An Interview with… David Westgate, Advertising Writer.

Over the past three decades David Westgate has built a very successful career in advertising as a Writer and Creative Director. Alongside this, he is also an advocate for raising the volume on conversations about mental health in the workplace.

As someone who suffers from Bipolar Disorder, David has a lot to give to this discussion and hopes that by sharing his own experiences and opinion he can help others who are struggling with their own mental health issues.

This month David has launched a simple mental health initiative called CLUB 20. Here’s what he had to say when we spoke to him about it:

Tell us a little about yourself?

I’ve been in advertising for about 35 years. I’ve worked in large multinationals, small boutique agencies and even run my own. In many ways, I’m pretty boring. I married my childhood sweetheart and we’re still together. We have two kids and live in a nice Sydney suburb. If you met me I reckon you’d think I’m a pretty average bloke. To a degree, you’d be right

You have recently worked on a proposal for your initiative Club20. What inspired you to do so?

Throughout my adulthood, I’ve suffered from Bipolar Type 1, so I know firsthand how it feels to be driven by anxieties so strong I sacrificed weekend after weekend to needless work. I know what it’s like to be so sleep-deprived my keyboard resembled a pillow. And I know what it’s like to perform brilliantly in a boardroom one minute only to find myself crying in a bathroom the next. That said, my colleagues never knew a thing. Like most mentally ill people, I’m a remarkably good actor.

Given my experience, I wanted to do something that might help others suffering silently from mental illness. Plus, I wouldn’t mind making a quid from it too.

How do you hope Club20 will evolve going forward?

I want it to be recognised by corporate Australia as a credible, practical initiative that helps employees suffering from mental illness. I want it to be an initiative that complements any programs companies may already have running, and I want it to help normalise this issue within the workplace.

Over the span of your career, what are the biggest changes you’ve seen in the attitude to mental illness in the workplace?

There is far greater recognition of mental health issues within the workplace. Media attention has helped bring this issue into the light and many companies are doing great work in building cultures that are far more inclusive and understanding. That said, many people who suffer still fear ‘coming out’ and revealing their illnesses.

What advice do you wish you’d been given earlier in your career?

Enjoy it and realise that everyone around you has something they can teach you. Often people who think they are the smartest people in the room, are the biggest idiots.

What 3 tips would you like to pass on to someone struggling with mental illness.

1. If you feel you are having mental health issues, do something about it. Speak to your GP. Don’t bottle it up and try and deal with it yourself as it won’t work.

2. Realise you are not alone. 20% of adult Australians suffer from some form of mental illness in any given year. There are heaps of us out there.

3. People love you and want to help. Don’t ever convince yourself they don’t.

If you’d like to reach out to David, you can contact him through LinkedIn. You can also read more on his blog.

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By Kristina Gerdov • September 3, 2025

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What is a Fractional CMO and could one be right for you?

By Kristina Gerdov • June 25, 2025

Discover what a Fractional CMO is, the benefits they bring, and how to know if hiring one is the right move for your business.

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By Kristina Gerdov • May 13, 2025

In 2025, personal branding isn't just a buzzword – it's important for anyone navigating the job market. The uncomfortable truth is this; you're likely being Googled more often than you're being interviewed. In a digital-first world, your personal brand can potentially boost your career prospects. So how can you leverage it to stand out during your job hunt? 1. Your brand is what people say when you're not in the room Personal branding isn’t just about the polished version of yourself that you post on LinkedIn. It’s what others say about you when you’re not around. Consider how you’re being perceived online and offline. Is your brand consistent, authentic, and aligned with your career aspirations? What would potential employers say about you when they Google you? To start refining your personal brand, think about your values, your goals, and how you want others to perceive you. This means showcasing your strengths, yes, but also acknowledging your struggles and learning moments. Authenticity can give you a competitive edge. 2. Lead with curiosity, not just expertise Publicly asking thoughtful, insightful questions. It positions you as someone who is constantly learning, open to feedback, and not afraid to explore new ideas – a thought provoker and idea leader in your space. In the job hunt, this quality can set you apart from others who might be more focused on offering answers than asking the right questions. So, when you’re engaging with others online or in an interview, try focusing on asking questions that spark deeper discussions. Your curiosity and willingness to learn can make a lasting impression. 3. Your personal brand is about becoming known for the right things Remember, personal branding isn’t about trying to become famous. It’s about being known for the right things – the things that align with your career goals and the value you want to offer to employers. For job seekers, this means ensuring that your online presence and interactions reflect your expertise, passion, and ambition. When crafting your personal brand, be deliberate. Think about the skills, values, and personality traits you want to highlight. 4. Be consistent and intentional The foundation of a strong personal brand is consistency. Your personal brand is built in the small, everyday actions – how you engage with your network. Consistency in your interactions helps shape how people perceive you and helps create a brand that’s memorable. If you're job hunting, it's critical to show up consistently both online and offline. This includes engaging with industry professionals on LinkedIn, contributing to discussions, and demonstrating professionalism in all your interactions. 5. Small steps to narrow the gap So, what's the gap between how you see yourself and how others might perceive you? The goal isn’t perfection, but making small, consistent adjustments that move you closer to aligning your internal brand with how you’re seen externally. It could be tweaking your LinkedIn profile, starting a blog, or sharing your expertise. What’s one small thing you could do this week to move the needle and narrow that gap? Whether it’s posting a thoughtful comment on a relevant post, reaching out to someone in your industry, or sharing a story of a recent challenge, small actions can have a big impact over time. 6. Share struggles, Not just wins When it comes to personal branding, it’s easy to fall into the trap of only sharing successes. However, some of the most credible personal brands are built on transparency – sharing the struggles and lessons learned along the way. It’s interesting to see how you handle setbacks, not just your triumphs. Embracing imperfection in your personal brand helps paint a fuller picture of who you are. Whether it’s sharing a challenging project you worked on or a time when you faced a setback and how you overcame it, these stories can help demonstrate your resilience, problem-solving abilities, and growth mindset – qualities employers are eager to see. In today’s market, personal branding isn’t just a nice-to-have. By being intentional, consistent, and authentic, you can build a personal brand that resonates with potential employers, ultimately setting you up for success in your job hunt. So, there’s no better time to start than now.