Marketing and Public Relations Manager, genU
Ben Flynn is a Senior Marketing Executive who has worked across Australia, the UK and the USA in health, education and retail. Following on from his work with leading Australian brands including the Good Guys, Target and Swinburne University, Ben is now Group Marketing and Public Relations Manager of genU (formerly Karingal St Laurence) a leading community services organisation. Ben has been with genU (which provides services in disability, aged, mental health, and employment and training) for over five years, starting just before the NDIS rolled out as a trial in 2013.
Ben leads a committed team focused on developing engaging content that fosters a conversation in support of change for people experiencing disadvantage and those with a disability. Ben is the Executive Producer of Jeremy the Dud, a short film that creates a world where everyone has a disability except for those referred to as ‘without specialty’ or ‘Duds’. The film’s trailer has had over 10 million views online since November 2017 and changed the way people are talking about disability.
Ben believes in the authenticity of using actors and extras who have a disability, as well developing real content that engages with people, affects them emotionally and prompts action. By building brands through storytelling, organisations are able to influence change and have a significant impact on the discussions that support major shifts in opinions and behaviours.
After a successful corporate career, Ben has found his place in cause-related marketing that fosters inclusion, equity and opportunities for people with a disability.
Session
Selling the Unsellable: Marketing Disability
Friday 14th September, 2018: 3:00pm - 4:00pm
We have seen perceptions and behaviour change through campaigns such as the QUIT campaign, Slip Slop Slap campaigns, marriage equality and family violence. So what will it take to shift the historic attitudes of deficit towards people with disabilities to an acceptance of ability?