Think your job is tough? Imagine you are a career counsellor and you have been presented with belligerent former Labor leader, Mark Latham.
Following his ouster by Sky News this week, just what do you do with this human train wreck?
Might there be work elsewhere in Rupert Murdoch's News Corp empire following his sacking from Sky News by the boss, Angelos Frangopoulos.
Sky execs gave Outsiders every encouragement, always urging us on (love ratings), so thanks for everything, up to point of thrown under bus??? Real Mark Latham (@RealMarkLatham) March 29, 2017
His column with CBD stablemate, the Australian Financial Review is long gone, as was his short-lived stint at Nine with Karl Stefanovic's risible show, The Verdict.
A call to Murdoch's The Daily Telegraph elicited the response that he still enjoys a home there.
"Mark Latham will continue as a contributing columnist to The Daily Telegraph," the paper told CBD.
What about other tweets from Latham's Real Mark Latham Twitter account hinting at overtures from Kerry Stokes' Seven?
"I was told to drop Ch 7 contract-"Sky exclusive"!!," the account tweeted on Thursday.
"Civil/respectful" not issue under big plan: move Outsiders to Mon-Thur 6-7pm timeslot. I was told to drop Ch 7 contract-"Sky exclusive"!!??? Real Mark Latham (@RealMarkLatham) March 30, 2017
Seven West Media confirmed that Latham is off contract with the network. He was in negotiations for a news/current affairs role with Seven the network at one stage but opted for a more lucrative offer from Sky News.
CBD is not sure that Latham's invite to next Thursday's night of nights for The Sydney Institute - its annual dinner - still stands. According to another Latham tweet he still has an invite to sit on the Sky table with Sky News boss, Angelos 'Frangipane' Frangopoulos.
"Civil and respectful" enough to be invited onto Frangipane's table at Syd Instit Gala Dinner next Thursday night. Trigger warning if I go!!??? Real Mark Latham (@RealMarkLatham) March 30, 2017
Wouldn't that be worth the price of admission.
He could always turn his back on media and have another go at the thoroughbred industry he so loves.
In 2014, the boards of Thoroughbred Breeders Australia and Aushorse??? Marketing, overlooked our former Labor leader as the chief executive of both bodies.
Is it time for another crack at the racing track?
He could consider crossing over from punter to representing the bookies.
He would certainly have more knowledge of the betting ring than his former colleague Stephen Conroy who is now executive director of Responsible Wagering Australia (RWA).
You would never guess it from the name but RWA It is a new industry body backed by bookmakers James Packer's CrownBet, Sportsbet, Betfair, Unibet and Bet365.
The bookie client base is overwhelmingly male, Latham would feel right at home.
Late bet
Speaking of mixing politics and gambling.
Sportsbet got caught on the hop when Peter Reith was unfortunate enough to suffer a stroke last week and withdraw his bid to unseat the Liberal party's Victorian president Michael Kroger.
Punters told CBD that it kept its betting open after it had become apparent that poor Reith would be in no shape to continue his campaign.
"The market was suspended as soon as we became aware of Mr. Reith's stroke on the 22nd of March at 2pm and all bets will be voided on him out of respect," Sportsbet told CBD.
Sportsbet's back tracking might help Conroy when he is lobbying in Canberra. One of the doors he would be knocking on his Communications minister Mitch Fifield who has authority over the latest crackdown on gambling advertising. Fifield was apparently backing Reith's bid.
Mather makes three
The departure of Kerrie Mather from Sydney Airport will continue a troubling trend for Australia's meagre stock of female CEOs.
We started the year with only 10 female CEOs in the ASX200. Mather's departure means it will soon be down to eight.
Bellamy's Laura McBain departed - for obvious reasons - in January this year.
Outside the ASX200, Energy Resources Australia boss, Andrea Sutton, has just announced plans to leave the uranium miner and join its major shareholder, Rio Tinto, in a senior role.
The only bright spot has been the recent appointment of Ilana Atlas as Coca Cola Amatil's new chairman to replace David Gonski. With the talented Alison Watkins in the CEO role, it will create a rare all female team at the top of one of our big corporates.
Follow CBD on Twitter. Got a tip? ckruger@fairfaxmedia.com.au
