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In this special Talent Wrap episode of Your Future in Sales and Marketing, Andrew and Ben look ahead to 2026 and unpack what’s next for sales and marketing professionals.

From evolving hiring trends to shifting employer expectations, they share their predictions on how the talent market is set to change - and what that means for both businesses and individuals. The conversation explores the broader market forces shaping recruitment, including economic conditions, business confidence, skills shortages, and the growing demand for adaptability in commercial roles.

Andrew and Ben also dive into how career pathways are evolving, what high-performing candidates will need to stand out, and how organisations can position themselves to attract and retain top talent in an increasingly competitive landscape.

If you’re hiring, job hunting, or simply planning your next career move, this episode offers practical insight into what 2026 could hold - and how to get ahead of it.

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Back by popular demand - our review of the [axr] 2026 Salary Guide!

In this episode, Andrew Cannock & Ben Carnegie give you a deep dive into our latest salary guide, including:

• What to expect from Sales, Marketing, Category and Commercial Excellence roles in 2026
• Market trends and industry insights
• What the numbers mean
• What we are looking for as recruiters when recruiting these roles and how we refer back to this guide
• Role scope and in-demand skills for each role type
• How to level up in your career and make great career decisions

It's a great listen, so tune in now, and don't forget to download our 2026 salary guide here: https://www.axr.com.au/salary-guides

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In this AXR How-To Series special of Your Future in Sales and Marketing, we flip the recruitment lens and speak directly to hiring managers. Mike is joined by Beth Holgate, Ben Carnegie, and Andrew Cannock, this episode breaks down how to get the most out of your recruitment process - whether you’re hiring for the first time or looking to level up your approach.

The conversation covers the fundamentals of recruiting well, from getting the basics right and building a clear hiring brief, to stepping up your process as roles become more senior or specialised. The team share practical insights on working effectively with specialist recruiters, running structured and meaningful interviews, and delivering candidate feedback that’s timely, constructive, and human.

The episode also dives into one of the most delicate stages of hiring: negotiating the offer. You’ll learn how to balance commercial realities with candidate expectations, while protecting both your employer brand and long-term retention.

Packed with real-world advice and actionable tips, this episode is essential listening for sales and marketing leaders who want to hire better, faster, and with confidence.

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In this episode of Your Future in Sales and Marketing, Mike is joined by Beth Holgate and Ben Carnegie of the Sales and Marketing team at AXR, for another special episode of the How to series.

We cover how to build a strong, results-driven resume that highlights your skills and impact, and how to effectively use LinkedIn to grow your personal brand, expand your network, and attract opportunities. You’ll learn how to work strategically with recruiters, what they look for in candidates, and how to make yourself recruiter-ready.

The episode also walks through how to prepare for interviews, as well as how to approach and succeed in case studies. Finally, we discuss how to confidently negotiate a job offer, ensuring you understand your value and secure the best possible outcome.

This episode is your roadmap to turning ambition into action and setting yourself up for long-term success.

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In this episode of Your Future in Sales and Marketing, Mike is joined by fellow co-host Andrew Cannock, for another special episode of the How to series.

In this episode, Mike and Andrew share insights to help you make great career decisions. You’ll hear actionable advice on navigating early career choices, making smart transitions, and avoiding common pitfalls that can stall growth.

Whether you’re a student, a career switcher, or a professional planning your next move, this episode offers clear guidance to help you build a career that’s both fulfilling and resilient.

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In this episode of Your Future in Sales and Marketing, Mike is joined by Nick Constain, Host of From Go to CFO for a special episode of the How to series.

Mike and Nick break down the real-world strategies behind getting promoted. From demonstrating value beyond your job description to navigating conversations with leadership, they share practical advice, personal experiences, and actionable steps listeners can apply immediately.

Whether you’re aiming for your next title or simply want to position yourself for growth, this episode offers a straightforward guide to standing out and moving your career forward.

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In this episode, we sit down with James Deysel, Marketing Director of SnackBrands, to explore a career built on resilience, values, and strategic growth. Raised in Johannesburg, South Africa, James shares how his early life shaped a strong sense of fairness, justice, and hard work - principles that helped him earn a full university scholarship and set the foundation for his professional journey.

James takes us through his academic path at the University of Johannesburg, where he completed a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, and into his early career juggling full-time work and part-time postgraduate studies. Starting on the front lines as a field sales representative at Clover, he provides insight into how hands-on sales experience sharpened his commercial instincts before progressing into an assistant brand manager role.

The conversation then follows James’ move to Mars Petcare, where he broadened his marketing expertise across a global organization, eventually leading to an international relocation to Australia. Now a Marketing Director, James reflects on the skills, mindset, and career decisions that enabled his growth across markets and roles.

This episode offers aspiring sales and marketing professionals practical lessons on starting from the ground up, leveraging education and values, and embracing global opportunities to shape a future-focused career.

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In this MindPick Special edition of Your Future in Sales and Marketing, we sit down with two seasoned business leaders - Jon Bradshaw and Chris Baddock - who have each carved out influential careers before establishing their own coaching and consulting practices. Now serving as mentors in the MindPick peer-to-peer mentoring program, Jon and Chris open up about their journeys, their leadership philosophies, and why they’re passionate about developing the next generation of commercial talent.

Chris Baddock reflects on his early years, growing up in Melbourne before moving to Sydney at age seven, and how his father’s career at Wrigley’s - rising from state manager to national sales manager - inspired his own path into sales leadership. After building his career within major liquor businesses, Chris shifted his focus toward coaching, dedicating himself to helping emerging leaders grow through his own development practice.

Jon Bradshaw shares his globally diverse story, beginning in England and spanning continents through his time with Diageo, which took him to the United States before ultimately bringing him to Australia. With a career that has woven through iconic companies such as Mars, Diageo, Lion, and Virgin, plus experience in start-ups and the non-profit space with Outward Bound, Jon brings a rich and varied perspective on what great leadership looks like across environments.

Together, Jon and Chris dive into the power of mentorship, what makes the MindPick program unique, and why fostering open, peer-driven conversations is essential for shaping the future of sales and marketing leadership. Whether you're early in your career or already on the path to leading teams, this episode offers valuable insights from two leaders deeply invested in helping others thrive.