Jimmy Hennessy

What do you do in your day-to-day life?
I’m the Head Of Festival & Events Marketing at Untitled Group. It really depends on the time of year and where our events and festivals are at in their campaigns (they are all living beautiful beasts in my mind). It would usually consist of a mix of strategic planning, creative development, and collaboration with various departments. Mornings begin with email checks and performance metric reviews, followed by team meetings to discuss ongoing campaigns and challenges (bring it onnn!). The team I work with are incredible at what they do, so I always need to make sure they have all they need to kick goals. In addition to event/festival planning collaboration, my role extends to research to stay informed about trends. Project management and reflection at the end of the week helps me prioritise tasks for myself and the team to continue crushing it. My day-to-day workings need to be dynamic, combining creativity, strategic thinking, and effective communication to ensure that everyone is happy!

Why do you do it?
As I embark on my professional journey, I have come to realise that my passion for the industry is not just a job, but rather my life's purpose. Having an influential platform is a privilege that I take very seriously, recognising my responsibility towards the community. I am proud to be a part of a space that encourages exploration and promotes enjoyment – after all, who doesn't love dancing with their best friends on a sweaty dance floor? Through music, I am able to share joy with others and express myself in ways that transcend boundaries. Music has a unique power to touch the soul and ignite inspiration like nothing else can.

What do you love about the city you live in right now?
Damn, I have lived and walked in numerous places around Australia and the world, but let me spill the tea – there's no where that lights my fire like Naarm (Melbourne). I swooped into this city at the end of 2018 chasing my dream job, and the love affair hasn't stopped. There's this electrifying vibe about being part of a turbo-charged community that offers a diverse range of offerings that continues to educate me on who I am as a person. Every time I fly back, looking down from the skies, I get hit with a wave of pure joy. Why? Because I know I'm about to dive into the heartbeat of this city and contribute to a city that just gets it.

What's the best thing about being a part of the LGBTQIA+ community?
It’s home, it’s ours.

In your opinion, what is the most misunderstood thing about the community?
That gay men can't drive! If only I could share pictures of myself driving on mining sites in Western Australia. More importantly, that pronouns are a new thing. The evolving conversation around pronoun use reflects a broader societal shift toward recognising and respecting diverse gender identities, challenging traditional norms and prompting a reevaluation of language's role in expressing individuality and inclusivity.

Do you have an LGBTQIA+ icon/spokesperson that you look up to and if so, what do you love about them?
My first love (lol) taught me how to be myself, how to love, and what it's like to be a gay man. Life is a journey of self-discovery that takes a lot of work, one which I'm still learning and growing. Without him in my life, I wouldn't be where I am today. AND, I'm also very grateful to my cousin Tony, who showed me that it's possible to be a gay father at a time when I didn't think it was possible. I owe them both a lot.

How do you define happiness?
122bpm chuggy downtempo house, long lunch with fresh produce, my loved ones sharing stories, sun kissing your skin, gentle breeze and Frank Ocean replying to my texts.

Are you happy with your work/life balance?
Yes, I am. I would be lying if I didn't say that it's a work in progress and something I need to be very conscious of. When you love something deeply, it's easy to lose sight of your surroundings and what truly matters. Fortunately, I have a supportive team that helps me stay aligned with both my personal values and the company's values.

If you could travel back in time for a day, where would you go?
The '70s in North America, duh!

What is the best lesson you've ever learned?
There is always a reward in asking questions, so never hesitate to do so. Why wouldn't you ask, probe, or push for more? For me, some of the most creative and impactful outcomes have arisen from asking questions. If you ask, you shall receive, and you will always learn more. Give the power to the person you are questioning, ask yourself questions, jam ways to work it out – it's a beautiful process – don't be afraid.

What is your spirit animal?
I am a horse girlie but I wanna be a peacock, they are so dramatic and kooky!