Jessica Special “a marketer with mum-guilt and wasted potential” and Jarrod Little “a regional manager stuck in the middle”.
The Australian Institute of Business (AIB) teamed up with Cocogun and Good Oil to create a campaign encouraging people to do an online MBA with AIB.
Targeting ambitious business execs who feel stuck in a career rut, the work unpacks how doing an MBA with AIB is an accessible step towards career growth.
At the heart of the campaign are two ads which tell the stories of Jessica Special “a marketer with mum-guilt and wasted potential” and Jarrod Little, “a regional manager stuck in the middle”.
Both stories are brought to life via a catchy, humorous and strangely moving song that tracks their journeys from could’ve to can.
Australian Institute of Business creative lead Ana Bellico said the creative landscape in higher education often feels same-same, pushing hyper aspirational narratives.
"We're breaking from the industry’s usual M.O. by leaning into humour, honesty and a refreshing sense of self-awareness," Bellico said.
"We want to level with people and show those who’ve lingered on ‘could’ves’ for too long that an MBA is absolutely possible with AIB’s flexible online program.”
Cocogun creative strategy lead Kirsty Reynolds said tapping into career existentialism in a quirky and empowering way speaks to the heart of so many people like Jarrod and Jessica who can’t shake the feeling that they are destined for more.
"By turning could’ve to can - they can fulfil their potential and achieve their career dreams with AIB," Reynolds said.
The ads were shot by Connor Pritchard through Good Oil.
Pritchard said it’s always a good time teaming up with Cocogun, their ideas never miss.
"Turning everyday office life into musicals was an absolute blast, especially when the story taps into something so relatable, those moments of wondering if there’s more out there. I loved bringing that feeling to life," Pritchard said.
The campaign is currently running in online, audio and social media in Australia and Canada.
Credits
AIB:
Creative Lead - Ana Bellico
CMO - Eduardo Favarim
Cocogun:
Creative Partner - Ant Melder
Creative Strategy Lead - Kirsty Reynolds
Creative Director - Loz Maneschi
Copywriter - Lewis Clark
Group Business Director - Emily Hahn
Good Oil:
Director - Connor Pritchard
Producer - Kerry Prendeville
Executive Producer - Juliet Bishop
DoP - Devan Narsai
Production Design - Jordan Tarplett-Lee / Petelo Vaihu
Casting - Catch Casting / Peta Einberg
Editor - Connor Pritchard
Sound & Music - Zaidoon Nasir
