This is the second article in a series of interviews exploring the career and life journey, highlights, pauses and key decision points leading to change for women in the media industry.

The aim of this series is to reflect on wisdom gained through formal and informal education, significant supporters, detractors, inner voice and the impact this has had driving forward or shaping their career. We cover women in all stages of their career and try to discover information that will be useful to others as they progress through their careers.

Each participant was also asked to share their story as mentors and give key takeaways to others in the industry.

This profile is on Laura Bouchet – Content Director of Triple M.

1. Describe your current professional life and your stage of life.

I’m the Content Director of Triple M Sydney, a role I stepped into in October 2024 after five years at Triple M in EP and ACD roles. Since taking on this leadership position, it’s been a challenging and exciting ride — in 2025 alone, my team and I have launched four new shows: Beau, Cat & Woodsy, Dead Set Legends with Maroon & Josh Mansour, The Rush Hour with Maroon, Nathan Hindmarsh and Millie Elliott, and Lu & Jarch. It’s been high-energy, high-stakes, and hugely rewarding.

Professionally, it’s the busiest I’ve ever been — and personally, it’s much the same! I’m a mum to two gorgeous, energetic kids (an 8-year-old who’s signed up for every extracurricular under the sun and a whirlwind 4-year-old), plus a puppy, a disgruntled cat and two chickens. Life is full, noisy and fun. My head is spinning every day — and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

2. How did you come to be in this industry?

Honestly? A happy series of accidents.

After a few misfires at uni (criminology… what was I thinking?), I returned to what I’d always been drawn to — storytelling. I wanted to be a journalist or work on a show like Sydney Weekender (which rejected me more times than I’d like to admit). I started a media and communications diploma, and through a high school friend, landed a job on the street team for The Edge 96.1, Mix 106.5 and WSFM.

That opportunity opened doors I didn’t even know existed. From managing the street team, to moving into promotions, and then accidentally becoming a breakfast producer for Jonesy and Amanda when someone called in sick, to then becoming the EP— I fell in love with the energy and creativity of live radio. I nearly said no to that first producer role because I was in my early 20s and terrified of the breakfast hours, but that “yes” changed my entire career.

I didn’t follow a conventional path. I didn’t even have a resume most of the time. My work ethic and reputation spoke for themselves, and each step forward came from people recognising that. I worked my butt off, and people gave me chances.

3. What are your core beliefs? How are your values evident in the work you do or the life you lead?

I believe in honesty, transparency, and listening. As a leader, my job is to put people before programs — because radio is people. You can’t create great content without first creating a great culture.

I’ve always led with a quieter strength. I’m not the loudest voice in the room. I’m considered. I listen. For a long time, I was told to be louder, tougher, more aggressive — and maybe that meant I got overlooked. But I stayed true to myself. The people who recognised my quiet determination and kindness gave me the chances that shaped my career.

Now, I’m proud to lead by being authentically me — and I encourage others to do the same.

4. How did your education — formal and informal — enrich your life and career?

My diploma gave me a solid foundation, but the real learning came from doing and absorbing all the knowledge I could from people I looked up to.

So many small moments made a big impact. As a street teamer, I was once asked to record the late, great Sammy Power during a car trip. I didn’t know what I was doing, but I did my best — and at the end, she told her boss, “This girl’s great, hire her as a producer!” That moment lit something in me.

Ron E Sparks was an early mentor. He gave me honest, often brutal, feedback — but always with generosity and care. We spent hours talking radio and leadership, and he consistently reminded me to trust who I was and lead in my own way.

People like Charlie Fox showed me you can lead with both strategy and a sense of fun and quirkiness. Ben Latimer taught me the nuts and bolts of great producing. Working with Jonesy and Amanda was like getting a masterclass every single day — their work ethic and Amanda’s razor-sharp wit was incredible. One of my proudest moments was when she laughed at a joke I made and used it on air. Just one joke — the rest were all hers! But I floated for a week.

Scott Muller, who I’ve worked with at both ARN and SCA, has one of the most analytical brains in the industry. His ability to break things down and find clarity in complexity has taught me so much.

More recently, Rex Morris at Triple M championed me endlessly. He included me in major strategic decisions, mentored me through challenges, and handed over the CD role with generosity and grace. He still checks in with me to this day.

I also have two phenomenal leadership mentors in Rebecca Ackland and Tracy Patterson — both are absolute powerhouses. Rebecca has taught me the art of creative problem-solving, the kind where you cut through the noise and get to the real issue. Tracy is someone I deeply admire for her strength and honesty in navigating both career and parenthood. Every time I watch either of them present, it’s a masterclass in public speaking and leadership.

Then there are my everyday champions. Matt O’Reilly and Dave Cameron, who support, encourage, and back me in every single day. Their belief in me has been a constant driver and a reminder of what happens when good leadership meets trust.

5. What were your key decision points and how did they shape your journey?

Taking the leap to join Triple M in 2019 was the biggest and best decision of my career.

I left a stable, successful show with talented and wonderful people to jump into the unknown. Why? Because I knew I needed to grow. I wanted to prove myself in a new environment and show others what I was capable of.

It was terrifying. But it forced me to stretch, take ownership of my career path, and back myself in. It changed everything.

6. What makes you happy? What gets you out of bed in the morning?

Honestly? The team at Triple M. We have a strict “no d**khead” policy — and it’s the most dynamic team I’ve ever worked with. We laugh together, support each other, are courageous with ideas and make genuinely impactful radio moments. That energy and creativity gets me out of bed.

And of course, my kids. They are funny, wild, sweet, stubborn little legends who also happen to be my best mates. Watching them grow into their own little selves is one of the greatest joys of my life.

7. Share your words of wisdom for others in the industry.

Do the job you have now as if it’s your dream job. Even if it’s not. Someone is watching. Someone is noticing. Be helpful always.

Gratitude matters. We’re lucky to work in a creative, fast-paced industry where your idea can be live on-air minutes later. That’s magic.

Find a mentor. Someone whose job you admire. Ask them for advice, not a job. Be curious. Be humble.

Be kind online. Especially on industry pages. Don’t just criticise and spread hate — offer solutions and support. Real people are reading. Future employers are watching. Don’t burn bridges you haven’t crossed yet.

And to Women in particular

Be yourself. Don’t feel like you need to lead like a man to be effective. You don’t need to be louder or tougher or “more assertive” to be taken seriously. You just need to be authentic — and let everyone else catch up.

I’ve navigated plenty of tricky team dynamics and heard the same phrase more than once: “That needed a woman to manage.” What they really meant was it needed empathy, emotional intelligence, and calm — none of which are exclusive to women but are often more expected from us.

Don’t shrink from those moments. Don’t feel like you must change your style to fit a mould. Instead, show what effective leadership looks like on your terms. Quiet strength, kindness, clarity — these are superpowers.

And finally, remember: You belong here. Even if you’re the only woman in the room. Especially then.

8. Describe your vision for the future of the audio media industry.

Audio will always evolve — but at its heart, it’s about connection. Whether it’s linear radio, podcasting, or digital storytelling, our challenge and opportunity is to stay human. To stay relevant. And to keep surprising audiences in meaningful ways.

I’d love to see more diversity — in voices, ideas, leadership. The future of audio should reflect the future of Australia.

9. What role would you like to play in shaping the future of audio?

I want to champion kind, thoughtful, creative leadership in our industry. I want to mentor the next generation, especially those who don’t fit the traditional mould of what a leader “should” look or sound like.

I want to help build workplaces where people feel supported, seen, and empowered to take risks. Because that’s where the best content — and the best culture — comes from.

BEST SHOW PRODUCER – ENTERTAINMENT/MUSIC Laura Viglino (Bouchet)

Series compiled by Serena Ahern for radioinfo.

If you have a suggestion for someone to be considered for this series, please send a note to [email protected]

Previous articles in this series:

Wisdom of Women in Media: Lauren Joyce, Chief Audience & Content Officer ARN