OUR TEAM

Maria De Conno

Managing Director
Chair, Australian Marketing Institute SA
BA Communications / PgD Marketing
CPM Certified Practising Marketer
Fellow Australian Marketing Institute

LinkedIn

As founder and managing director of Fig Tree Digital, Maria leads the team in marketing and digital strategy. Her direction and ability in combining trends, technology and marketing with business objectives delivers outstanding results.

As a Marketing leader, Maria is Chair of Australian Marketing Institute in SA where she connects, engages and leads marketing professionals in continual learning and inspiration.

Maria is Fellow of the Australian Marketing Institute and Certified Practising Marketer and long standing member of the Association for Data-driven Marketing and Advertising.

“I saw an opportunity in the market place. Bringing digital, creative, marketing work together – it was the next stage of the marketing mix:  people, data, analytics, loyalty, social media… all merged together to deliver effective results.

I’m so proud of what we’ve created at Fig Tree Digital. For me, this is the new age of creative digital marketing agency – modern, digital and consumer-focused. A studio focusing on great work, great client relationships.

If I could retire tomorrow with an unlimited fortune, I don’t even have to think twice about what I would do! A long, relaxing holiday to Europe and then Fiji – they are both on my bucket list.

My other favourite way to relax is a lazy sleep in, cooking with my daughter India, and reading a book. That’s my idea of bliss!”

Maria’s Secret Superhero Status: Elasti-Girl. Her ability to shrink, grow and stretch any way she wants inspires Maria’s approach to life and business. Her quick moves and fast actions can save the day!

Maria’s favourite inspirational quote: “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.” (Dr Seuss)

Lee Welch

Client and Communications Manager
BA AALIA, DipJ, PG Certificate Gastronomy

LinkedIn

Lee uses her broad skills combination and experience to assist our clients with managing their digital marketing projects, along with undertaking content creation and strategy development.

Lee describes her career path as ‘crazy paving’; starting out as a librarian, following that up with participating in a pilot international leadership program and assisting to establish the program in Australia, veering into journalism, marketing and communications, and then diverting into gastronomy before immersing herself back in anything to do with words. Along the way she has written a couple of books about marketing, and content for just about every communication channel and format, installed a few CRMs, adapting to client needs in diverse situations –  including once creating a library system using old folders and shoe glue.

“I honestly get such a buzz working with clients as a partner and enabler, sharing their progress to achieve their goals. I am always curious about the details and the nuances of what people do, and how things work. Joining those dots is part of the Fig Tree DNA and that’s what really attracted me to my role.

Away from work you’ll find me (and my collection of 600+ cookbooks) having fun in the kitchen, being still and watching the local wildlife, reading (just about anything) or doing taxi duty for my fur family’s playdates.”

Lee’s Secret Superhero Status: Dr Who. It’s a “timey wimey” thing for Lee,  juggling multiple project dimensions of space and time, and client deadlines. (Also, Dr Who has a dog.)

Lee’s favourite inspirational quote comes from poet Mary Oliver: “Instructions for living a life: Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it.”

Sasha Das

Media Manager

BA Journalism (Hons) & Masters in Media (Strategic Communications)

LinkedIn

Sasha Das, also known as Kanishtha, brings a Masters in Media in Strategic Communication along with a sharp understanding of how people connect with stories in the digital space to her role at Fig Tree. Her background spans social media management, ads and copywriting, supported by an instinct for problem solving and an ability to adapt with ease in fast changing environments.

I have always believed that good communication begins with understanding people and the stories they respond to. Through my work across social media, content creation and strategic campaigns, I have learned how to create messages that feel genuine and meaningful. My experiences across different cultures have shaped the way I approach creativity and empathy in every project. I enjoy building content that is thoughtful, visually engaging and supported by a clear strategy that helps brands connect with their audiences in a real and lasting way.

Sasha’s Secret Superhero Status: Shuri- she is smart, innovative and always ahead of the curve. Shuri represents creativity rooted in intelligence and strategy. This mirrors my blend of strategic thinking, digital understanding and polished content creation.

Sasha’s favourite inspirational quote: ““Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.” – Vincent Van Gogh

Melanie Bartholomaeus

Creative Designer

LinkedIn

Melanie is a versatile Creative Designer with a strong background in branding, graphic design, and design strategy. Her proficiency spans, corporate branding, layout design and creating supporting visual elements that drive impactful marketing campaigns. Passionate about visual excellence, she combines an analytical mindset with a keen aesthetic sense, ensuring her designs are both engaging and strategically effective.

She believes in lifelong learning and is currently advancing her French language learning while immersing herself in Adelaide’s French-speaking community. She also has a deep interest in nutrition and cuisine. With her curiosity and adaptability, Melanie is an invaluable asset to any creative project.

“I love seeing how design has the ability to motivate change and have a positive impact”

Melanie’s Secret Superhero Status: Mulan. Integrity and inner strength. Melanie approaches every challenge with steady determination and clear purpose. Her work reflects a foundation of strong values, with a focus on meaningful and impactful design.

Melanie’s favourite inspirational quote: “Creativity is intelligence having fun.”– Albert Einstein

Michael Garratt

Digital Developer
Advanced Diploma Computer Systems Diploma, Multimedia

LinkedIn

Michael is Fig Tree’s Digital Developer, bringing more than 10 years experience in custom digital development. Michael’s extensive custom web development knowledge and experience is integral to our work developing new websites and technical support across technology platforms.

Michael thrives on the challenge of making the most of available technology tools and adapting to the constant changes and challenges of the digital environment. He provides our clients with expert assistance and guidance on website hosting, domain management, email marketing technology and web development.

Away from his keyboards and screens, Michael splits his time between his love of sport and tending his vegie patch.

Michael’s Secret Superhero Status: Hawkeye. He has laser focus on executing plans and is an innovative expert at improvisation when the situation calls for it.

Michael’s favourite inspirational quote: “Respect for ourselves guides our morals; respect for others guides our manners.” (Laurence Stern)