How Far We’ve Come – International Women’s Day
This International Women's Day, we’ve gathered powerful insights from leading women in the advertising industry who are paving the way for future generations. These trailblazing professionals share their personal journeys, invaluable experiences, and advice for young women stepping into the world of advertising. Their words inspire resilience, ambition, and the drive to shape the future of the industry.
This International Women's Day, we’ve gathered powerful insights from leading women in the advertising industry who are paving the way for future generations. These trailblazing professionals share their personal journeys, invaluable experiences, and advice for young women stepping into the world of advertising. Their words inspire resilience, ambition, and the drive to shape the future of the industry.
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"Part of the reason I got into advertising was by following in the footsteps of women I looked up to. I stayed because of the women I met — those who empowered me and helped me carve my own path. Beyond my day-to-day job, I’ve learned so much from them — how to advocate for myself, the importance of uplifting other women, and the value of having ladies to listen and lean on. I like to think most of the badass women in this industry have learned these same lessons and are eager to pass them along. So, for the girls questioning their next move — reach out to someone who inspires you. A little conversation can go a long way."
“My journey is a very organic one. Over the course of 23 years, I've held different positions in marketing and advertising which enabled me to have a few vantage points. These positions reinforced my planning and problem-solving skills. I draw inspiration from my own personal life, taking learnings from motherhood and applying them to my work life. The soft skills I have picked up from watching small humans transition into semi-adult humans, help me work through challenges I face at work.
My advice for the next generation of leaders is to really get to know and embrace who you are as a human. Stay true to your voice and core beliefs, and you’ll navigate and filter obstacles much easier in your career. Finally, try not to take everything too seriously and find some humor in the challenges you face in the day-to-day.”
"Sharing my journey as a woman in ad land should not be a story that still needs to be told in 2025. But my journey is still riddled with the same inequities that generations of women faced before me. My advice to women? Stop operating as a “first lady.” Our ideas happen behind closed doors, usually resulting in someone more senior in title presenting our work, on our behalf. This means our hundreds of slides, late-night debates, sacrificed weekends—our greatness—make only one person look great. It’s an old guard operation designed to allow a select few to dominate leadership roles. We cannot exceed expectations if we do not smash them first. Take it from a first lady herself, Eleanor Roosevelt, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” When a woman dares to put herself first, she will lead us all to the front. "
"Everyone refers to careers as ‘journeys’, but this is an industry where that idea actually comes to life if you let it. My advice would be to let it – with the work as your guide.
I’ve gone from one side of the world to the other in my work – Australia, Paris, New York and destinations in between. I’ve crossed every boundary you can think of in my work – the conventions of feminine care product marketing with Kotex, the COVID bubble with Michelob ‘Courtside’, the idea of social-led creative campaigns with CeraVe, the biggest brand equity rule there is with Coca-Cola.
Concentrate on the work. If we’re being honest – and let’s do be honest – it’s always and only the work that will truly satisfy that nagging sense, the need for an adrenaline rush, the full-lunged-ready-to-release feeling.
The work is also what will open doors. I’ve never thought of myself as a woman in advertising, only as a creative at the table. If a barrier exists, use the work to break it down. I guarantee there’s a work-around, in creativity and in life. So find it."
"As a woman—and a woman of color—my journey in advertising has been about showing up with purpose and intention while challenging the deep-rooted preconceptions that still exist in this industry. My advice to younger women is to own their space in every room they enter, have the confidence to make mistakes—because that’s how we learn and grow—and, most importantly, be each other’s biggest allies. We rise by lifting each other."
“Creativity and uniqueness are two of the driving forces in advertising. My advice to women entering this field is to embrace your individuality and always be true to yourself. You are one of a kind. So never forget—or underestimate—the significance of your contributions and the value you bring to the table.
Never be afraid to speak up and use your voice. A team’s success depends on collectively tapping into every member’s unique perspective. Make your ideas and voice know. But at the same time remember it’s not about being the loudest voice in the room. It’s about using your voice with purpose and intention. Focus on being intentional, not forceful. That’s the secret to making a real impact and earning the respect of those around you.”
“Don't try to take a linear path in the industry. The advertising industry evolves very quickly, so make your own path. Connect with people who are similar to you – path-wise, interest-wise, work style, etc. Connect with people completely different than you – path wise, interest wise, work style, etc. Immerse yourself in more ways than one.”
"Advertising's been a wild ride of learning and figuring things out. Early on, I noticed there weren't many women in creative leadership, so I had to make my own way. Then, becoming a mom four years ago really kicked things up a notch! But those moments when an idea clicks and really touches someone? That's what makes it all worth it. I'm inspired by real life, the messy, beautiful truth of being human.
My advice? Just be yourself. Seriously. This industry needs you. Your weirdness, your passions, the way you see things. Don't be afraid to speak up, even if you're nervous. Find your people, the ones who support you and push you to be better. And remember, the best ideas usually come from your gut. Trust it."
"In the advertising industry, every success that you hear about was built upon many lessons learned, sleepless nights and incredible teamwork. In my experience, every successful team has tenacity and passion for great work.
When breaking into the industry, I applied for an internship at my ideal agency, not once, but twice and even though I had the grades and the right degree - I didn’t even get an interview. It was discouraging but I didn’t give up - I got internships at other agencies, found a connection and leveraged it to get an interview. And once I got the internship, I used it to demonstrate my passion for the work. For those ready to start their careers, find any opportunity and make the most of it. Each one is a stepping stone in your journey."
"Over the years I have worked with and learnt from truly inspirational, smart women leaders—and I’m equally fortunate to remain surrounded by women who continue to have a positive impact on my career at Havas. Many of these women have directly supported my growth and straightened my crown when needed. I’ve benefited hugely from being surrounded by role models and highly recommend building a strong network. Connecting with peers, mentors and industry leaders to gain diverse viewpoints and new insights is invaluable to you as a person and professional. One of the greatest pieces of advice I can offer to young women entering the industry is: Be interested and be interesting. Genuine curiosity and a unique perspective not only strengthen peer and client relationships but also foster continuous learning. And finally—say yes to new opportunities and share your opinions, even when it feels uncomfortable. It’s in these moments that you grow the most."
"As a young Indigenous dreamer envisioning a future in art direction or photography, I found my true calling in production during my design studies. For the first time, I discovered a field where I could merge high creativity with my problem-solving mindset. I quickly moved from coordination roles to producing large-scale commercial shoots, always pushing the limits of every dollar invested.
Beyond my passion for impactful imagery, I fell in love with an industry filled with brilliant creators, passionate suppliers, and ever-evolving challenges—from technical equipment needs to squeezed timelines and never-ending list of deliverables.
Today, I lead an agile and creative production department at one of North America’s most inspiring VFX studios, overseeing a roster of established talented artists and navigating a global playing field. From traditional advertising to on-the-ground brand activations, we bring it all under one roof.
My advice? Stay curious, be bold, embrace challenges, find solutions, and build strong relationships. The magic of production lies in the mix of collaboration and passion (and learning to say no—without actually saying no)."
"I’ve been lucky enough to find women in the industry who inspire me to embrace my uniqueness and take up space. Always trust your instincts, speak up and know that your voice matters!"
“My journey in advertising has been all about embracing creativity, resilience, passion, and the power of storytelling. Our industry is fast-paced and challenging, but it also offers immense growth potential and incredible rewards. To young women aspiring to break into advertising: Your unique perspective is your greatest strength. Be bold, build meaningful connections, and never stop learning. Representation matters – seek out mentors and role models who inspire you, regardless of gender. Believe in your vision, and don’t be afraid to take risks. Regardless of age, I firmly believe that passion and performance are what truly count.”
"I'm incredibly grateful to the fierce female leaders I've worked with. My journey hasn't been a straight line, but I've learned that real growth comes from embracing the unexpected and cultivating adaptability. Don't be afraid to forge your own path, even if it's unconventional. Actively seek feedback from all sources – clients, partners, colleagues, and, importantly, those you lead. Surround yourself with champions who believe in you - but also embrace the tough lessons that come with challenging experiences and career bobbles. That’s where real growth develops. To young women entering this industry: be resilient, seek out diverse experiences, and never underestimate the power of transforming setbacks into invaluable learning."
"In advertising—and in life—you are always selling. Period. The sooner you accept that, the faster you’ll rise. If you’re a creative, you’re selling your ideas. If you’re in media, you’re selling your strategy. If you’re an account executive, you’re selling initiatives and timelines. The best in this business aren’t just skilled at their craft—they know how to persuade and inspire action.
For young women breaking into the industry, here’s my advice: know exactly what you’re selling, own your voice, and never wait for permission to take up space. Be relentless in learning, fearless in advocating for yourself, and unapologetic in pushing your ideas forward. This industry doesn’t reward the silent—it rewards those who sell their vision with conviction. So step up, speak up, and take what’s yours."
"Advertising appears to demand perfection—but the toughest standards were always my own. For a long time, I believed success depended on flawless strategies and polished presentations. I chased perfection relentlessly, fearing vulnerability and hiding mistakes, convinced I had to overdeliver just to prove my worth. Having kids intensified this tension, forcing me to recognize that holding myself to impossible standards wasn’t just exhausting—it was dangerous. As women, we often internalize the illusion that we must achieve more simply to be seen as equal, reinforcing a harmful cycle of perfectionism. But our real power emerges when we reject this illusion. I've been fortunate to learn from inspiring female leaders who've shown me that true influence isn’t about perfect outputs—it’s about the relationships we nurture, the diplomacy we practice, and trusting that our early ideas can flourish through collaborative leadership. This creates a legacy far more enduring than perfection ever could."
"Breaking into advertising wasn’t just about proving myself—it was about reshaping the rules of leadership in an industry built on bold ideas and fearless innovation. As a woman in ad land, I’ve had to defy expectations, carve my own path through spaces that weren’t always made for me, and turn every challenge into an opportunity. But personal success was never the end goal—my mission has always been bigger.
It’s about creating a world where talent shatters stereotypes, where creativity knows no gender, and where the next generation of women in advertising doesn’t just enter the room—they take the lead. Because real progress isn’t just about breaking barriers—it’s about eliminating them entirely. We need more voices, more perspectives, and more revolutionary ideas shaping the future of this industry. The time for change isn’t tomorrow—it’s now. And we are the ones driving it forward."
"My career started at a downtown Cleveland agency in the 80s. I was the client’s daughter – and that came with a stigma at a time where being a woman in the ad men world was challenging enough. But this fueled me to prove my worth and not let anyone tell me otherwise. Thankfully, throughout 37 years in the business, I’ve encountered many badass women: Sarah Melamed, Joanne Kim, Nancy Hill. Strong, respected leaders who remain wholly true to themselves. At Marcus Thomas, I’m proud to lead The Table, our agency affinity group for women. (Alongside Stephanie Burris, another badass female leader.) At The Table, we share and learn. Openly and endlessly. If you’re just starting your career, don’t be afraid to use connections to get a foot in the door. Reach out to women who inspire you. Learn from them, be empowered by them, become one of them yourself."
"There’s an absolute stack of evidence to prove that businesses with gender equity at board level are better for everyone – commercially and culturally. And it’s vital to emphasise the gender equity point. But this isn’t about a giant female takeover. It’s about mutual support, admiration and respect. Because the male allies that champion this truth are the ones that really make the difference. So, whilst I’ve been lucky enough to have loads of female champions all the way through my career, I’m all up for giving a shout out to the men too."
"When I first started in advertising in my early 20s, I was thrown right into the deep end—running high-stakes new business pitches, working with agency leaders and clients, and figuring out how to hold my own in big conversations. It didn’t take long to realize that my voice and perspective mattered just as much as anyone else’s.
I’ve been lucky to work alongside incredible women in this industry who’ve mentored and inspired me and given me the opportunity to partner with them on impactful and culture shaping work—which is pretty amazing. One thing I’ve learned? Great ideas can come from anywhere. So anytime I catch myself thinking, I’m not a creative or that’s not my role, I push past it. So, to any young women breaking into the industry: speak up, own your ideas, stay curious, and trust that you belong in the room."
"Once, my partner and I presented a fighter jet campaign to a large aerospace client—a former pilot. His response? “Whoever the guy is writing this stuff really gets us.”
That writer was me.
Why didn’t I correct him? Because, deep down, I feared he wouldn’t like it as much if he knew a woman had written it.
Don’t let that happen to you. Own who you are and the ideas you bring to the table. I wrote an emotional campaign for fighter pilots because I believe in the power of emotions.
Don’t hide who you are or pretend to be someone you’re not. The best version of you is your greatest asset. It’s okay if your voice cracks in the boardroom. It’s okay to cry when you share bad news with your team.
There is power in you. Don’t let anyone—especially your own fear—silence it."
“Stay curious. Let your mind wonder. Follow what inspires you.
Ask questions. They’re not something to be embarrassed by; they’re a chance to grow. Ask, absorb, and learn.
Don’t hide your mistakes. When something goes wrong, ask for help. Determine who needs to know and tell them quickly and honestly. It’s easier to fix a problem together than waste time trying to cover it up. (They’ll find out anyway.)
Anticipate needs. Predict what your boss/client/audience will need next and give it to them before they ask.
Never raise a problem without a solution. No one likes a complainer. Show you can bring the fix, not just point out the flaws.”
"Social media isn’t just about trends—it’s about building communities, shaping narratives, and driving real impact. Every post, every campaign, and every interaction has the power to influence perception and create lasting connections. As a woman leading in this space, I’ve learned that success isn’t about following trends—it’s about setting them.
The advertising industry doesn’t need followers—it needs bold thinkers. To stay ahead, we must keep learning, embrace what we don’t yet know, and adapt as fast as the world evolves. Fearlessness isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about having the confidence to question, innovate, and lead. Social media has given us a platform to be heard, and as a woman in advertising, I take that responsibility seriously. The future of marketing isn’t just digital—it’s deeply human."
“Fifteen years ago, the industry still very much felt like a boys’ club. I found female mentors who believed in me, supported me, and demonstrated through their leadership the potential for my own success. To younger women who are entering the industry: find your tribe.”
"Progress isn’t inevitable - it happens when people step up, challenge the norm, and push for change. As a mother of two daughters, I don’t want them waiting five generations for gender equality. In marketing, as in any industry, we need to accelerate action by making space for women to lead, shape decisions and succeed on their own terms. That means hiring, promoting, and backing women at every level. My advice to those starting out? Take up space, speak up and never wait for permission. The table isn’t full - sometimes you just have to pull up a chair yourself."
"I never intended to be a copywriter. I graduated with a master in communication, without knowing what I wanted to do. But I had the opportunity, through internships, to meet great people, who shared with me their love for advertising. I met my actual Art Director at BETC and started to work non officially on projects with her. After 2 internships as a copywriter at DDB and Publicis Conseil, which offered me my first real job, I am now at BETC Paris, since many years.
I find it very inspiring when campaigns manage to be creative, smart and funny. Of course some subjects can’t be dealt with humor, but when it’s possible we should try to bring some fun in this industry.
English people are really good at it. But I think we all are able to come up with great and fun ideas. The hardest thing is to keep the idea at its best, from the beginning to the end of the process. That would be my advice for young creatives: don’t give up if you really believe in your idea."
"My career has been anything but linear. From intern to leading Ogilvy EMEA, six homes across three continents... it's been a wild ride, often suffering from impostor syndrome… as one of the first (and female) Chief Digital Officers or as a Belgian woman leading our offices in the Middle East. Throughout it I learned to lean in purposefully creating trust not only in a shared agenda, but in doing it together. Doing that confidently is still hard work. So my advice to young women? When others lean out, lean in. Create your team, they will be there for the good and the bad."
"Curiosity and positivism have always been my greatest allies. As head of advertising services and original content at Rodeo FX, and formerly co-founder of a creative company, I’ve learned that creativity thrives on chaos, diverse ideas, and the courage to embrace the unknown. Advertising offers endless ways to surprise, amaze, and leave a lasting impact.
Managing means shaping a collective vision, rallying talent, and bringing ideas to life. True impact comes from embracing change and seeking diverse perspectives. To those who aspire to make a difference: be curious, think outside the box, and surround yourself with talent different from your own. These are the winning conditions for creativity—once you experience it, you’ll never look back!"
"When it comes to the conversation around women, I'm always inspired by Donna Haraway’s view from her famous book “A Cyborg Manifesto”: that the postmodern evolution of feminism (and humanity, in the end) stands in an environment not to be dominated by any sort of dualism (e.g man VS woman), but by the multitude of voices and connections every individual can bring and create. I think it’s a positive way to look at one self, but also at the way we build our future, and how we champion other womens’ skills, history and uniqueness: something I am lucky enough to see happen around me everyday in the Ogilvy network. So my advice to any young woman would exactly this one: choose an environment that exceeds any dualism and recognizes individuality and talent, add your magic to it, and remember it’s up to us to help it grow."
"The best way to do it is to insist on being you.
When I started in the industry 20+ years ago, I was one of very few female consultants in a large consultant-driven advertising agency. The culture was competitive, and the rhetoric harsh. When we were competing to set up the most meetings with potential clients the reward would be a necktie or some technical accessory. I never asked for special treatment, and I was intrigued by the powerful energy at the agency. But I decided early on that I had to insist on being me. To be a good listener, to show empathy and to get the job done. In my role as CEO today, I need teams of people who collaborate, care and create. My advice to younger women looking to break into advertising: Be you, do what you do best, and remember to have fun, while doing it."
"I spent about 4-5 years in Accounting at BUNTIN when I first started my career. Then, my boss at the time left the agency to go to another company and asked if I would go with her. Of course, I said yes. She was my person, my mentor. Well, I was there for about six weeks and realized I’d made a huge mistake. Doesn’t make them a bad employer or me a bad employee; it just wasn’t a good fit. I didn’t know it at the time, but that was a pivotal moment. I called BUNTIN and asked for my job back, and they said yes. That moment taught me a great deal: Don’t be afraid to admit when you’ve made a mistake, and don’t be afraid to speak up for what you want."
"Strong female leaders helped shape who I am as a creative. I was fortunate to work with several early in my career, from one of my first ECDs, Jeanie Caggiano, to one of my first CCOs, Susan Credle. I saw how they brought that little extra to the work, making it more breakthrough, more strategic, or more memorable while still respecting the creatives who had spent so much time on it. I’ve been inspired by many women who’ve taught me that it’s not about who’s the loudest in the room, but the most thoughtful.
To any women looking to get into advertising I’d say: be a student of all things creative. Yes, follow agencies you admire, but also seek out filmmakers, showrunners, photographers, and leaders in AI. Inspiration is everywhere and you never know when you’ll see something that could elevate your work."
"When I was growing up, the idea that women could run businesses never even occurred to me. Yes, we were encouraged as girls to be clever and work hard and impress our teachers and parents. But there was this sort of unspoken understanding that once you had kids (and the assumption was, you would) all that would take a back seat. My mother still thinks it’s very strange that I work.
So, if I never imagined this future, how did it happen? I spent the first 12 years of my career as a journalist, then switched to agencies. I worked part time (including at one stage, 2 days a week) for 10 years when my kids were young, at a time when that was a very unusual thing indeed. Could I have been a CEO earlier if I hadn’t made that choice? Maybe, but I’ve been able to get here anyway, via an untraditional path, by being proactive about my career, asking for what I need and setting boundaries (I’m not great at that bit). But most crucially, by being valuable to the companies I’ve worked for so that I was defined by that value, not by my career background or the number of hours I worked. That’s the advice I’d give to anyone who’s looking for it."
So, invest in relationships. Care deeply about the people you work with—not just as colleagues or clients, but as humans. Be a generous host, making others feel seen, heard, and valued. Show up as an ally, using your voice to lift those who may not always have one. Notice the invisible details—small gestures can leave the biggest impact. Be relentlessly helpful, not for personal gain, but because generosity fuels great thinking.
Creativity might be the destination, but it’s the people you take the journey with who get you there."
"On International women’s day I wanted to honor the power and beauty of mentorship. I took the Humber College Copywriter program and knew I had found something I would love to do. There were so many talented people in the business, but I saw the work of Judy John and that was it, I knew I wanted to work for her above all else. I was fortunate enough for her to see my book, that was very far from perfect or maybe even good. She wrote me a line of encouragement, and also some comments on holding off on puns, that I keep to this day. She gave me a chance and gave me my first job. From that day on she was my mentor, the person I turned to every step of the way as I navigated this career. Always incredibly generous with her time and talent. Today we are great friends, the type where she will be there for me for anything, even if she is just hopping off a plane after hours of travel. So many people have been so kind and good to me in this career, but some just change your life."
“Advertising is all about creativity and problem-solving. Stay curious, explore different ways to express ideas, and don't be afraid to think big. It’s important to develop a variety of skills – anything from design & copywriting to social media, analytics, and project management. The more skills you have, the more valuable you’ll be to your team.”
“Over the course of my career, I've seen a lot of positive change both for women and women in leadership. The programs, opportunities and focus on inclusivity have moved us forward, but there's a lot more to be accomplished. That said, each person is responsible for their path, which means standing up for yourself and creating clarity around your growth. When I talk to young women in advertising, I advocate for both strength and savvy. Learning the art of flexibility, collaboration and reading the situation will serve them well. Tips and tricks: find a mentor, build a personal board of directors for support, set ambitious personal goals and be ready to have productive and direct discussions.”
- Do some LinkedIn creeping. Find people at agencies you like. Connect. Set up quick chats. Find a mentor (or 10).
- Show your chops, in whatever form you have them. If you like writing and want to break into ad copywriting - put together a portfolio of the words you do have. Newspaper articles. Poetry. Social posts. I got my first job as a junior copywriter having never taken an ad class before. I showed up to the interview with a binder of editorial work from my college newspaper, and I convinced the team I could do the job. If you’ve got talent and drive (and can sell!), you can get in the door."
"I didn’t choose advertising—advertising jumped out from the bushes and took me hostage. I had no clue it was a real job. All I knew was that being an artist wouldn’t pay the bills (shoutout to my dad for crushing that early). So, after psychology left me creatively famished, I set out to prove him wrong and make art somehow pay. Enter: graphic design. Then, like an unexpected plot twist in a soap opera, advertising came along and I was hooked.
It was never just a job; it was an obsession. A hobby with deadlines. I learned everything on the fly, following people whose work inspired me and absorbing every ounce of wisdom I could.
My advice is to ignore what you ‘should do’ and never chase money — Chase the thing that makes you forget to check the time. Do that, and not only will Mondays not be the worst days, but financial success will likely follow."