Meet the Maestro - Jamie

Annabel Acton
November 17, 2025
•
4 min

MEET THE MAESTRO: Fractional Expert Brisbane

Jamie - Brand, Sport & Media Strategist

At Maestro, we know there’s more to life than work. In fact, it’s the experiences, relationships and pursuits we have outside of work that can often give us an edge in what we do each day. We are kicking off an interview series called “Meet the Maestro” where we interview our Maestros and get an insight to who they really are and what makes them tick - beyond the CV.

This week, we’re thrilled to introduce Jamie, a marketing and creative strategist who transforms big ideas into measurable results. Over 25 years at the intersection of sport, media, and brand strategy, Jamie has helped some of Australia’s most recognisable organisations differentiate themselves, engage audiences and drive commercial outcomes. He does this by combining strategic clarity with creative thinking, designing sponsorships, commercial partnerships and innovative activations that solve real marketing challenges. 

From bringing brands like CommBank, Optus and Woolworths to life through partnerships and branded content, to developing a TV show for Rexona that explored “Australia’s Greatest Athlete,” Jamie has a proven track record of turning ambition into tangible results. His work with Nine alone generated over $140 million in Olympic and Paralympic broadcast sponsorship revenue, while his strategies for Swimming Australia and the Australian Olympic Committee have unlocked significant commercial growth. Jamie’s superpower is his ability to cut through complexity, translating high-level strategy into clear, actionable initiatives that deliver impact for both brands and audiences alike.

1. Tell us about a career highlight to date

From playing cricket on the MCG to helping create the TV series Australia’s Greatest Athlete, to writing the AOC’s grassroots community strategy from Paris to Brisbane 2032, I’ve been lucky enough to get paid to do what I love and deliver positive outcomes for people and communities.

I’ve helped brands and rights holders achieve their goals while using sport to fund participation, promote equality, teach resilience, and bring people together.

2. Talk us through an unusual career choice you’ve made along the way

Starting out in advertising and marketing. I have a Master’s in Social Anthropology and Development and originally planned to work for the United Nations. Somehow, I ended up in advertising instead. In hindsight, both paths are about understanding people and cultures and helping them connect.

3. When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A product or graphic designer or to work for the Chicago Bears. Turns out I kind of did both with a career that blends creativity and sport.

4. What are your passions outside of work and how do you make time for them?

My family, the ocean, sport, and community. I love being out on the water with my boys. I also run a networking event for local founders and directors to foster connection and growth on the Gold Coast. And I’m a lifelong sports tragic who loves supporting my local teams.

5. If you could instantly master any skill or hobby, what would it be and why?

Surfing or golf. I came to both far too late and have been playing catch-up ever since.

6. What’s a personal value or belief that guides the way you live your life?

Integrity. I’ve worked in big organisations that lacked it, and I’ve seen the corrosive effect that has on people and culture. I’ll never make the mistake of working for an organisation that doesn’t live its values. You can’t have business success at the cost of the humans in the organisation. 

7. What’s a challenge you’ve overcome outside of work that shaped you?

I’ve lived in many countries and cities including Sydney twice, Melbourne, and now the Gold Coast. Each move meant leaving networks and comfort behind. It taught me resilience and reminded me that growth is often uncomfortable before it becomes rewarding.

8. What do you think your job will look like in 10 years’ time?

Strategy will be increasingly powered by data and AI, but human insight and nuance will remain the differentiator. The strategist of the future will be part technologist and part anthropologist someone who can blend intelligence and stats with empathy and humanity. 

9. If you could travel anywhere in the world tomorrow, where would you go and what would you do?

Nepal. It’s my favourite country in the world. The people are beautiful inside and out, and the environment is both awe-inspiring and humbling.

10. What does success look like to you?

Freedom to do work that matters, with people you respect, in a place you love. Success is showing my kids that work can make a real impact, not just a living and that you can have a lot of fun along the way.

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