With things moving faster than ever, it’s not enough to just follow – brands and talent need to be ahead of the curve. The challenge is knowing what’s actually going to land (and what’s not). There’s no crystal ball. But there is experience. When you really understand your space and show up in it properly, you’re far better placed to spot what’s coming next. And right now at TLS Experts, there’s no better example of that than Dr Joanna McMillan.
Across nearly three decades as a nutritional scientist, Jo has seen the growing evidence around the benefits of fibre – and recognised that this once overlooked nutrient would eventually have its moment. That moment has arrived. With #fibremaxxing now trending across social media, the timing couldn’t be better for her new book, The Fibre Factor, which hit shelves last week and firmly places Jo at the forefront of the fibre conversation.
And it’s not just in health. In sport, Tilly Kearns is another standout example. From the beginning of her water polo career, Tilly understood the value of showing up authentically online. Her openness and vulnerability have helped her build a genuine connection with her audience, and over time, one of the strongest social media followings in Australian sport. It’s no coincidence this has happened at a time when interest in female athletes is at an all time high.
Whether it’s health, sport or lifestyle, our experts and athletes combine deep knowledge with real instinct – allowing them to see what’s coming before it lands. So if you’re looking to position your brand ahead of the curve rather than in the middle of it, we’re here to help.
We hope you enjoy reading about the achievements and exciting work from our exceptional talent this month.
Til next month,
TLS EXPERTS
Tradie Bardie Somerville has never shied away from tackling stigmatised topics, and last month she took her advocacy work to a new level, in an alignment with Share the Dignity. As part of the organisation’s Building Bloody Change campaign, Bardie opened up about the reality of dealing with periods when you’re working on a building site. It’s an important topic that needs to be tackled to improve gender equality in the construction industry.
Bardie has also announced the renewal and an expansion of her partnership with PIP ANZ and Bisley Workwear, a testament to the success of the partnership to date. Expect more partnership announcements to come soon.
In podcast land, the second season of Dr Preeya Alexander’s podcast Happy to Health will hit your ears on 27 April, while Dr Ginni Mansberg is having a blast as part of the crew on Unleashed, a Mamamia podcast for Gen X women who need a good laugh. No topic is off limits – if you haven’t tuned in yet, you can listen here.
Last month we shared that women’s health advocate Shelly Horton had been nominated for the Local Heart Award category in the Heart of Women Awards. We’re thrilled to announce she won. Congratulations, Shelly!
TLS SPORT
Last month’s exhilarating AusGP had our hearts racing, and our motorsport talent right on pole position. Rally driver Molly Taylor featured in an IWD themed social content campaign for Quadlock, Aiva Anagnostiadis joined forces with Kit Kat and Myer, Kate Peck hosted a world-first make-up masterclass on the grid for Mecca and there were plenty of panels and events across Albert Park and beyond – you can check out more details in the TLS Speakers section below.
Paralympian and sports broadcaster Ellie Cole did a brilliant job helming Nine Network’s coverage of the Paralympics in Milano Cortina last month, and had us glued to our screens. Bringing behind-the-scenes athlete stories into Aussie homes, plus warm interviews that captured all the emotion of each event, Ellie brought heart and humour to this very special global competition. If you’re looking for more of Ellie (and let’s face it who is isn’t), you can catch her most Sunday mornings on the desk for Channel 9’s Wide World of Sports.
Meanwhile, namesake Olympic diver Ellie Cole has outdone herself with record-breaking performances in the US. Ellie, who is now based at Stanford University, dove and spun her way to a 50-point lead at the prestigious NCAA College Platform Diving. Not only did she secure a win, she broke a 13-year record with her sensational score. She also managed to catch up with ABC Weekend Breakfast’s Dani Intili on Saturday, sharing what’s been happening and why the future is so bright.
Also blitzing the field is Claudia Hollingsworth. The middle-distance runner has already notched up some impressive results this year, including an outstanding performance at Box Hill, becoming the fastest-ever Australian on Australian soil for the 1500m, finishing under the four-minute mark and claiming a World Lead, and just this weekend, beat out the favourite and current Indoor World Champion Georgia Hunter Bell, at home in Melbourne for the Maurie Plant Meet. You couldn’t ask for a better build up to the National Athletics Champs, which takes place in Sydney next week, and the Commonwealth Games in July. This is definitely shaping up to be a massive year for Claudia.
TLS SPEAKERS
A big round of applause for our speakers who delivered the goods for another highly impactful International Women’s Day:
- Dr Preeya Alexander MC’d a brilliant breakfast event at the Royal Women’s Hospital
- Racewalker Jemima Montag laced up her trainers for the IWD Running Connection event, and inspired Year 11 students in a talk at Mount Waverley Secondary College
- F1 Academy’s Aiva Anagnostiadis spoke at an event for PWC to celebrate their new partnership with F1
- Kate Peck glammed up for Mecca Max Beauty’s pit lane launch and explored the future of STEM in Australia at an F1 related event at Federation Square
- Rally driver Molly Taylor found herself speaking all over the country – for Optiver, Mentor List and Domino’s annual conference (aptly titled ‘Domino’s Rally’).
- Molly and Aiva were also front and centre for the In Her Corner event celebrating women in motorsport at the Grand Prix.
Of course, IWD wasn’t the only show in town this month. Other leading highlights for our speaking superstars include:
- Psychologist Dr Marny Lishman spoke at the Pregnancy to Parenthood Team event in Perth.
- Dr Joanna McMillan shared insights about GLP-1 and the implications for food brands in a panel discussion for Ausfine Foods
- Shelly Horton got up early to talk about the value of protein in perimenopause at a Kellogg’s breakfast
- Dr Preeya Alexander delivered keynotes for not one, but a whole series of CooperVision events sharing the importance of patient communication
- Ellie Cole was proud to be part of a panel for Channel Nine’s Pride event
- Habit change scientist Dr Gina Cleo delivered a keynote for Allens Lawyers to support them in building good habits; and
- Author Casey Beros and racewalker Jemima Montag were their most motivating selves at the Inspire Speakers Showcase.
SUITE READS
Jo’s book The Fibre Factor is already going great guns after its release last week. Jo celebrated its launch with an appearance on the Today Show, extracts in the SMH and The Australian, and a variety of radio-show appearances to help people truly understand the importance of fibre. She also celebrated the launch with a beautiful sit-down lunch hosted by none other than star MC Shelly Horton. The Fibre Factor is available in physical book, ebook and audiobook formats, and you can get your copy here.
Also new on book shelves is vet Dr Claire Stevens’ children’s book Gross Things Animals Eat. We can’t wait to watch this fascinating book, which is bursting with fun facts, fly off shelves! Claire has just released additional resources to help kids get the most out of the book, so if you’re an educator or parent, access these free teaching resources here.
Psychologist Dr Marny Lishman’s highly anticipated book Only You lands this month – a timely take on building a full meaningful life on your own terms. Challenging the idea that happiness hinges on long term relationships, Marny unpacks what it really looks like to feel content, grounded and fulfilled while flying solo. Preorder your copy here.
HEALTH CALENDAR
Looking for talent to anchor your campaigns or events in April? Chat to us about bookings for these dates:
- World Health Day – 7 April
- Youth Week – 16-25 April
- World Immunisation Week – 24-30 April
May is already promising to be a big month for our talent. Reach out if you’d like to collaborate on one of these calendar highlights:
Heart Week – 4-10 May
Heart health continues to be one of the biggest killers of Australians. Cardiothoracic surgeon Dr Nikki Stamp and GPs Dr Michela Sorensen, Dr Ginni Mansberg and Dr Preeya Alexander are passionate about helping lower those stats.
National Palliative Care Week – 10-16 May
Casey Beros is dedicated to supporting carers across Australia through her community ‘Next of Kin’ and her book (of the same title). Casey is no stranger to the emotional and practical demands of being a carer, which she experienced first-hand when her father was sadly diagnosed with mesothelioma, and she draws on those experiences to educate others.
World Family Doctor Day – 19 May
Here at TLS Talent we know that a strong relationship with a family doctor can help you prevent and respond to health challenges better. Our dedicated GPs Dr Ginni Mansberg, Dr Preeya Alexander and Dr Michela Sorensen are here to fly the flag.
Food Allergy Week – 24-30 May
Expert dietitians Dr Joanna McMillan, Jaime Rose Chambers and Dr Gina Cleo, as well as GPs Dr Preeya Alexander, Dr Ginni Mansberg and Dr Michela Sorensen can explain how to know if you’re affected and how to manage it.