Authors names

Simon Kozak

Affiliations

Head of Brand, Marketing and Communications – Ember Communications Lead – Equally Well NZ Founder – HORIZON, the first MHAID sector magazine for Aotearoa and Australia

Introduction

You Really DON’T Want to Control the Narrative is a fast-paced, funny, and no-nonsense tour through what it takes to actually communicate well—especially when we want to give proper voice to the work we do and the people we do it for.

Designed for anyone involved in marketing, communications, or stakeholder engagement—and for anyone tired of seeing good stories buried under layers of fluff—this session covers:

Cutting through the crap: how to stop losing sight of what matters
Writing and presenting with clarity
The dangerous appeal of ‘ecosystems’ and other meaningless buzzwords Understanding your real audience vs. the one just hanging around Storytelling without the waffle
Structuring your message so it actually gets heard.
This is essential learning for anyone in the Equally Well space who’s responsible for giving voice to lived experience, cutting through diagnostic overshadowing, and supporting the vast and varied cohort of people doing their best to drive real change.

Discussion

Attendees will walk away with pragmatic tools, smart tips, and a few home truths about what makes communication in the MHAID sector effective—or not. This isn’t theory. It’s tested in the field, with results.

With 30 years in advertising and seven years leading communication in the mental health and addiction sector, Simon Kozak has seen it all—from the slick spin of Mad Men to the grit of lived experience. A recovering alcoholic with 15 years’ sobriety, Simon brings a unique blend of professional insight and personal truth to this entertaining and sharp-edged talk.