At Off Madison, we’re bringing together some of the sharpest strategy minds to ask: What does it take to stay ahead, and how should strategists evolve for what’s next?

• Is curiosity + storytelling still the winning mix?
• Where do automation, product thinking, and new workflows fit?
• What skills will set the next generation of strategists apart?

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Network with other industry leaders and hear fresh perspectives from those who have evolved beyond the Madison Avenue playbook:

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Lara O’Shea
Independent Strategy Consultant

Former Chief Strategy Officer at Hudson Rouge (VMLY&R), Lara is a globally experienced strategist who has led transformation and growth for Fortune 500s, startups, and some of the world’s most iconic brands.

With over 20 years spanning brand strategy, business transformation, and marketing innovation, she has guided organizations through cultural and market shifts — from luxury and automotive to tech and consumer goods.

Described as a “Swiss army knife for strategy,” she helps brands and agencies think broader, move faster, and grow beyond the usual boundaries.

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James Hurman
Founding Partner, Previously Unavailable

James Hurman is a New Zealand-based entrepreneur, investor and advertising effectiveness expert. He’s the founding partner of Previously Unavailable, a creative company that partners with, creates and invests into high-growth startup companies.

James is one of the world’s better-known experts on marketing and advertising effectiveness. He grew up in the advertising industry as a strategic planner and during his career won over 50 advertising effectiveness awards and was named the world’s number one strategic planning director.

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Tomas Gonsorcik
Global Chief Strategy Officer, DDB

As Global Chief Strategy Officer at DDB, Tomas helps brands unlock growth through emotionally charged creativity and marketing transformation at scale. Under his leadership, DDB rose to the #2 position on the Global Effie Index, recognized worldwide for strategic excellence and effectiveness.

Tomas also champions the integration of AI and technology across strategy and creative, embedding future-fit processes that accelerate insight, empower teams, and scale effectiveness globally. With deep experience advising executive teams on brand stewardship, demand generation, and creative transformation, he is known for building strategie

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Faris Yakob
Co-founder, Genius Steals

Faris Yakob is an award-winning strategist, author and public speaker. He is the Co-Founder of Genius Steals, a nomadic consultancy he runs with his wife Rosie, helping brands, agencies and media companies unlock creativity through strategy, innovation and training. They’ve worked with clients like Coca-Cola, OMD, Ogilvy, IPG, Meta, and Thinkbox across more than 60 countries.

A former management consultant turned early Naked Communications employee, Faris has judged the Effies, Clios, One Show and LIAs. He writes a monthly column for WARC, and his newsletter, Strands of (Stolen) Genius, is a top read for curious creatives.

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Special Guests

We’ll also be joined by friends from startups in ANZ who are playing a role in helping strategists thrive.

Springboards, Mutinex, and Aether.

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Space is limited to keep the conversation close and high-value.

RSVP to reserve your place and we’ll be in touch to confirm.

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