Powering Change: A Conversation about Gender Equality in Business

Adam Hopkinson and Cadi Jones

Originally published as a podcast on all platforms on 22nd Jan 2021. You can listen here

In the progressive world of advertising, conversations around gender equality are not new, but they've gained unprecedented momentum in recent times. While delving deep into the realm of advertising, I had a stimulating conversation with Cadi, a much respected industry leader, who illuminated the crucial aspects of advocating for gender equality.

The Realization Moment

The journey began with a self-realization. After reaching a significant level of seniority, Cadi felt there was a moment in her career where she couldn't truly express herself. It dawned upon hger that she had the influence to enact change. This epiphany led to the exploration of networks that supported her vision. A standout was 'Bloom', a group of passionate women determined to enact change and empower everyone in the industry to realize their full potential.

Women Present: The Genesis

However, it wasn’t just about joining existing movements; it was also about catalyzing new ones. The inception of 'Women Present' is a testimony to this. While it stemmed from a social media comment about the lack of diversity in a panel discussion, it metamorphosed into a scalable model addressing the issue industry-wide. It grew organically, with more voices joining the chorus, broadening its perspective, and enhancing its impact.

Bullet Points: The Evolutionary Journey

• Self-expression: One of the first steps towards change was the need for individuals, especially women, to be their authentic selves in professional settings.
• The Power of Networking: Seeking like-minded supporters and joining a network was pivotal. It provides a sense of belonging and acts as a repository of mutual experiences that can be leveraged for collective growth.
• Diversity in Panels: Spotlighting the lack of diverse representation in panel discussions was a game-changer. It highlighted a larger issue at hand and became the seed for 'Women Present'.
• Collaborative Growth: The growth of 'Women Present' wasn’t an isolated effort. With individuals like Ruth Sorrow and Susan from New York stepping in, the initiative truly became global.
• Challenges: While the discourse is in the right direction, it's also the toughest phase. Old wounds are being opened, and longstanding issues are being confronted. This makes the current environment both challenging and cathartic.

The Bigger Picture

Our conversation seamlessly transitioned into a broader discussion. It wasn't just about women; it was about creating an environment where everyone, irrespective of gender, has equal opportunities. It's about shattering stereotypes, where men also have the freedom to express their emotions, and embrace roles traditionally not associated with them, like parental duties.

Mentorship

The path to self-realization and subsequent action wasn't trodden alone. Mentorship played a pivotal role. Notable figures, like Nick Hugh from Yahoo, left indelible marks. His ability to build diverse teams where everyone had a voice was a revelation. Mentorship wasn’t just about professional growth; it was about personal evolution and discovering one’s potential.

Actionable Advice

The takeaway from our conversation? Perfection is a mirage. The focus should be on action. Often, we get paralyzed by the need to make everything perfect, which hampers progress. Instead, the mantra should be: 'Get shit done.' Whether it's a budding idea or an initiative, take the first step. Refinement can follow.

Cindy Gallop's advice resonated: When seeking a pay raise, ask for the highest amount you can voice without bursting into laughter. It might sound audacious, but it underscores the importance of valuing oneself.

Conclusion

The essence of our discussion was the importance of self-expression, mentorship, and taking definitive actions. In the quest for gender equality, it's crucial to remember that it's not an issue that singularly affects women. It's a collective journey where everyone needs to play their part.

The clarion call? Let’s do the right thing and bring about the change we wish to see in the world

Cadi Jones is the MD EMEA of Pixability and the founder of WomenPresent.com

Adam Hopkinson is the MD of PASHN and host of the podcast LDTRT - Let's Do The Right Thing.