About Jo
Jo Gilbert spent the last 16 years as general manager, account director and new business development director for some of Australia's leading creative and production businesses, including Hoyne Design and Cozzolino Ellett Design D'Vision.
Her clients included Foster's Group - corporate and branded products, Kraft, Hills Limited, Innkeeper - Thirsty Camel, Mildara Blass, News Corporation - Advertiser Newspapers, Pratt Foundation, Sacred Heart Mission, Tandou Limited and Triple J.
Jo Gilbert also has a reputation as a high quality provider of creative recruitment services for
10 years through her previous business, The Talent Store (1980-1990), Australia's first and
one of the most successful freelance creative recruitment agencies. Over 1,000 companies
and organisations, including advertising agencies, design studios, marketing companies, corporations, publishers and government departments, used the service.
Jo studied Art & Design at Caulfield Institute of Technology in the 70s (now Monash University), holds a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (Monash University) 2006, is Course Coordinator for Professional Practice and Client Management, Bachelor of Communication (Advertising Creative) (RMIT University) 2007/8, Lecturer Design Management and Identity, Bachelor of Design (Communication Design) (Swinburne University) 2007/8, and has been guest lecturer, industry assessor and curriculum advisor for Advertising Creative and Applied Art programs at Melbourne universities.
She is a member of the Australian Graphic Design Association (AGDA) and the Melbourne Advertising and Design Club (MADC).
Testimonials
"Jo Gilbert has been consulting to us on a broad range of studio management issues. Our work with Jo started in June 2008. Our increased focus on working on the business has focused our attention on client selection, workflow and creative process. Early indications show that this will translate through to increased profits in 2009. Jo's professional, level headed and enthusiastic approach to our business needs has been refreshing and motivational. We are looking forward to working with Jo over the coming year to create remarkable results for TANK, the owners and our team."
Neil Shewan, Principal / Managing Director, TANK, Melbourne (2008)
"I might have managed a successful design business for the last 8 years but it only took Jo about 8 minutes to show me how I could manage myself more successfully. Her inspired ideas and guidance have helped me to work less hours doing things someone else could be doing, and spend more time doing the things I should be doing, like building new client relations. And I even get to spend new-found spare time with family and friends. I'd recommend Jo to any small studio looking to actively improve its operations."
Alex Tyers, Director, Studio of Alex Tyers, Melbourne (2009)
"Working with Jo on developing areas of the business has seen dramatic increases in productivity and cash flow. There has already been an increase in profit margin within the first 3 months of 19%. Certainly much more than I could ever have achieved on my own. This has all happened in a very short space of time. Jo made the seemingly impossible totally achievable and has opened up new windows of opportunity for me, and a new outlook on how to run a more productive business. Jo's support is constantly valued and knowing that she is only a phone call away has made all the difference. As a freelancer, having support has made all the difference and has increased my drive and confidence to strive for more."
Natasha Jerrard, TBJ Creative, Melbourne (2008)
"I wish to thank you for the incredible work you have done for us over the past months - organisational structure, defining roles, job descriptions and the training sessions to develop the company's new business development skills. It has been very enlightening for all of us and has provided me with a sound methodology for the future development of my business and clear pathways for the professional development and growth of my staff members. The place is buzzing with new ideas and excitement for the future - no doubt it was a good idea to include everyone in the process."
Lesley O'Byrne, Managing Director, Tandem Design Pty Ltd, Melbourne (2008)
"Thank you for coming on board to help us with our organisational structure, salaries, job descriptions and performance reviews. I can't tell you what a wonderful difference this has made to our company... ... The clarity of expectations has empowered the staff to not only fulfill their roles but to surpass them ... ... This frees up my time to work on the business (not in the business) and makes me very proud as I look around the studio and see what a fantastic team I have."
Nicole Chaplin, Managing Director, True Characters Pty Ltd, Melbourne (2007)
"Jo's work has been really beneficial in helping us to identify our point of difference and the strengths and weaknesses of our business. She worked closely with us as a team to clarify staff roles and to identify patterns in our client base - which has been crucial in looking at how we can leverage our experience and resources to grow our business."
Ben Wundersitz and Laura Cornhill, Directors, Studio Binocular, Melbourne (2008)
"We've had a great year and your input with new business development coaching has been instrumental to our success."
Fiona Sweet, Managing Director, Sweet Design Pty Ltd, Melbourne (2008)
"I thank Jo for her invaluable coaching and advice in all areas of our business. Having someone with her wealth of experience and perceptive nature come in to our chaotic work environment has helped me gain clarity and confidence, that is certainly reflected in our project outcomes. She offered not only coaching but a strong framework within which to work, one that I have implemented and found a great support. This can often be hard to achieve working in the creative industry."
Jo Lauritz, Director, Juice Graphics, Melbourne (2008)
James Lauritz, Director, Lauritz Photo, Melbourne (2008)
"Once again, thank you for your excellent work. Your professionalism matches your personality - exuberant, generous and very, very smart."
Nicolas Di Tempora, Copywriting In Action, Melbourne (2008)
