Jackie’s Chinese name is “Phoenix Rising”, and like a phoenix, she sparks inspiration in all those who meet her, helping clients and team members to shake off the ash and rise to their full potential. A force to be reckoned with in brand and communications, Jackie wields over 25 years’ experience and is an award-winning, values-based leader. Jackie uses strategic communications to deliver transformation at scale, in order to drive lasting social impact. She never stops short of fun-making whilst devising intelligent decks and campaigns that deliver successful results. 

With over 30 years of agency and corporate experience, Debra “Dynamo” Jason is an innovative brand and communications specialist with a buttoned-down approach that clients can depend upon. Her client service skills and branding expertise will see Debra deep in the details and ensuring all facets of the brief have been considered and explored thoughtfully. Deb’s superpower is her adaptability, comfortable across both design and client services. 

A dynamic and experienced marketing and communications specialist, Peter “Galvaniser” McDonald, masterfully delivers internal and external engagement campaigns. Channelling creativity in all his life pursuits, Peter has sashayed his way through senior comms positions across government, education and health, with crisis comms keeping him busy over the past few years due to a little old global pandemic. Never the wallflower, Peter has also had a stint as a radio host.  

Thaleigha “Queen Bee” Kolovos knows how to crunch the numbers to keep the Persuaders hive running smoothly. A qualified CPA, Thaleigha has 20 years of accounting experience and has spent the last five years working in media and communications. She works closely with directors to maximise financial and operational efficiencies and has a solid track record of building accounting functions and robust systems from the ground up. Beyond keeping the number bases covered, Thaleigha’s special skills include tap dancing and eating triple scoops of gelato.   

Always dependable, accountable and highly skilled at client services, Tam “Tickboxer” Tadevosyan has earnt her nickname by ticking every box from meeting tight deadlines to surpassing client expectations. She energetically brings over a decade of experience working across agency, corporate and charity sectors. Her expertise shines through in the impactful campaigns, events and marketing comms she delivers, forever with a smile on her dial. Beyond Persuaders HQ, Tamara is known for her A-grade skills with knitting needles. 

Lisa “Swordfish” Carlberg consistently proves to clients that the pen is mightier than the sword, delivering daring copy and always finding a convincing hook. An accomplished communications specialist, she has worked in communications industries for over 15 years, across TV production, private sector education marketing and local government communications in the UK and Australia. Outside of Persuaders HQ Lisa likes a spot of uke strumming and volunteering for teen mental health programs.

Loren “Diamond” Keir is an absolute gem at creating sparkly, strategic visuals that impress clients and audiences alike. Having worked as a visual arts teacher for 15 years, Loren’s thirst for knowledge led her to study a Diploma of Graphic Design at Billy Blue. Loren has found her new home at Persuaders as our meticulous graphic designer with a talent for delivering glittering results under pressure. Not afraid to get “down in the dirt”, Loren has played touch footy since high school and can also cook a mean Sri Lankan curry.