At The Missing Link, our people are the heart and soul of our success. Their knowledge and expertise empower our clients to achieve remarkable IT transformations. But there's so much more to them than just their job titles! This series delves into the unique, quirky, and amazing aspects of their lives that truly define who they are.
Michael has been at The Missing Link since January 2024, serving as our Head of Marketing. He's a tech enthusiast who loves all things Apple, but he's also passionate about sports, piano, and spending quality time with his family. Let's take five minutes to get to know Michael better.
Tell us about yourself Michael, where did you grow up?
I was born in Sydney, Australia, and spent my early childhood in the Sutherland Shire. When I was six, my family moved to London, where we lived for four years before relocating to Auckland for another three. We eventually returned to the Shire, where I completed my high school and university education.
With such a diverse upbringing, what were your interests as a kid?
Sports were my world! I competed nationally in the 400m and played cricket, golf, touch footy—basically, any sport I could dive into. I also had a passion for music, especially Jazz & Blues on the piano.
Growing up with a passion for sports, what was your ultimate dream job as a child, and what was your first paid job?
I dreamt big—becoming a professional athlete was the goal. I envisioned myself competing on the world stage.
My first taste of the working world was as a retail assistant at Rebel Sport while I was in university. It was the perfect job for a sports enthusiast like me.
How did your career evolve from there?
I started as a PE teacher and had a brief stint as a personal trainer. I then transitioned to sports administration at The University of Sydney, managing sports and education programs. While there, I earned a Master's in Business (Marketing) and became the Marketing Manager for Sydney Uni Sport, overseeing a major rebrand. After that, I was recruited by SydneyTalent, a university start-up, to place students in industry roles. Following seven years at Sydney University, I transitioned to the private sector, taking on the role of Marketing Manager at Study Group for their Career Education Division. I then headed up Marketing for an online RTO called Upskilled for eight years, and subsequently for Lumify Group (previously DDLS), an IT technical training company, where I worked for five years before joining The Missing Link six months ago!
You've mentioned some significant rebrands—any big personal or work achievements?
Rebranding Sydney Uni Sport and DDLS to Lumify Group are highlights. Personally, raising two beautiful girls with my wife is my greatest achievement.
What led you to join The Missing Link?
I had heard great things about The Missing Link from a previous employer and ran into the CEO, Alex Gambotto, during a night out. I got a great vibe from him and was keen to move into the tech sector. When I saw a job opening, I went for it!
What do you do at The Missing Link and what do you love most about your role?
As the Head of Marketing, I love the company's culture, our team's innovation, and witnessing the direct impact of our marketing efforts on growth.
Who inspires you professionally, and where do you see yourself in a few years?
I find inspiration in the many respected and trusted individuals I've met throughout my career. Each one has taught me something valuable.
In a few years, I aim to leverage these insights to help build a top-tier B2B marketing powerhouse that drives exponential growth for The Missing Link.
Are you a tech enthusiast?
Absolutely! I'm a big fan of tech gadgets. I love my Gimbal, Drone, PS5, and especially my Apple devices—iPad, Apple Watch Ultra, iPhone 15, and AirPods Pro. They’re my favourites and keep me connected, entertained, and on the go. I'm always on the lookout for the latest in marketing tech and gadgets to stay ahead of the curve.
Which apps do you use the most and why?
For work, Teams saves me a lot of time, especially when working remotely. I also use ChatGPT for productivity, Spotify for music, Feedly for news, Strong for tracking gym workouts, MyFitnessPal when I'm health-conscious, and Monday.com for organisation.
If money wasn't an issue, what would your dream day look like?
A private jet to an exclusive island with a small group of friends and family. Great food and drink catered by a top chef, enjoying a day of yachting, snorkelling, and jet skiing in crystal clear waters, topped off with a Tomahawk steak and fries, and a few glasses of red wine.
That sounds like a fantastic dream day! In reality, how do you typically spend your weekends?
Spending time with my wife and two daughters, exercising, and visiting friends and family.
What are your hobbies and passions?
I love golf, though I haven't played much recently. I also enjoy playing the piano. To stay fit and clear my mind, I regularly go to the gym and enjoy running. I had a wonderful dog named Bentley for 12 years, who sadly passed away last year.
What's the best thing about living in your city?
What’s not to love?! Sydney’s beaches, the great food options, the multitude of sights to see, and its cultural diversity make it an amazing place to live.
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