Team Category: Management

Joe Ambridge is a forward-thinking Operations Manager and Team Leader at MB Creative Lab, based in Bayswater, Victoria. With a passion for technology and a deep commitment to sales-driven solutions, Joe has built a career on driving operational efficiency and business growth through the use of cutting-edge tools. His expertise lies in optimizing sales processes, managing high-performing teams, and leveraging emerging technologies to streamline operations. Joe’s dynamic leadership and focus on innovation make him an integral part of the MB Creative Lab team.

Joe’s career trajectory has been shaped by his experiences at DJ Central TV, where he led sales operations and played a pivotal role in the company’s global expansion. He implemented advanced CRM systems like Odoo to enhance customer relationship management, streamline processes, and improve sales tracking. His ability to manage a geographically diverse team using project management tools like Basecamp and Skype allowed for seamless communication and operational efficiency, helping the company reach new international markets. Joe’s contributions to sales strategy and data-driven decision-making have been key to DJ Central TV’s success.

Throughout his career, Joe has consistently demonstrated a talent for aligning cross-functional teams, ensuring smooth collaboration between sales, marketing, and production departments. His leadership style is hands-on and collaborative, and his knack for identifying and implementing tech-driven solutions has made a lasting impact on the organizations he has worked with. Joe’s passion for staying ahead of industry trends has also led him to transition DJ Central TV’s sales team to digital platforms, significantly expanding their market presence.

Before his time at DJ Central TV, Joe gained valuable experience in customer service, collections, and administration. His time at companies like Percepta and Probe CX sharpened his communication and organizational skills, while his role at Swinburne University gave him insight into managing student services and retention campaigns. These roles helped him develop a strong foundation in team management and customer relations, which he continues to apply in his current role.

In addition to his work in sales and operations, Joe is also a creative force in the world of filmmaking and podcasting. As the director of Ambridge Media Australia, he has produced and directed multiple short films, showcasing his talent for managing creative projects from start to finish. His experience as a podcast host and producer, with successful shows like “#NeverAlone” and “#PsychotherapyUnfogged,” further highlights his ability to engage audiences and produce compelling content.

Joe’s diverse skill set, spanning from tech-driven sales operations to creative media production, makes him a versatile leader at MB Creative Lab. His dedication to technology, leadership, and creative storytelling continues to drive his success in the ever-evolving digital landscape.

With extensive experience in film production and business development, he excels in blending strategic digital planning with creative vision. His professional strengths include project management, financial forecasting, and digital content strategy. He has successfully led the development of diverse film projects, ranging from female buddy comedies to psychological thrillers, and is adept at managing complex schedules and budgets.

His career spans significant roles in both creative and business domains. He is a Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and holds an Executive MBA, underpinning his strong project management and strategic planning skills. His expertise extends to digital development, where he has driven innovative solutions such as Film Budgets Online and Screen + DLT, optimizing film budgeting and contract management.

Currently, he is focused on producing exciting new features and TV dramas, including adaptations and original works. His ability to think strategically and creatively, coupled with strong interpersonal skills, has allowed him to successfully navigate stakeholder negotiations and manage third-party contracts. He is passionate about fostering collaborative environments and leveraging technology to enhance film production and business processes.

Enter Kate, the powerhouse in project finance whose journey is a rollercoaster of creativity, funding triumphs, and a knack for turning opportunities into gold. Starting in the dazzling worlds of film and radio, Kate’s career took flight, and she soared into senior executive roles with not one but two federal arts agencies.

Never one to be confined by convention, Kate’s curiosity led her to the vibrant start-up scene in Australia. Here, she didn’t just dip her toes; she dived in headfirst, raising capital and weaving a web of connections that spans the international funding community. As the mastermind behind the boutique advisory company KI Media, Kate worked her magic, securing government tenders, and navigating the dynamic landscape of emerging technologies.

One of her standout victories was clinching the government tender to deliver the NSW Innovation Advisory Service, where her business consulted with a plethora of companies, leaving an indelible mark on the innovation landscape. With more than $15 million AUD worth of grants under her belt across diverse sectors, Kate is not just a financial whiz; she’s a funding virtuoso.

As the Chief Strategy Officer at MB Creative Lab, Kate’s management and communication skills are the secret sauce that keeps the company’s gears turning smoothly. Armed with formal qualifications in communications and financial planning, she brings practical experience that transcends both realms.

But Kate is not just about the numbers; she’s a maestro in building partnerships, a virtuoso in cross-sector communication, and a trailblazer in spotting opportunities and forging alliances. Steering the ship at MB Creative Lab, Kate ensures the company stays on course, with teams focused and goals crystal clear.

In a world where innovation meets finance, Kate is the navigator, charting a course that’s as clear, straight, and narrow as her unwavering focus. With a career that reads like a symphony of success, Kate is not just making waves; she’s orchestrating a financial masterpiece.

With over 40 years experience in building systems, technical infrastructure and software, Damien is the driver behind MB Creative Lab and its global success. In 2023 the company he founded back in 1994 was rebranded to MB Creative Lab to encompass more of the diverse range of services and work that the company has completed over the past 30 years.

Damien Reilly, a seasoned professional at the forefront of software and systems development, seamlessly blends his extensive expertise in the music industry with a distinguished career in information technology. With a career spanning over three decades, Damien has cultivated a unique skill set that positions him as a visionary leader and a technical innovator.

Education and Professional Memberships:

In 1987, Damien earned a Diploma in Finance, laying the groundwork for a multifaceted career that integrates financial acumen with cutting-edge technology. A proud member of the Institute of Export, his commitment to excellence extends to memberships in the Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA), the Association of Independent Recording (AIR), and the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA).

Global Networks and Technological Leadership: 

Damien’s far-reaching global networks in technology have positioned Blue Pie as a market leader in web-based communication systems and digital entertainment networks. His specialist skill lies in the practical application and seamless integration of these systems into business operations, providing significant market leverage to the MB Creative Lab team. As a sales-focused CEO, Damien combines technical expertise with strategic vision to drive the company’s success.

Regarded globally for his software and systems development skills:

With over 30 years of experience in both the music industry and information technology, Damien is a master in software and systems development. His technical acumen extends to the creation of great systems, ensuring the continuous growth of MB Creative Lab.

Damien’s leadership has been pivotal in landing significant projects, such as the production contract for the globally successful “DJ Central” TV show, resulting in one of the largest independent catalogues of HD video clips in the Southern Hemisphere.

Specialist Skills:

Damien’s diverse skill set encompasses:

Sales: A sales-focused CEO, Damien excels in driving revenue and market growth.
Digital Distribution: His expertise ensures MB Creative Lab’s prominence in digital entertainment networks and meta data management services landscape.
Digital Infrastructure: Damien’s technical leadership contributes to MB Creative Lab’s development of robust digital infrastructure.
Music Publishing and Copyright Management: His background as a musician and composer uniquely informs his approach to intellectual property and copyright issues for MB Creative Lab network of content management partners.
Systems Development: Damien’s hands-on involvement in systems development ensures the continual evolution of MB Creative Lab’s technological capabilities.

Board Positions and Industry Recognition:
As a leader with a global perspective, Damien holds board positions in key entities, including:

* Blue Pie Records
* DJ Central TV
* Planet Blue Pictures USA
* Ordior
* Ordior Media
* Gravity Stars

These positions underscore his commitment to driving innovation and success within the industry.

Personal Interests: 

Beyond the realm of technology and business, Damien’s personal interests include the study of eastern philosophy, including Tae Kwon Do. He balances these pursuits with a passion for producing and playing live music, reflecting a holistic approach to life and work.

Damien is a visionary technologist, a strategic leader, and a creative force in the intersection of software and systems development. His commitment to excellence, combined with a multifaceted skill set, propels MB Creative into a position of continual growth and global recognition.