Women in Media’s Sarah Lattouf: “Standing Up Shouldn’t Be Courageous, It Should Be A Given”
When it comes to making ad-land a more inclusive space, Foxtel Media’s head of global brands, Sarah Lattouf, believes the entire industry—from top to bottom—needs to play the role of leader.
During this year’s B&T Women in Media Awards, presented by Are Media, we’ll be recognising exceptional people who have achieved success in their professional arenas, celebrating their invaluable contribution to their industry through leadership, innovation and courage.
A B&T Women in Media Awards and B&T 30 Under 30 winner, Sarah Lattouf leads Foxtel Media’s global brands department—a role, she says, she took on by owning her shit—after facing one of her fears: getting over being underestimated.
Here’s what she had to tell B&T about courage, facing her fears and standing up for what’s right, in full—minus the expletives.
Sarah, what does your average day look like?
My average day looks very different since COVID-19—from what used to be an hour and a half stuck in traffic on my morning commute. These days, I wake up, check my emails on my phone in bed, and get through the quick replies.
Only then do I get myself ready for the commute all the way to the dining table.
I’ve always loved a face-to-face as opposed to a phone chat, so Microsoft Teams has become my new best friend. My day is usually filled with meetings with my Foxtel Media colleagues, channel partners and clients.
Being home all the time has really brought me closer to the family, and that’s not excluding our pet dog Jimmy—taking Jimmy for a walk each day has now become our midday ritual and it helps get me out, clear my mind and ready to power through the rest of the day.
By the afternoon I’m usually on a roll, pumping out as many emails, and presentation decks as possible before I realise, I need to eat dinner.
Its then time to log off and spend time with the family, which usually consists of binge watching all our favourite content. We love the reality shows on E! and Arena, and crime on Discovery ID is a household favourite.
What drives you?
What drives me is passion—for the brands that I represent, for the team I lead, for the company I work for, and for the innovative work we do in the media industry. This is what gets me out of bed in the morning.
Knowing that we can come up with a concept for a client, produce it and see it on air a few weeks later is so damn rewarding.
What is your proudest professional moment?
Last year was a bit of milestone year for me and being recognised by both the B&T 30 under 30 and B&T Women in Media Awards was a major achievement.
I happened to be sick on both award nights and couldn’t get out of bed; however, the support of my colleagues and friends in the industry is what got me going. Winning an award was really the cherry on top.
There is no greater feeling than being encouraged and acknowledged by your industry peers.
Sarah, is there a difference between being ‘brave’ and being ‘courageous’?
Courage is underpinned by bravery. Courage is knowing what the risks are and tackling them through bravery. Bravery is going into something with full force.
It is important to be both courageous and brave in any area of your life—because if you risk nothing, you risk everything. It’s something that I have to remind myself of everyday.
When in your career have you been most courageous? When in your career have you been bravest?
I really had to tackle my fears when I took on the “head of” role and take responsibility for a bigger team and larger remit at the age of 27. Knowing I had less years in the media industry than my peers, I had to take it on with confidence—own my sh*t, basically.
I knew I could do it, but sometimes the fear of what others may think of you and your capabilities can take over and cause doubt. Don’t let it, just keep going.
Why should women or men in Australia’s media, marketing and advertising industries be courageous when pushing against gender inequalities?
In an ideal world, standing up against inequalities of all types shouldn’t be courageous, it should be a given. For me, all genders should come together and showcase a united front against inequality of all kinds.
Have the women and men of ad-land been courageous enough in our fight for gender equality?
I believe the senior leaders of our industry have made a conscious effort to achieve equality within our industry—many have taken a public stand on the issue.
Whilst this is something I am yet to experience, I appreciate that inequality does persist, and I think all of us need to be leaders when it comes to making our industry a more inclusive space for all.
This year’s theme for ‘Women in Media’ is courage and bravery. What would an awards focused on this theme look like, to you, and what kind of person do you visualise should be up on the stage receiving an award?
Ad-land is tough, its competitive and sometimes it makes you question your abilities, particularly when you can’t affect conditions that are out of your control (like the advertising market during COVID).
I’d like to see award winners who have come up through the ranks, pushed the boundaries and made no excuses. True success in this industry for me is pushing what you believe in and allowing your passion and dedication to control your destiny.
Is the slowdown brought on by the coronavirus pandemic an opportunity for ad-land to rethink how it approaches gender issues?
I think the slowdown has allowed us to rethink and approach all issues differently.
It’s been a great opportunity to reflect, seek feedback on what’s working and what needs to change, do the things we have always wanted to do within our businesses and as an industry.
And finally, ho is the bravest or most courageous person you know and why?
My Grandmother Salma is the bravest person I know.
Salma was separated from her family in 1965, when she left Lebanon. As the rest of her family set off for NYC (United States), Salma ventured on her own to Australia to follow the love of her life, Elias Lattouf. It was the last time she saw her mother.
Salma spent three months on board a ship where she knew no one, was surrounded by foreigners from other countries, spoke only in Arabic, experienced severe sickness, and had no idea what lied ahead for her, here in Australia.
Salma was brave and took the risks for love and her future—regardless of the unknown.
It is the reason why she has spent the last 65 years in a flourishing marriage, and together built a strong foundation in Australia for their two children, seven grandchildren and, recently, one great grandchild.
Heck, I wouldn’t be here today if Salma didn’t take that risk.
Don’t be shy, be proud of your achievements and enter B&T’s Women In Media! Submit your entry here.
You can also buy tickets to the event here, which will be held on Wednesday 28 October 2020, at Doltone House (Jones Bay Wharf).
And, if you’d like more information, head to this website.
Other key information
On-time deadline: Friday 21 August 2020 (5pm AEST)
Late entries deadline: Friday 28 August 2020 (5pm AEST)
Shortlist announced: Wednesday 23 September 2020.
Thank you to all of our incredible sponsors for making the event possible!
Please login with linkedin to comment
B&T women in media awards Foxtel Sarah Lattouf women in media awardsLatest News
Kantar: AVOD Subscribers Double In 12 Months
Study finds Aussies happy to watch ads on their streaming services. Or, are they just putting the kettle on more often?
Val Morgan Digital Exceeds All Campaign Uplift Benchmarks Via A 12-Month Brand Metrics Study
Val Morgan announces it has exceeded all its campaign benchmarks. Still can't get under an hour for the City To Surf.
Australian Retirement Trust launches monster of a campaign, by M&C Saatchi and Bohemia
Get offered a seat on the bus today? Knees creak like an old pirate's galleon? This retirement ad may be of interest.
Print Audits To Discontinue As Audited Media Association Of Australia Pivots To Support Influencer Marketing
Is it just B&T or are audits in the media industry suddenly becoming murkier than Roxy's husband's tax returns?
News Corp Australia Launches 2024 National Education Advocacy Initiative With Expanded Program
News Corp set to shine a light on the nation's schools in new series, giving illegal bikie gangs a well-earned rest.
Decoding The Consumer Maze: Urban List Report Reveals How Modern Shoppers Spiral From Discovery To Purchase
Latest report unravels a shopper's journey from the joy of discovery through to a nasty letter from a debt collector.
Cosmo Returns To Australia!
Ever get the feeling we've weirdly warped back to 1988 at the moment? Confirm it with the relaunch of Cosmo in print.
People & Culture Consultancy Human Kind Collective Launches To Plug HR Gap For Media Agencies
Does the very mention of HR have you struggling to remember last year's Christmas party? Get the sweats with this news.
‘We Want To Be A Growth Partner, Not Just A Media Buyer Or Someone That Makes Ads’ – Bohemia Boss On Agency’s Ambition
B&T's chatting with Bohemia boss Paul ‘Hutch’ Hutchison. Although we do think 'the dagger' a far superior nickname.
Initiative’s Geoff Clarke: ‘Youth Hits Targets With Enthusiasm, Experience Hits The Targets You Can’t See’
Initiative’s CCO Geoff Clarke on the value of experience in agencies. Not to mention quoting lines from Pulp Fiction.
The Iconic Teams Up With 5 Aussie Athletes For Latest Campaign
Fashion label brings in the athletes for new campaign, many of whom appear to have prepped with re-runs of Zoolander.
Seven West Media Secures New Director Of News & Current Affairs
After a tumultuous few weeks, Seven unveils director of news & current affairs. And B&T never uses tumultuous lightly.
Seven Network Expands NSW Sales Team With Two New Group Business Directors
Seven ramps up its NSW sales team. Both of whom are well versed in pronouncing Manu Feildel's croque-monsieur.
New PR Subscription Changing The Game For Aussie Start Ups
Need better PR? You can now buy it via a monthly subscription. Price does not include a fascinator or Moet piccolos.
Paul Kent At Centre Of Fresh Scandal After Alleged Street Brawl
Do you long for the fights, gouges & testicle grabs of footy's glory years? So too, it appears, does Paul Kent.
DiDi Taps Disney’s Tim Farmer For Head Of Brand Marketing Role
Disney's Tim Farmer shifts over to rideshare company DiDi. Taking with him his Donald Duck coffee mug & mouse ears.
As Sure As Night Becomes Day, The End Of Third-Party Cookies Has Been Delayed
The question remains: what will we see first? The end of cookies, alien invasion or Jesus's second coming?
Fast 10: Scoundrel’s Tim Bullock Explains What Shane Warne & Salt-N-Pepa Have In Common
It's a Fast 10 with Scoundrel's Tim Bullock. Make it sound even faster by sucking on helium while reading it.
Outbrain Snatches Chris Oxley From Foxtel Media
Foxtel's Chris Oxley shifts over to Outbrain, but not before having his press photo taken in the wilds of the Daintree.
oOh!media & POLY Partner With Greening Australia For OOH Awareness Campaign
Like to quell the road rage with super cute pics of fluffy marsupials? This outdoor's just the ticket.
Are Media Cares For The Carers In Its Latest Social Change Campaign
Are Media calls on the government to add super payments to carers' payments. Remains silent on AUKUS, however.
In A Fragmented World, Engagement Is King
Today, B&T TV's talking fragmentation & engagement. But not in a down-on-one-knee sense of the word.
Kyle Sandilands On Advertising: “We Want Return Business. It’s No Good Just Taking Someone’s Money”
Kyle & Jackie O finally arrive on Melbourne radio. As yet, no sign of the monotonous and bitter AFL-NRL debate.
Sydney Comedy Festival: Taking The City & Social Media By Storm
Sydney Comedy Festival 2024 is live and ready to rumble, showing the best of international and homegrown talent at a host of venues around town. As usual, it’s hot on the heels of its big sister, the giant that is the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, picking up some acts as they continue on their own […]
Global Marketers Descend For AANA’s RESET For Growth
The Australian Association of National Advertisers (AANA) has announced the final epic lineup of local and global marketing powerhouses for RESET for Growth 2024. Lead image: Josh Faulks, chief executive officer, AANA Back in 2000, a woman with no business experience opened her first juice bar in Adelaide. The idea was brilliantly simple: make healthy […]
Is Meta’s New AI Chatbot Too Left-Wing?
Meta's chatbot accused of being left-wing after being caught wearing a Che Guevara T-shirt & listening to Billy Bragg.
TV Ratings (23/04/2024): Why Did No One Tell Angela That Farmer Wants A Wife Is Set On A Farm?
As wonderful as this headline is, let's face it, we all know an 'Angela', don't we?
PubMatic Unveils New AI Partnership To Turn Social Posts Into Ads For Any Digital Channel
Here's some nifty tech for turning social posts into ads. Assuming said posts aren't one-star character assassinations.
Intuit Mailchimp Makes A Splash With Its First Australian Brand Campaign
Ever laugh along at a gag you didn't get so as not to appear dumb? Get ready for more feigning with this new work.
GumGum’s Rob Hall: Advertisers Can No Longer “Rely On Binary Descriptions” Of Consumers
If anyone's got their finger on adtech's pulse, it's Rob Hall. He also avoids using the good paper in the office printer
Mastercard Nabs Florencia Aimo From Marriott International
Marriott International's Florencia Aimo jumps from the hotel business to the exploitative credit card one.
Bastion Agency Appoints Cheuk Chiang As New ANZ CEO
Cheuk Chiang takes the reins over at Bastion Agency. But not the rains down in Africa.
Spotlight On Sponsors: Major Sponsorship Wins After A Disappointing Week In Sport
B&T continuing our deep dive into local sport sponsorships & that's despite not a single offer of a free ticket as yet.
Macca’s Marketing Director, Samantha McLeod On Big Mac Chant: “What Was Once Old Is Now Cool Again”
Macca's using the power of nostalgia in latest Big Mac campaign. Well, only for those who've ever eaten one sober.
World Premiere Of Midnight Oil: The Hardest Line To Open Sydney Film Festival 2024
Oil's biopic to open Sydney Film Festival. Here's hoping Molly Meldrum will take his pants down at the premiere.
Entries Are Now Open For The 2024 Brandies, IntelligenceBank’s Annual Brand Marketing Awards
The Brandies are, of course, a prestigious marketing gong and not the mystery tipple favoured by nannas everywhere.