Style-ish Podcast Episode Summary
Title: How Maddison Sullivan-Thorpe and Rhiannon Joyce Landed Their Dream Roles
Host/Author: Shameless Media
Release Date: August 7, 2025
Introduction
In this inaugural episode of Style-ish, hosts Madison Sullivan-Thorpe and Rhiannon Joyce delve deep into their career journeys, exploring how they secured their dream roles in the competitive worlds of fashion, brand management, and media. Moving beyond the typical discussions of beauty and fashion, this episode centers on their personal experiences, the challenges they faced, and the pivotal decisions that shaped their professional lives.
Planning and Announcement
The episode begins with Madison and Rhiannon expressing their excitement about launching a dedicated episode series focused on brand marketing. They discuss the months of planning and the difficulty in keeping their new format a secret.
Madison Sullivan-Thorpe (00:58):
"It's really hard to keep a secret."
Rhiannon Joyce (01:19):
"So what's different? We'll be analyzing the world of brands with cult followings, creative campaigns that are capturing both global attention and ours, fashion and beauty industry trends and really exploring those career stories that we all know we're dying to hear more about."
Word of the Week: Embracing the "Heavy Wearer" Mindset
Rhiannon introduces the concept of being a "heavy wearer," inspired by Isabel Wilkinson Shaw of Adasu. This mindset encourages individuals to maximize their existing wardrobe rather than frequently purchasing new items, fostering sustainability and personal style.
Rhiannon Joyce (03:44):
"Now I want to encourage people to try and transition out of this heavy shopper mindset and into a heavy wearer mindset."
Madison Sullivan-Thorpe (04:10):
"Ray, shop your own wardrobe. I've still got work to do."
Early Career Paths
Madison's Journey: From Law to Beauty
Madison recounts her initial aspiration to become a lawyer, driven by her love for structure and the potential to instigate change within an industry. However, her career path took an unexpected turn when she secured a role as a legal coordinator at Mecca while still studying law.
Madison Sullivan-Thorpe (06:22):
"I loved the concept that things were written down and that's what existed for a reason and a purpose and you followed it."
She describes her first role as challenging yet invaluable, teaching her the less glamorous aspects of the legal field within a major beauty retailer.
Madison Sullivan-Thorpe (10:59):
"It was a really interesting role. We'll forever be grateful for that."
Rhiannon Joyce on Madison's Transition (14:04):
"It's a nice reminder for people out there that just because you're in one place doesn't mean you can't get to another."
Rhiannon's Path: From Multidisciplinary Interests to Media
Rhiannon shares her diverse interests growing up—from drama and sports to strong presentation skills—and how these shaped her approach to career selection. Her entry into the advertising and media industry was influenced by conversations with mentors and a keen interest in consumer behavior.
Rhiannon Joyce (07:49):
"I had a thought bubble of, okay, what industry is tailored to my skillset?"
First Roles and Lessons Learned
Madison at Mecca:
Madison’s role at Mecca involved ingredient compliance and working closely with the legal team. Despite initial challenges, she leveraged her deep understanding of the company and its consumers to transition into marketing.
Madison Sullivan-Thorpe (13:04):
"I was painfully persistent and unashamed about what I didn't know. I said to them, I am so hungry to learn."
Rhiannon at Poster Scope and JCDeco:
Rhiannon's first job was at Poster Scope, an out-of-home advertising agency, where she developed foundational skills in a traditional, hierarchical environment. Her subsequent role at JCDeco as a sales manager allowed her to appreciate the power of language in branding and storytelling.
Rhiannon Joyce (28:10):
"You don't have to have a sexy product to be able to sell it in a way that's meaningful."
Transitioning and Expanding Horizons
Madison’s Move to FMCG:
Seeking to push her boundaries, Madison transitioned from Mecca to Bega, a move she describes as stepping into an "unsexy" yet highly educational environment. This role deepened her understanding of marketing science, heritage branding, and consumer engagement.
Madison Sullivan-Thorpe (21:42):
"What I have learned is you don't need to be passionate about the product or industry. You have to be passionate about what you're doing."
Rhiannon’s Growth at JCDeco:
Rhiannon emphasizes the importance of seizing opportunities to expand one's skill set beyond the immediate job role. Her experience at JCDeco taught her the significance of language in marketing and the value of understanding various media channels.
Rhiannon Joyce (20:14):
"It's important that you step into a role that can just open a door or maybe just expose you to a part of the industry."
Current Roles and Achievements
Madison as a Freelancer:
In a bold move, Madison transitioned to freelancing, establishing her own consultancy, Dom Street. She highlights the challenges and rewards of working independently, emphasizing the importance of bespoke strategies for each client.
Madison Sullivan-Thorpe (37:22):
"You don't need to have all the answers, but it's the best advice I've probably ever been given."
Rhiannon’s Role at Shameless Media:
Rhiannon serves as the Head of Business Development at Shameless Media, where she oversees a growing team and strategizes long-term business initiatives. Her journey reflects her dedication to building meaningful relationships and fostering sustainable growth.
Rhiannon Joyce (42:08):
"I have to take this opportunity because if I don't, it's not going to come up again."
Key Lessons and Takeaways
-
Persistence and Passion: Both hosts emphasize the importance of being persistent and passionate about learning, even when transitioning between industries.
Madison Sullivan-Thorpe (13:04):
"I was painfully persistent and unashamed about what I didn't know." -
Leveraging Existing Knowledge: Utilizing in-depth knowledge of a company’s products and consumers can be a significant advantage in career advancement.
-
Broadening Skill Sets: Actively seeking opportunities to learn beyond one’s immediate role can open doors to new career paths.
Rhiannon Joyce (31:27):
"There is a scope for you to do that." -
Trusting Your Gut: Taking calculated risks based on intuition and long-term fulfillment can lead to rewarding career outcomes.
Rhiannon Joyce (42:22):
"I trust people who are switched on and know what they're doing." -
Building Relationships: Strong professional relationships and networking are crucial for discovering and securing new opportunities.
Recommended Resources
Rhiannon and Madison share valuable resources for listeners looking to enhance their marketing and branding knowledge:
- Aesthetic Intelligence by Pauline Brown
- Start with Why by Simon Sinek
- Mini MBA by Mark Ritson
Conclusion
In this first official episode of Style-ish, Madison Sullivan-Thorpe and Rhiannon Joyce provide an inspiring look into their professional journeys, offering actionable insights for listeners aspiring to navigate and succeed in the dynamic fields of fashion, brand management, and media. Their stories underscore the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and the courage to pursue one’s passion.
Rhiannon Joyce (48:39):
"I hope it's been really helpful and insightful to all those people out there who have reached out and asked us those questions."
Madison Sullivan-Thorpe (49:02):
"Thank you very much, Rhiannon and Joyce, well done on your first ever official episode."
Note: This summary omits advertisements, intros, outros, and unrelated content to focus solely on the core discussions and insights shared by Madison and Rhiannon.