Renee’s ratio: 1 percent talent, 99 percent sticking at it. She switched paths more times than a curious kitten, yet hard work and a strong support crew carried her from “What’s a TARP?” to global account lead.
We’ve all done it — that late-night scroll through social media where everyone else seems to be effortlessly smashing goals while you’re sitting there wondering, Am I just not talented enough? It’s a question that can keep you up longer than any double espresso, making you doubt whether you’re even on the right path or if you should pack it in and try something completely different.
This honest chat between Andy Wright, Co-Founder of Never Not Creative and CEO of Streamtime, and Renee Hyde, Group Managing Director at Howatson+Company, dives right into that knotty question. Their conversation is a welcome reality check on what really drives success in the creative world — and you might find it more reassuring than you expect.
When Andy asked Renee about the balance between talent and sheer persistence in her career, her reply was quick and pretty striking:
"99% not giving up, 1% talent."
That might sound extreme, but Renee’s story shows exactly what she means. She didn’t start with a clear plan or an obvious knack for advertising that had her destined for success.
"I had no idea what I wanted to do when I left school. I went to performing arts school, I thought I wanted to be an actress. And then I saw how many people desperately wanted my dream and I was like I don't think I want it quite enough to dedicate my life to it."
What’s so refreshing about Renee’s story is how openly she talks about the messy reality of figuring it all out. Her career didn’t follow a neat, straight line — far from it. She tried things, changed her mind, made unexpected choices, and just kept putting one foot in front of the other.
"I had business, dentistry, all like very bizarre preferences. And I ended up doing a business degree and I was choosing my majors in the second year and I said to my mom, I think I might do accounting. I'm pretty good at it. It's quite easy... And she said, oh, you're far too interesting for that."
And so she found her way into marketing, and then advertising — almost accidentally — thanks to a family connection. It’s a good reminder that you don’t always have to have a master plan. Sometimes it’s more about staying open to what comes your way and being willing to change tack.
If there’s one thread running through Renee’s journey, it’s this: what kept her moving wasn’t raw talent alone, but a genuine love for what she does.
"I honestly have always just been so passionate about the process of creation and the teamwork in our industry. I love the people part of it. I love the connection."
That passion fuelled her persistence. Even when things got really tough — like running big accounts she’d never tackled before or starting a new company with a nine-month-old baby in tow — she kept going.
"Most of my success I would 100% put down to just working harder and not ever kind of giving up at the biggest challenges."
Another thing that stands out is how Renee handles the stuff she doesn’t know (which, let’s face it, is where many of us freeze up). She doesn’t see it as a reason to back away — she just gets stuck in and figures it out as she goes.
"I came back here, had a baby and then went and ran the Samsung account, which was media. I'd never run a media account. I had no idea how to do, what a top was, you know, and I kind of learnt that."
And when she and her team started their own company? Same story:
"For the first 3 years, we didn't have a CFO. I had no idea how to run a P&L, but we were doing it."
Andy raised a point that hits home for many of us — success isn’t always 100% within our control. Opportunity and timing play a huge part too. Renee knows this well and she shared how she tackled timing that felt anything but ideal:
"I had a 9 month old baby when we started Howatson+Company and I was like this is just the worst timing but I'm gonna regret this so much if I don't do it."
It’s a good reminder that the “perfect moment” rarely arrives gift-wrapped. Sometimes you just have to say yes and trust you’ll figure it out, messy timing and all.
One thing Renee is clear about: you can’t do it alone. The people around you matter. A lot.
"I'm also a huge advocate for putting support around yourself that helps you be successful. So I've had wonderful help and wonderful support from my family and my husband as well."
And perhaps her biggest superpower? Knowing which leaders to follow:
"I think my actual best talent in the industry has been to follow great leaders I've had great leaders that have really supported me, championed me, taught me."
Throughout their chat, a few golden threads about mindset kept popping up:
If you take nothing else from this, remember this: success isn’t reserved for the innately gifted. It’s not about having it all figured out from the get-go. It’s about staying curious, learning as you go, finding good people to have in your corner, and — above all — not giving up when things get tough.
So next time you find yourself wondering if you’ve got what it takes, think of Renee’s 99% to 1% ratio. Your persistence, your curiosity, your willingness to make mistakes and keep going — those are the things that really matter.
And you’re definitely not alone in feeling this way. The best part? That 99% is all yours to control.
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Leads client partnerships at Howatson+Company with experience in global brands, media, CX & comms. Mentor, mental health first aider, industry leader & mum of two who loves sleep—when she gets it.
Psychologist with 13 years’ experience, developing Taking Up Space for women who people-please, focusing on emotional awareness & authentic living. Works with eHarmony Australia & major media.
Founder of Never Not Creative, CEO of Streamtime & co-chair of Mentally Healthy, driven to make the creative industry fairer & more human. Believes great work should never cost wellbeing.
