Starting businesses and losing a million

Rose Herceg built her first business in her twenties. She’s led teams under pressure and shaped culture at the very top of Australian business. She takes risks most wouldn’t dare, spots opportunity where others see none, and somehow stays calm when everything is chaos. As President of WPP AUNZ, Rose Herceg sits at the helm of one of the most influential marketing and communications networks in the region, shaping strategy and culture across Australia and New Zealand.

Rose learned early that curiosity, grit, and a willingness to challenge the obvious give you an edge. Learn the lessons, instincts, and habits that keep her ahead—and how you might borrow a few for yourself.

In this episode Andrew and Rose discuss:

1:45 Growing up as the child of Croatian immigrants and the challenges and triumphs of that life.

5:40 The value of having people who will push back and fostering an environment of healthy conflict.

12:15 The real money is on the edges of trends, not the middle and taking the fear of money away.

16:15 Bringing together unconventional businesses and how Rose regulates her energy and capacity.

20:40 The difference between having a bad day and a mental health episode and why being messy is ok.

24:30 Losing is where the real learnings are and taking the losses on yourself and sharing the successes with your team.

29:50 Why we link failure to shame and not defining your success on the job you do, but rather who you are.

34:20 Make sure you’re able to step away from time to time and be sure to fall in love with yourself before anyone else.

39:40 Rose losing a million dollars on her first business, being too early in the digital content space, and when Rose felt at her most vulnerable.

46:00 Rose’s dad’s philosophy of just keep moving forward, and why Rose doesn’t like the word entrepreneur.

49:50 What drives Rose at WPP and where Rose sees herself in 5 years.

 54:30 Will Rose start another business and what Rose thinks is driving the younger generation.

You can find Rose at her LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rose-herceg-025982bb/

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