“We started fires in every state” – Anderson

The panel ‘Corporate Game of Thrones’ has just ended at the National Radio Conference. 

The session was moderated by Mediaweeks James Manning, and featured Michael Anderson, Mediaworks NZ CEO, and former Austereo CEO, Janine Allis, Founder of Boost Juice, and Anthony Everard of the Big Bash League.

James asked the panel how tough does the business world get?

Michael commented: “I have seen lives damaged and careers destroyed within organisations, you don’t need to play the game, (but) you need to know the rules of the game”

Janine said that the key to ‘winning’ was to identify the right people:

“Our goal was create to a brand that was well known and loved in the market. People want to be part of the winning team, and the only way you can win in business is by having the right people (but) if you want to make friends, don’t get into business”

Anthony Everard has overseen the rise and rise of the Big Bash League, and he spoke about the successful launch and evolution:

“Our objective was to diversify the audience and moving to Channel Ten was the best way to achieve that.we achieved that. 

When asked about recruitment and the rise of the HR role Janine commented:

“Sometimes you can’t see the X factor in people on a piece of paper. Give people a crack”

Michael Anderson was at Austereo for 20 years. How did the end come?

“There’s always a temptation to stay on once you get the top job (particularly when) that was an ambition”

Michael opened up on his biggest mistake when he was CEO of Austereo: “We got rid of five breakfast shows in 12 or 14 months and I learnt a great lesson. We started fires in every state. I moved so quickly it was ridiculous. Too quickly.”