Seasoned media agency executive, Kevin Kivi, has taken the wrappers off True North Executive Coaching & Leadership, a consultancy specialising in media and advertising industry services. His inspiration is what he sees as an identity crisis facing the industry and its professionals.

With over 25 years of experience across Australia, Canada, and the US, Kivi aims to support leaders within the advertising and media sectors in making challenging decisions, inspiring teams, and driving significant impact. Its services include executive coaching, leadership and team workshops, strategic advisory services, and speaking engagements. The consultancy's mission is to enable leaders to lead with clarity, inspire with purpose, and navigate change with confidence.

Kivi's career includes senior executive roles at prominent agencies such as Carat, Mediacom, and Mindshare. His portfolio of work features collaborations with major advertisers including P&G, Ford Motor Company, and Mars Wrigley. Additionally, Kivi has contributed to the industry by serving on the Board of Directors for Vividata and mentoring future leaders at Sheridan College’s Pilon School of Business.

Kivi commented on the current state of the industry: "I’ve seen firsthand how consolidation and short-term thinking can chip away at a company’s soul. What once made this industry magnetic—creativity, mentorship, identity—is being replaced by efficiency at the expense of meaning. Leaders are feeling the weight of that."

Reflecting on his own experiences, Kivi stated, "I’ve been in the shoes of many leaders. I’ve had the good days and the bad. I know what it’s like to sit in a boardroom where decisions need to be made fast, where change is relentless, and where the pressure to perform never lets up. The difference between leaders who thrive and those who falter isn’t luck; it’s clarity, confidence, and the ability to cut through the noise."

Kivi also addressed the challenges of modern leadership. "In today’s fast-moving business world, leadership is often clouded by competing priorities, shifting goals, and relentless uncertainty. But great leadership isn’t about reacting to every change, it’s about anchoring yourself in what truly matters," he said.

"The most common thing I hear from leaders today is, ‘I’m losing the why.’ And when leaders lose their sense of purpose, it’s only a matter of time before their teams disconnect too."

Kivi also highlighted the broader challenges within the industry: "The advertising and media industry isn’t just undergoing transformation—it’s facing an identity crisis. Legacy is being erased in the name of scale, and people are paying the price. That’s why I created True North - to help leaders rediscover their direction, reconnect with their values, and lead with integrity in the face of constant change."

All this calls for a new kind of leadership, he said. "Leadership today isn’t just about managing margins—it’s about creating meaning. And in an era where automation is rising and identity is fading, we need emotionally intelligent, courageous leaders more than ever."