Get To Know Your WIM Judge, QMS Media’s Sara Lappage: “To Fear less, Means To Learn More”
Fearlessness is about recognising and unlocking the barriers that hold you back from expanding and deepening your quality of life, according to QMS Media’s chief marketing officer, Sara Lappage.
During this year’s B&T Women in Media Awards, presented by Bauer 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 judge at this year’s Women in Media Awards, Sara Lappage (pictured above, right) is the chief marketing officer of QMS Media, the company behind the remarkable Power Chicks program and a sponsor for the 2020 event.
In a recent interview with B&T in the lead-up to October’s WIM, Lappage revealed why she believes, from a media owner perspective, our industry is lagging on bringing women to the table.
In her own words: “For longer than I care to admit, I have been one of the only, if not the only, senior female executives at the table for the various media businesses I have worked for.
“It’s important we start to even up the scales, to ensure that these businesses are being run with a diversified and equally balanced approach, for the benefit of all,” she says.
Sara, what does the theme of this year’s Women in Media Awards, ‘fearlessness’, mean to you?
To me, fearlessness is about recognising and unlocking the barriers that hold you back from expanding and deepening your quality of life—either personally or professionally—and having the confidence and belief in yourself to do so.
To fear less, means to learn more.
What does fearlessness in our industry look like?
Those individuals, companies and brands who demonstrate a bias for action and the ability to shift and respond quickly and, most importantly, learn along the way, are the ones who are fearless.
This fearlessness can manifest in a number of ways, from shifting investment from the traditional to the new and sometimes unproven, to the introduction of new solutions, new markets and new customers.
Whilst our industry, on the whole, provides a pivotal platform for companies and brands to broadcast their fearlessness through the power of communication and action, at the end of the day I believe it’s about being true to yourself as a business and an individual, having a strong and consistent voice, and seeing adversity as an opportunity rather than a problem.
Who do you know who has shown these qualities since the COVID-19 pandemic struck?
Business Chicks, led from the front by Emma Isaacs and Olivia Ruello, has done an incredible job in transforming from a predominantly face-to-face event based model to a first-class virtual content led platform in the blink of an eye.
I am sure it doesn’t feel like that to them, but to those who are lucky enough to be members of their fabulous network of women, they have been able to quickly transition their business to provide even more opportunities for learning, inspiration and motivation than they would normally from their live events that move from state to state.
At a time when people are working from home and dealing with many business pressures—not to mention personal stresses—having the ability to source various leaders in their respective fields, to share insights into their successes, along with plenty of personal growth and wellbeing tips, Business Chicks tapped into just the right area of positivity and support that so many women have needed more than ever during COVID.
To me they have embodied the very notion of staying true to yourself, having a strong and consistent voice, and seeing adversity as an opportunity rather than a problem.
Is there an issue in the industry that keeps you up at night?
For longer than I care to admit, I have been one of the only, if not the only, senior female executives at the table for the various media businesses I have worked for. And whilst this was never a deliberate company directive by any means, it is simply a statement of fact.
We have seen significant progress made in recent times throughout many media agencies, with a number of outstanding and inspirational women leading the charge, and if not leading at least having a valued seat at the table. However, I feel from a media owner perspective, whilst things are certainly improving, we do tend to lag a bit behind.
It’s important we start to even up the scales to ensure that these businesses are being run with a diversified and equally balanced approach, for the benefit of all.
How can professionals in our industry be fearless in times of change?
By not being afraid to fail in the face of adversity or change.
I think the fear of failure for most people is usually far greater than the failure itself. It’s an emotion and mindset that we have all experienced at some point in our life, and for some can be the reason why they may not succeed in achieving their goal.
I would encourage people to embrace change as an opportunity and know that if you do fail, it is actually OK. See that failure as an opportunity to learn and grow and apply those learnings on your continued pathway to success.
Why is it important for QMS to be involved as a sponsor for the Women in Media Awards?
QMS has always had a strategic focus on supporting and nurturing women within our business. It has been a passion of mine since the launch of the business in 2014, and as we have grown, as has our ability to broaden this support to the incredible women in the broader media industry, with the establishment of our Power Chicks program.
Our partnership with the B&T Women in Media Awards is one of the many components of this program and we are proud to be entering our third year with B&T, in recognising and celebrating the talented women across our industry. Not only are we able to celebrate with them on the night, we are also able to extend this recognition of the winners and their achievements across our premium digital billboard network to the broader community.
Capturing their moment in the spotlight has certainly been a highlight for many past winners!
Our Power Chicks program is multi-layered to provide education, inspiration, motivation, and support for women in media and is expanding and growing each and every year. Whilst there is so much more we want to do in this area, B&T’s Women in Media Awards will always remain a valued cornerstone of our program.
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.
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!
Featured image credit: andre&dominqiue
Latest News
Enjoy A Hahn Solo… And May The Fourth Be With You
This May the fourth Hahn will celebrate alongside Star Wars fans rewarding their passion via a giant Hahn travelling solo through the sky. It’s the one day of the year when all sci-fi fans rejoice and giggle to themselves and Hahn in partnership with Thinkerbell, UM and Affinity is celebrating with an out of this […]
DMARGE Founder Unveils Creator-Led Social Media Agency Feedstar
New creator-led social media agency Feedstar to be aimed directly at Gen Zs. Well, they'd hardly want print, would they?
TV Ratings (02/05/2024): A total of 1,753,000 Aussies Witness Port Adelaide’s Defeat
Seven's AFL numbers almost double that of the NRL last night. The NRL still easily winning for ruptured ACLs.
Hotglue Cashes In With La Trobe Financial Digital Media Account
Hotglue staffers learning their cashflows from their collaterals today after nabbing La Trobe Financial's digital media.
M&C Saatchi’s Sydney Creative Lead Exits
B&T's stopping short of calling it a revolving door at M&C at the present, but there's definitely heat on the hinges.
Taylor Swift’s Music Re-Enters TikTok As Universal Pens Landmark Deal
Yes, B&T may have spent 152 hours failing to get Taylor Swift tickets, but, as you'll read here, it's all behind us now.
HAVAS Red launches inaugural Influencer White Paper
Havas Red has debuted its first influencer white paper. Unless you print it out in colour, of course.
Two Sides Global Campaign Reports Increasing Greenwashing As Organisations Focus On Sustainability
New report confirms greenwashing's on the rise. Apparently Mars' 'work, rest & play' claims also under investigation.
Aruga Launches New HQ & Changed Ownership Structure
PR agency Aruga proves Brisbane is 'so hot right now'. So hot in fact, Adelaide's had to go on anti-anxiety meds.
Delicious & American Express Partner To Launch Month Out 2024 In Sydney
Cost of living got you eating noodles prepared in the two-minute style? Why not live vicariously through this.
Aussie Ad Market Continues Decline In March
The belt-tightening in adland shows signs of a turnaround soon. Bar the belt-loosening at the all-you-can-eat buffet.
VMA Focuses On Skills And Training For Members
If there was a post-COVID hangover (bar the anti-vax ranters) it was the rise in skills shortages. Here's another one.
Nearly 90% Of Consumers Want Transparency About AI Images, Finds Getty Images Report
Study finds consumers want transparency around AI images. Couldn't care less about photoshopped magazine covers.
The National Breast Cancer Foundation Partners With VML To Boost Funds
Anyone else feel we've exhausted the office morning tea for cancer? B&T proposes the office moonshine still instead.
Perry ‘Pez’ Lazaris Named New National Hit Network Announcer
Why is it mandatory for the media to only publish the nicknames of people in radio & underworld crime figures?
Before Adland: Garry Dawson’s Journey From Teacher To Marketer
Here, the Hopeful Monsters marketer talks his shift from the classroom to the room wherever marketers congregate.
Scott Cam Urges Tradies To Prioritise Sun Protection
The Block host promoting sun protection to tradies. Also, don't try getting into the RSL after 6pm wearing high viz.
PubMatic Study: Advertising On Retail Media Is 50% More Effective Than Social Media
New study finds retail media 50% more effective than social. B&T says two-for-one Tim Tams trumps the lot.
From MOWING to life GROWING: Jim Penman launches ‘Life Coaching’ services
Can't decide on getting the hedges trimmed or finding a deeper meaning to life? You're in luck with this new venture.
Budweiser Brazil Turns Songs That Name Drop The Iconic Brand Into Spotify Ads
It's strange that Budweiser never found a market among beer-swilling Aussies. Then again, neither did the fluffy duck.
Effie Worldwide Strengthens Board With 6 New Members
B&T hopes everyone's wearing their Maseur sandals at the Effies, as it's standing room only at the next board meeting.
Special Enlist A Penguin Named Nigel In Latest Energy Campaign For Contact
Special unveils Nigel the penguin in work for energy provider Contact. Apparently Percy the peacock was booked.
Anya Taylor-Joy, Chris Hemsworth & George Miller Ignite Sydney For Epic Mad Max Launch
The Mad Max film franchise is Australia's cinematic gift to the world. That & Chris Hemsworth's near perfect cheekbones.
IAS Launches First-To-Market Integration With Roblox To Provide 3D Immersive Measurement
Always thought you could do with better 3D immersive measurement? Happy days are ahead here.
Fast And Furious: Top Gear Australia Launch Thrilled Motorheads, Car Entusiasts And Guests
B&T is still no closer to knowing who the new Stig is, except that she is a woman and a ridiculously fast.
TV Ratings (02/05/2024): Seven’s The 1% Club Wins The Night
The 1% club did not live up to its name when it comes to TV ratings last night.
TRA Welcomes Raft Of New Hires; Bolstering Expertise Across Markets
Insights and research agency TRA announces slew of new hires. Still no news on the return of marble wash denim, however.
CX Lavender Hires Boston Consulting Group’s Kim Verbrugghe as Chief Strategy Officer
CX Lavender announces new strategy hire and channels 'acoustic folk act at local RSL' for the publicity pic.
Opinion: Community standards, will they be the death of us?
This columnist is talking community standards. Sadly not those people who put dogs in trolleys in supermarkets.
Tegel gets heads bobbing with new free-range chicken platform
Sure, there's a lot of moral considerations when buying a chook. Yet, not as baffling as buying eggs or canned tuna.
Study: 66% of Aussie men believe masculinity is under attack
Two-thirds of Aussie blokes say masculinity's under attack. That said, sales of Solo lemon drink appear robust.
‘Equal Writes’: Canyon reveals new campaign and refreshed brand for women and non-binary writers
As this brand redesign again proves, nothing beats black on white. Well, white on black in this instance.
Icon Agency bolsters consumer and integrated offer with major hires
Icon Agency unveils new recruits. As press photo confirms office moustache competition now a lay-down misère.
Clemenger launches agricultural graduate program
Has Farmer Wants A Wife triggered an interest in dagging & hay balers? This grads program may resonate.
Levi’s Appoint UM As Global Media Agency For $217m Account
Levi's are the jeans for rockstars, models & the cool kids. Although that's not stopped dads from ruining their image.
QMS Nabs Sean Rigby From oOh!media
Things set to get spicy at the next Outdoor Media Association dinner and dance as a rival gets poached.