Fern

Canning

An accomplished leader locally, globally and regionally with 20+ years experience leading large marketing communications firms and growing multinational brands.

"Mentorship is a privilege and a delicate balance of self-discovery through guidance. I aim to help people uncover their potential, reflect on their life experiences, find clarity, build confidence and navigate their unique path forward. "

Fern

Canning

Why do you want to be a mentor?

I have been fortunate to have had exceptional mentors throughout my career—people who helped me uncover my potential, see new possibilities, and navigate my path with clarity and confidence. These experiences, along with my training with The Marketing Academy and its Living Leader programme, have instilled in me a deep appreciation for the transformative power of mentorship. For me, mentorship is about standing alongside someone as a trusted guide and sounding board, creating a safe space for reflection and growth, free from judgement. The journey is not about me but entirely about the person I am mentoring—helping them find their direction, embrace their potential, and move forward with confidence. Mentoring allows me to give back, to empower others on their journey, and to inspire the kind of clarity and purpose that great mentors once inspired in me.
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I am an accomplished marketing and communications leader with over 20 years of experience leading large marketing communications firms, building, evolving, and protecting some of the world’s largest and most recognised brands. I have also led and trained large teams working as a marketing director and marketing consultant.  
Throughout my career, I’ve navigated complex stakeholder relationships, united cross-functional teams, and created collaborative environments where individuals feel heard, valued, inspired and able to perform at their best. I am passionate about the critical importance of the individuals within an organisation, inclusive leadership and in leaders truly role modelling behaviours which lead to more great leaders. In short, my passion is simply about being a decent human being and supporting other decent humans too.
In my early 20s, I co-founded and managed a hybrid in-house agency for Audi UK and since then, I have served as Managing Director and Regional Executive Vice President (APAC) for some of the world’s largest marketing communications firms, in addition to leading global marcomms strategy for PayPal. I have led transformational change programs, driven cultural shifts, implemented new technologies and processes, and navigated the complexities of global, cross-functional teams spanning geographies and time zones. Beyond my work, I am proud to have served as an advisor to the United Nations Development Programme; to be an active alumnus of The Marketing Academy; and to have served as Head of Jury for the APAC EFFIES.
 My passion for mentorship is grounded in my own experiences of having exceptional mentors who shaped my career and helped me navigate setbacks, overcome imposter syndrome, and find confidence in my abilities. As a trusted coach and mentor, I aim to pay it forward. I provide guidance and a safe space for people to reflect, gain clarity, and overcome challenges while building confidence and charting their unique path forward. I’ve delivered training and 1:1 coaching to senior leaders, helping them develop and leverage their personal brand to drive growth.  I now run my own consulting business, and in my spare time, I enjoy spin classes, sailing, taking my groodle for long walks, laughing and enjoying time with my incredible friends, and yoga. In addition to studying neuroscience and consumer behaviour, I am currently undertaking yoga & meditation teacher training and hope to one day use this to benefit others.

Countries Fern has worked in

APAC, Australia, Europe, USA / Canada

Industries Fern has worked in

Automotive & Transport, eCommerce & Electronics, Finance & Banking, Food & Beverage, Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals, Media & Advertising, Retail & Consumer Goods, Technology

Fern 's key roles and titles

CEO & Founder, Executive Advisor, Global Head of Strategy, Managing Director, Marketing Director, Vice President

Management Skills & Competencies

Adaptability & Resilience
Diversity & Social Responsibility
Leadership
Management & Strategy
Problem Solving & Decision Making
Project & Time Management

Companies Fern has worked with

  • Deloitte,
  • Edelman,
  • DDB,
  • Ketchum Omnicom
  • Consolidated
  • Audi
  • Telstra
  • United Nations Development Programme

Clients: PayPal, Microsoft, HP, P&G, Unilever, Kellogg, Diageo, Audi, VW, Tourism Australia, Kraft Heinz, Ferrero, Telstra, GSK, IKEA, Chobani, Huggies, KFC, McDonalds

Fern 's current city

Sydney, Australia

Fern 's book recommendation

Useful Belief by Chris Helder

We would love to hear from you - please reach out to find out more about Fern and schedule a FREE 30min obligation free consultation

Mark’s mobile: (61) 408 445 331

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