Omar Oakes

Journalist. Industry critic. Narrative Unleasher for independent media + advertising leaders.

Most leaders in this industry have a better voice ‘off the record’ than on it.

oomph. exists to fix that.

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Most coverage of the media and advertising world reads like a press release in disguise.

Ad-verse Reactions is the antidote. This Substack is where I make sense of how media and advertising really work.

Subscribe for free to get:

  • Stories that matter: a weekly digest of the stories that matter in our industry, stripped of hype and spin.

  • Ad Survival Guide for Small Business: practical, plain-spoken advice for smaller advertisers who want to stop wasting money online. (COMING SOON!)

  • Ideas that matter: lessons from books and ideas that sharpen my writing and consulting work.

Close-up portrait of a man with dark, short, curly hair and hazel eyes, wearing a black jacket against a gray background.

I’m Omar: a journalist and commentator with 15+ years covering the real workings of media, advertising and technology.

I help independent CEOs, founders and senior marketers find a clearer, braver and more compelling narrative — one that cuts through industry noise and shows people who they really are.

Not PR. Not spin. Not even “content.”

Just clarity, courage and competitive separation.

Learn more

Narrative Unleashed

Narrative Unleashed

Explore Narrative Unleashed →

The flagship programme for independent leaders who want a stronger, more authentic public voice.

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Why your narrative is stuck.

Everyone in our industry talks.

Very few actually say anything.

Corporate-safe language, jargon-heavy positioning and leader profiles engineered not to offend have created an ecosystem where the smartest people sound the most boring.

You know exactly what you stand for — you just don’t sound like it.

Because the industry isn’t short on intelligence.

It’s short on honesty, originality and narrative discipline.

That’s the problem I’ve built oomph. to solve.

What people say

  • “Omar instantly understood both our product and the broader marketing challenge we’re solving. He has a rare ability to translate complex ideas into sharp, strategic content that doesn’t sound like generic B2B fluff. It was refreshing to work with someone who actually knows this industry and can speak directly to the kind of clients we want to reach."

    Ronny Golan
    Co-founder and CEO, ViewersLogic Group

  • “Omar is a total professional who gets the work done efficiently, gives you the fullness of his attention and ultimately has your back. Having Omar onside is a distinct competitive advantage for any client. He’s been instrumental in helping me shape strategy and thought leadership for a major media owner client, and his ghostwriting on award entries for a leading consumer brand was pitch-perfect.”

    Kat Levy
    Founder, Furious PR

  • “Working with Omar on our Global Ad Trends report was a brilliant experience. He brought the rare combination of editorial sharpness and deep industry knowledge — someone who understands the nuances of media, but also how to tell a story that cuts through. His ability to distil complexity and deliver high-quality work under pressure made him an invaluable partner.”

    Alex Brownsell
    Head of Content, WARC Media

    WARC's quarterly Global Ad Trends report (Apr 2025)
  • “Omar brought clarity, energy and sharp editorial judgment to our panel at the PPA Festival, helping to make it one of the day’s standout sessions. He guided the conversation with authority and warmth, challenging thinking and inspiring ideas. A true professional—collaborative, insightful and unflappable. His contribution played a vital role in making this our best-attended festival yet.”

    Sajeeda Merali,
    CEO, Professional Publishers’ Association

    (left-right:) Omar, Tracy De Groose (CEO, William Reed) and Phil Thomas (Chairman, Informa Events)
  • “Omar understands how influence and B2B marketing are evolving, especially in fast-moving, digital-first spaces where traditional ’thought leadership’ tactics don’t always cut through. He knows our world, stays plugged into industry shifts, and writes with clarity and authority. That mix of insight and craft makes him a valuable partner for any agency looking to stay relevant and communicate in a way that actually lands.”

    Hannah Baker
    Chief Marketing Officer, Brave Bison

  • “Omar is more than a journalist; he’s a strategic extension to your marketing team and a valuable asset to any business. He is excellent at cutting through the industry noise and working alongside clients to shape content, storytelling and outreach that feel effortlessly aligned. I’d highly recommend working with Omar to create strategic storytelling that delivers results.”

    Joanne Brenner
    Founder, Ten27 comms + former global head of marketing at MediaCom

  • “Omar built a publication that consistently punched above its weight, making The Media Leader the most important, insightful and opinionated voice in our industry. While I was gutted to see him go, I’m proud to now call him a partner. He brings sharp thinking, high standards and deep editorial instinct to everything he does, especially in shaping events content and hosting on stage with authority and flair.”

    Steve Scaffardi
    Global CEO, Events & Publishing, Adwanted Group

    Panel discussion at a conference with five people seated on stage in front of a blue backdrop with logos and text.

Let’s make something with oomph.

Whether you need a ghostwriter who actually gets this industry, a no-fluff content strategist, or a sharp moderator for your next event — I’m here for it.

Fill out the form, or reach me directly:

📧 Email: omar@oomphoomph.com

LinkedIn: Let’s connect

📅 Book a call: Just pick a time to meet