From Asking Questions to Leading Innovation: Patrick Condon

How Patrick Condon is making a name for himself by asking the right questions.

At Foxtel Media, Patrick Condon is making a name for himself by asking the right questions. Recently recognised as a rising star in the industry through Mediaweek's Next of the Best Awards, the born and bred Queenslander and self-confessed “media nerd” is shaping the future of Australia’s media landscape with his curious mindset and people-first approach.  

“I grew up in a family of journalists,” shares Patrick. “Both my dad and sister are journalists, so I've grown up surrounded by people that ask lots of questions. That way of thinking stuck with me. I just applied it to a different side of the industry.” 

We spoke to Patrick about his career journey, how his award nomination started from a development conversation with his manager, and his advice for others looking to make a mark as the next of the best. 

A Rising Star in Media Sales

As Sales Manager at Foxtel Media in Brisbane, Patrick is driving business growth for brands in a competitive advertising market.  

“I bring the best of Australia’s brands to the best of Australia’s content,” he explains.

“My role involves connecting clients and agency partners together with our huge and attentive audiences by creating innovative advertising solutions across Kayo Sports, BINGE, Foxtel and Fox Sports. 

“We have an incredibly engaged audience base, and we want to make the most of that in partnership with brands who are aligned with our strategy of premium, watchable content, whether that's sport or entertainment.” 

Patrick’s impact has been recognised at this year’s Mediaweek Next of the Best Awards, where he was shortlisted as a finalist in the Media Salesperson category. These awards celebrate rising stars and future leaders in Australia’s media, marketing, and creative industries – those who are shaping the future of the industry through innovative thinking, new approaches to content, and driving positive change. 

“I am very honoured and humbled to not even just be nominated, but to be a finalist,” Patrick says. “There are some very talented people in that category from around the country.”   

His curious nature was one of the key reasons behind this achievement. Patrick believes that it’s not just about having the answers, but about being brave enough to keep asking questions that push boundaries and get to the heart of our partners' needs.  

“People value those who ask them questions, and questions that have never been asked before. Questions that make them think. 

“I think if you remain inquisitive, you’ll eventually reach some really good places,” he explains. 

Working in a small, agile team in Queensland, Patrick values the camaraderie and support that drives his team’s collective success. 

“Each of us run at a fast pace, help each other and back each other,” he says. “My manager Kat Frost, Foxtel Media’s Brisbane Sales Director has been fantastic. She's really provided opportunities for me to grow and guided me through media sales at Foxtel Group wonderfully.” 

Patrick’s award nomination began from a development conversation with his manager, who recognised his hard work and commitment to excellence in media sales.  

“A goal we identified for me this year was that I wanted to push myself and push the envelope a little bit further,” shares Patrick. “Sometimes we're just so stuck in our work that we don't look outside, and it's important to not only put the work in but to share our wins.” 

Being recognised as a finalist in the Media Salesperson category was a career highlight for Patrick, and the moment felt all the sweeter celebrating with his team.  

“The opportunity to fly down to Sydney and spend time with my colleagues at Broadcast Way Studios before heading to the Next of the Best Awards ceremony was such a wonderful opportunity,” says Patrick. 

“It was a great honour to represent Foxtel Group as a finalist amongst leaders of the advertising, media and marketing industry alongside Nev Hasan, Foxtel Media’s Chief Sales Officer, and the Media Sales team.” 

Building a career through curiosity  

Patrick’s journey into media began at a young age, shaped by growing up in a family of storytellers and question-askers. 

His dad is one of Australia’s most respected agricultural journalists.  

“I remember being a little tyke running around Dad's office, and there were a bunch of people on the phones asking questions and getting answers, from people wanting to give information,” Patrick recalls fondly.  

“I didn't turn out to be a journalist, but I certainly inherited the personality and the vocabulary. I think there's something important in asking the stupid questions, because eventually you'll ask one of them and it'll be a question that no one's ever answered before.

“That's where real innovation starts to happen, that's where magic moments start to unfold, and revenue results really start to multiply from there.” 

Graduating with a Bachelor of Marketing, with a minor in Advertising from Queensland University of Technology, a 10-week internship in marketing led to a graduate role as a Marketing Coordinator. Holding positions in both corporate and agency environments broadened his perspective from there, giving him exposure to many different aspects of marketing, media and sales.  

Patrick was drawn to Foxtel Media’s culture of innovation and autonomy, alongside the opportunity to represent an industry leader in the subscription video on demand (SVOD) space.   

“I wanted to join a company that was pushing the envelope, where I could put my face and name to my work and own it,” he explains. “I love that I can bring my personality to work, and that this is something our leadership team really encourages. Nev has entrusted us and built a culture that nurtures personal growth alongside growth for your career and growth for the company.  

“It’s a culture that breeds innovation, and supports Sales Managers like myself to be the best that they can be. 

“Foxtel Group really innovates in streaming, so whenever I'm going to agencies, we’re naturally positioned and seen as the SVOD expert. We are always leading the industry conversation and leading growth in the category throughout the Australian sports and entertainment industry. 

“This has given me the opportunity to build a career where I’m trusted as a thought leader in the SVOD advertising space.  I’m grateful to work for a company that is leading innovation in so many different ways, and that I’m able to go out and confidentially sell that innovation because I know I have the backing of wonderful platforms and wonderful people behind me.”  

A fan of both sports and entertainment, Patrick also enjoys the opportunity to immerse himself in content that he loves, and access some of the perks of working at Foxtel Group.  

“Recently I’ve been really getting into Formula One,” he says. “I’ve sort of become one of those crazy people either staying up or getting up with a cup of coffee depending on where in the world we’re broadcasting the latest race from.  

“I’m someone who is constantly jumping on the Fox Sports website to read about the latest scoops, or streaming BINGE when I’m cooking dinner. I've got touchpoints with all of the platforms that I’m selling every day.  

“I’m also a footy fan – up the Brisbane Lions – and another great part of the job is that I get to take our clients to a lot of footy games,” Patrick adds.  

Advice for the next of the best  

It’s this commitment to understanding the bigger picture that keeps Patrick ahead of the curve. 

“I’m an absolute media nerd – not just about what we’re doing at Foxtel Media, but across the whole industry.” 

“I always keep up to date with what our competitors are up to, because you need to know what you’re up against and who else is vying for that marketing spend from clients and big brands,” Patrick explains. 

 “Reading the trade media consistently, doing extra certifications which is something that’s really encouraged here, and having mates in different areas across not just our business but the wider industry, and having an innate interest in how businesses operate and how different people think is critical.  

“Maintaining mentors and relationships from other jobs, and other industries is also so important because you can get fresh perspectives, and friends for life. 

Like many young professionals, Patrick’s early career was shaped by the uncertainty of the pandemic. One of his first jobs ended in redundancy due to the impact of COVID-19 during this time – a challenging experience that ultimately built resilience.  

“Being made redundant when you are so fresh to the industry can be disheartening,” he shares. “What got me through it was retaining those relationships I’d built, maintaining my composure and continuing to be my true self, which I think people respect and respond to.  

“I had to slow down, and believe that things would ultimately be okay. And in the end, it was okay – what happened to me then has led me to where I am now.”  

Patrick’s final piece of advice for anyone considering a career in media sales is simple: Stay curious.  

“Be inquisitive. Be blissfully curious, and never stop asking questions. And people will start to take notice.”