Larissa Parry is an account manager at Quantcast, and she has generously penned a beautiful letter for B&T outlining all the women she’s learnt from in her career.
I am a woman who is many things; a daughter, a great friend, a sister and partner-in-crime, and a leader at work. It’s been a fantastic journey getting to where I am today, and it never escapes me that I didn’t arrive here all by myself.
The path that I have walked always was, and likely will be, inspired by a number of amazing women in my life.
They’re all different, but they have a few things in common: they’ve all been generous with their knowledge, open with their hearts, and made a marked impact on my professional development and life. So to all the women I’ve learnt from, this is a tribute to you.
She may not be working in media, but I cannot thank the women in my life without first mentioning my mother, Selena. My mum gave my sister and I every opportunity to try new things in life, and always encouraged us to try our best. Without the foundational values instilled by Mum, it is unlikely that I would have been as open to learning from the women that came after her.
Laura Hamod Barnes, owner and Director of indie agency Connected, thank you for giving me my first big break after I graduated from university, and teaching me all about media buying from the ground up. You are one of the most strong and assertive women I know, and you showed me what real passion and hunger look like. I would not be where I am today without the guidance and wisdom you’ve imparted.
Rachel Brown, now at ABC, you showed me how to be quietly powerful, and that you don’t need to over-explain yourself to be understood; you just need to be clear, and stand behind what you truly believe in.
You’ve also taught me how to manage my time well, a long-lasting skill I cannot use enough today in my professional career. Everyone who works with you speaks about how they wish they could have the composure and intelligence you display so well, particularly in trying situations. You are truly an inspiration to me, and you’ve taught me some valuable lessons I apply almost daily in work and managing my team.
Jade Pearce, Account Director at Connected, you are the definition of poise, and you consistently demonstrate how a woman can be graceful AND fierce. You taught me the importance of work-life balance, and how to recognise the line between living to work and working to live.
Your meticulousness is second to none, and my inbox has never been the same since the day you sat me down to explain your approach to productivity and effectiveness at work. You have also become a treasured friend over the years, and I am so grateful to have your continued support at work and in life.
Myf Trant, you were the guru who taught me literally everything I know about ad operations, knowledge which has helped me tremendously in my career and in educating my peers and colleagues. To this day, you remain one of my most trusted personal mentors, who I know will always steer me down the best path.
Sophie Whincop, who started out as a colleague at Quantcast, and who is now one of my closest friends. You showed me the importance of saying no sometimes.
Ruth Cosgrave, thank you for showing me that it’s possible to do it all in life, and rise above through empathy.
Last but not least, thank you Claudeen Habak-Martinez, for seeing the potential in me and showing me how to recognise my own value.
Self doubt and imposter syndrome is so hard to get past, yet you’ve helped me never to accept anything less than what I deserve. You have an amazing ability to lead from any angle, top-down, bottom up, front of back! I hold our relationship very dear, and will always see you as a mentor and personal inspiration.
I credit you all, the women I have had the privilege of knowing and working with, for inspiring me to live out this truth every day.
