to lead elevated conversations that advance the Out of Home sector.
Ultimately, my goal for 2025 is to make a lasting positive impact, both on the people around me and the business I lead, all while having a lot of fun along the way!
Greg Lewin, Business Manager, oOh!media
Favourite podcast/read – I’m a big fan of the Fear & Greed podcast on my commute each morning. It’s a snackable 20-minute listen that covers the main headlines from the last 24 hours across the business world and financial markets. I feel one step ahead when starting my day and often find myself bringing it into daily conversations at work.
Current streaming binge – Currently rewatching Clarkson’s Farm ahead of the new season launch. Very entertaining and (mostly) wholesome content, following Jeremy Clarkson as he attempts to run a farm with zero experience.
Misconception about your role – That it’s a solo job. While I may be in a client-facing role, there are multiple teams working collaboratively behind the scenes to help us put our best foot forward for clients.
Best career advice – Put your hand up and say yes, even if you don’t feel ready – just like Jeremy Clarkson trying to be a farmer.
Leadership hero – Pat Cummins, Australian Cricket Captain. He had to step up as a leader during a challenging time for the team, and I really admire his leadership style and approach to life. He’s an effective communicator who empowers his team, stays calm under pressure, and leads from the front. Off the pitch, he’s just an all-round good guy.
How do you stay motivated – A sprinkle of routine and discipline during the work week, surrounding myself with positive people at work, and having a goal or holiday in the not-too-distant future to look forward to and let my hair down.
Best training course/session – The FISH! Philosophy, originating from a fish market in the USA. It’s focused on customer service and employee engagement. The four core principles of Choose Your Attitude, Make Their Day, Play, and Be There, are ones I try to apply in both my personal and professional life.
I wish someone had told me – It’s okay to fail, own it. Success is built off the back of it, and it’s often where the most valuable lessons are learned.
Something that’s surprised you about the industry – How constantly it changes. Channels evolve, new formats appear, and consumer behaviour shifts.What worked last year won’t necessarily work this year. It keeps you on your toes, and that’s what makes it exciting.
What is your hot take on the industry – As the industry continues to expand and evolve at a rapid pace, businesses and individuals will need to lean into AI. By automating the simple things, we can focus on the work that truly matters, enabling faster turnarounds and more meaningful deliverables for clients, agencies, and publishers alike.
Favourite way to switch off from work – Channelling my own Clarkson’s Farmby escaping the Sydney hustle and heading to a block of land my family owns three hours out of Sydney.
Career goal for 2025 – My goal this year is to seek mentorship from experienced industry leaders to support my professional growth through 2025 and beyond. To learn from different perspectives, challenge my thinking, and sharpen my leadership capabilities.
