Brodie McMaster didn’t take the typical path into digital marketing. “I dipped in and out of different fields,” she explains. “I’ve always loved being creative, but I set the bar so high for myself that burnout wasn’t far behind.”
This self-awareness led Brodie to seek a career that balanced creativity with structure—and she found her niche in digital marketing.
“We were the first Curtin University team ever to make the national finals.” Brodie entered The Big Idea competition at Curtin University, reaching the final stage and pitching her idea to ANZ. That exposure led to her first agency job.
“I saw that Bonfire was hiring, but I didn’t think I would get the job.” After two years as a copywriter, Brodie joined Bonfire as a Digital Advertising Specialist and with good support, she advanced to Senior Performance Media Specialist.
“Invaluable advice for young professionals: ‘Don’t be afraid to fail. It’s not about avoiding mistakes; it’s about what you do after,'” says Brodie. “You’ll always learn more from something that didn’t work than from something that went according to plan.”
Tapping into free educational resources is key to building a solid foundation. “The digital landscape is always developing, and if you want to stay ahead, you need to keep learning,” Brodie adds.
Platforms like Google Skillshop, YouTube channels, and podcasts have helped her sharpen her skills.
“It’s hard to convince brands of the importance of using experienced performance media professionals when the platforms push the DIY agenda. But it takes more than groceries and a recipe book to create 5-star meals.”
There’s no shortcut to creating ads that perform. It’s a puzzle that requires precision, strategy, and human insight. Success isn’t just about placing ads—it’s about knowing exactly when and where people are most receptive. Data drives decisions, but creativity makes campaigns connect and resonate.
Achievement isn’t always something tangible; sometimes, it’s a feeling.
When asked about her proudest accomplishment, Brodie says, “Bonfire has really built me up as a person, and that’s what’s helped me flourish in not just learning the skills but having confidence in the skills, feeling way more confident pitching ideas, strategies and suggestions to clients.”
Starting her day with a banger karaoke playlist sets the tone for a productive morning. “I feel like that puts me in a really good mood when I walk into the office and I’m like, yes, it’s a new day. I am hyped. I’m gonna have fun. It’s gonna be good.”
To stay focused, Brodie writes down her to-do list everyday with pen and paper—a small habit that helps her tackle the day with energy and optimism, ready for whatever comes next.
Brodie finds balance by blending creativity with challenge; bouldering is her perfect outlet.
“Bouldering combines both of them really well. You get to a point where it’s not just about strength and physicality. It’s about sitting down, looking at a wall, and being like, what is the most strategic or efficient route to the top?”
She’s also a big fan of RuPaul’s Drag Race and enjoys unwinding with an episode or two to switch off and relax.
Fern Brady and Rose Matafeo top Brodie’s guest list. “They would be great at a dinner party, just bringing up the vibe, keeping everyone at ease, and also making sure everyone gets along.”
“I think the best conversations are the ones where someone brings up just such a monotonous point of their day, like, ‘Oh, this is so boring, but it’s so annoying,’ and then everyone jumps on that train.”
Brodie’s journey is all about growth—she’s always ready to learn, try new things, and take on fresh opportunities. Her advice for anyone starting out in digital marketing? Embrace failure, keep learning, and stay open to whatever comes your way.
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