A Letter To The Women I’ve Worked With: Yun Yip, Foxcatcher
Foxcatcher’s general manager Yun Yip (main image) has made our Women in Media Shortlist in the highly competitive executive leader category.
Yip has a reputation for being an incredible worker, a star and an all-around lovely woman.
She has also generously shared with B&T a beautiful letter about all the women she’s learnt from in the industry. Yip has shared what she’s learnt from her female bosses and the women she works alongside.
Dear Women in the media industry whom I have learnt from,
It took me a few long minutes to think about how to start this letter. It was a lovely trip down memory lane – going back to when I started and was clueless about what the “media industry” was all about.
I am grateful every day for how I landed in this field by chance, and, most importantly, for the people I encountered who played a very major role in shaping me into who I am – in fascinating and amusing ways.
In October 2003, I was interviewed by Karen Gallagher at Carat. Karen, you weren’t that much older than me, and I was always so impressed by the progressions you have already made. A young, ambitious female client service director.
There were very few female directors and leaders then, and in some ways, because of my traditional upbringing, the male-dominated leadership rank did not raise an eyebrow for me either (it was only a few years later that it did). Watching you manoeuvre the business and industry was eye-opening. I remember setting myself a goal to have your level of success before 30. You never shied away from a healthy debate and would always stand your ground. It was inspiring to watch you do that with more senior male counterparts.
I admit that I had a sense of entitlement when I first started, initially thinking that checking confirms and doing tear sheets (most people reading this may not even know what tear sheets are) was ‘not my job’. I learned from you that success and job promotions came with a good work ethic – be diligent, know your work, and back yourself with substance.
Two years on, I accepted an interview with Starcom’s general manager, Anne-Maree Frost. My first impression of you, Anne-Maree, was elegance, respect, and experience. I was fortunate enough to work on Suncorp, a key account in which you were very much involved.
You were never the person with the most words, but when you spoke, people listened. Being a hot-headed person with something to prove then, I always admired how calm you were. You had a good sense of humour with clients, and they had the utmost respect for you.
I have always loved how you treated everyone with respect and always knew which battles we needed to win, to win the war. Anne-Maree embodied the ability to articulate difficult conversations with grace and purpose. Anne Maree, if you read this, thank you for everything… and if I may confess, I am as thankful as I am embarrassed about the car rides you offered to meetings in your immaculate BMW while I was still bearing remnants of the usual “media Thursday event”.
Anne-Maree and Karen, you both led your teams and businesses in your own unique and inspiring way. I learned that being “one of the boys” and putting up with bad behaviour was not a prerequisite. You weren’t great female leaders; you were just great leaders.
I feel it is also important to write about women working alongside me who had an impact. It may not have been prominent then, but it most certainly is evident over the years how having supportive female colleagues throughout my career was a God send.
Being an immigrant and having a name that was not common (yes, I used to be asked if I could have an English name), I am forever grateful for ex-colleagues and colleagues (and many whom I now call friends) who have embraced each other’s uniqueness and diversity.
In fact, it was refreshing that they saw differences as interesting and advantageous. Sitting next to Sylvia Pickering for a time at Starcom was another career highlight.
Sylvia, work never seemed to phase you. You always seemed to cruise through the insurmountable work promptly and effectively. You were also (and are) a whole heap of fun. I respected how you would stand up to male colleagues (often your seniors) and called out inappropriate behaviours and comments. You just had a way of being at ease with who you are. I am proud to call you a dear friend.
After leaving agency land, it was evident that the pool of female leaders in the digital and AdTech space is even smaller. We have come a long way in the last 5-6 years, and I believe there’s more we can do.
I am very encouraged by the inspiring women who continue to champion a more respectful and diverse industry, especially in digital and AdTech – to name a few Gai Le Roy, Georgia Brammer, June Cheung, Sarah James, Catherine Smith, Maria Baca Castex, Kali Guillas, June Oh, Adele Wieser, Stephanie Famolaro and Sarah Melrose. You all shine a light in your special way.
If I may finish this letter with my biggest lesson from my time in this industry thus far – it is that our industry is like a mosaic. We look, think, and behave in our unique and interesting way. This is brilliant and drives our industry to thrive and innovate. As my favourite poet Maya Angelou wrote, “stand up straight and realise who you are, that you tower over your circumstances”.
Yours sincerely,
Yun
Latest News
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.
The Fred Hollows Foundation Appoints Ardent For PR
Yes, we all like to have a joke at PR's expense. But sometimes it does important work, like this.
AI, eCommerce & Marketing Specialists Are In Increased Demand By Businesses, New Data From Fiverr Shows
Has your philosophy & anthropology degree left you with nothing but a huge HECS debt? Here's what you should've studied.
Perth’s First 3D Anamorphic Billboard Arrives Courtesy Of oOh!media
Do you love a buzzword? Now you can add anamorphic to the list as it relates to billboards, not a colleague's ears.
MasterChef Australia & Crown Resorts Launch Unique Dining Experience With ALUMNI
A pop-up restaurant staffed by MasterChef contestants! That's fine dining prices for first-year apprentice chef cuisine!
Amanda Laing Announces Resignation From Foxtel Group
Foxtel's chief commercial & content officer heads for the exits. Read nice things the bosses said about her right here.
The Lost Letters From Our Diggers: News Corp Unveils ANZAC Day Special
It's nice when brands respectfully acknowledge ANZAC Day.
Howatson+Company Acquires Akkomplice
Large indie acquires a slightly smaller indie. Much like a shark eating a tuna, just with less thrashing and blood.
Google Delays Third-Party Cookie Deprecation Again
In good news for the sale of picture library biscuit photos, Google continues to tease over the end of cookies.
Education A Low Priority For Aussies More Concerned With Cost Of Living Forethought Study Reveals
Study finds Aussies cutting back on education due to cost of living. Booze & Uber Eats sales remain largely unaffected.
“I’m Still The Same Person That I Was”: Rikki Stern Says “Fucc It” To Cancer Stereotypes
B&T always happy to promote the anti-cancer cause. Even brands that massively overdo it with the hot pink.
The Unapproved Climate Certification Allegedly Causing Mass Greenwashing
Are you left flummoxed in the canned tuna & free range eggs aisle? Just wait till this green certification gets up.
TV Ratings (22/04/2024): Fans Mock “Over The Top” Reaction To New MasterChef Judges
MasterChef returns for its 2024 season. B&T stands by putting peppercorns in Gravox & no one will be any the wiser.
Dentsu Restructure: Muddle, Harvey & Johnston Take Leadership Baton As Bass & Yurisich Exit
A large broom has swept through Dentsu's local ops this morning, taking with it some big names & the air con's cobwebs.
Industry Shares Trends Shaping The Industry This International Creators Day
B&T's asking adland creators to reveal their top trends. And it's not good news for your Jenny Kee cardigan collection.
Mable Extends HOYTS Sensory Screenings Partnership
Mable has extended its HOYTS sensory screening partnership. Vigorously defends its two-star Oppenheimer review.
Orphan Launches ‘They Need Our Help. We Need Yours’ For Children’s Cancer Institute
Anything to do with childhood cancers has B&T's 110% support. That said, we do ignore the red meat & alcohol warnings.
Smile Team Orthodontics & Keep Left Collaborate On Smile-Inducing Campaign
As parents would attest, given the cost of orthodontics you'd expect this campaign to be a lavish production indeed.
Opinion: How Video Calls Neglect Learning Diversity
Need an excuse to duck out of a video call this arvo? Show this to your boss.
DoubleVerify Achieves First-Of-Its-Kind Responsible AI Certification From TrustArc
DoubleVerify receives responsible AI certification. However, not its robotic vacuum that's been seen menacing the cat.
Smile For A Good Cause: The Social Media Campaign Giving Back To The Community
Are you known as the office Austin Powers? More for you teeth than shagability? Get snappy new fangs with this news.
Elon Musk Mocks Albo After ESafety Wins Court Injunction Against X
Albo's 2024 from hell continues - Rabbitohs in crisis, down in the polls and now feuding with world's richest man.
Real Estate Developer In Hot Water Over “Sexually Exploitative” OOH Campaign
Real estate agents again tops in the 'least trusted profession' polls, nudging used car salesmen & ad creatives.
Epsilon’s Shane Hanby: Post-Cookie Era Relies On “Teamwork” Between Brands, Marketers & Tech
This pro predicts more "teamwork" in a post-cookie era. Which spells bad news for the uncooperative or plain stubborn.