Podcast #018: Gemma Tognini

In the dynamic business and media world, few individuals shine as brightly as Gemma Tognini.

Gemma Tognini is the founder and executive director of GT Communications, which has offices in Sydney and Perth.

Gemma's day-to-day existence spans both the corporate and media worlds.

An award-winning business owner, winner of the Telstra Business Women's Awards, and business owner of the year, she is an opinion columnist with The Australian newspaper and the Western Australian and a regular management contributor with Sky News.

But this is just the start of the story.

Gemma was a senior journalist and chief of staff with the Seven Network for a decade.

In 2003, wanting her life to look different, she quit her job and started her business, GT Communications, armed with a mobile and a $500 computer in her spare room.

Nearly two decades later, she and her team have a national footprint of clients across a diverse and dynamic range of industries, from banks to privately owned breweries to listed entities, government, and nonprofit organisations. Gemma is one of the most sought-after strategic advisors in her field.

Gemma divides her time between running her company, which has a global footprint of clients that includes some of Australia's best-known corporate and retail brands, and her career as a forthright, honest, engaging, and fearless media commentator.

Gemma drives debates and influences outcomes, writing about issues as diverse as gender pay parity to the challenges working families face. And quite literally, everything in between.

Gemma Tognini is an influential social and political commentator, columnist, writer, broadcaster, and award-winning entrepreneur.

She is a battle-hardened corporate advisor, having steered clients through some of Australia's most high-profile media storms.

The unique road on which she has walked over a 30-year career makes her a highly relevant and engaging speaker for a range of audiences.

Gemma is also a seasoned emcee and has appeared on countless panels as both a moderator and presenter at very senior levels.

Gemma is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has served as a non-exec director of Surf Lifesaving Western Australia, the Salvation Army, and the Starlight Children's Foundation.

As we delve deeper into her story, we uncover the principles, values, and strategies underpinning her remarkable career and life.