Women In Media Profile: Katherine Williams

Inspirational women are all around us, leading the way for others. And B&T doesn’t think it’s right that some of these women aren’t recognised for their achievements. Which is why we’ve created a Women in Media series!

This series is to celebrate the launch of our annual Women in Media Awards which, come August, will champion some well-deserving women from our industry.

The last inspiring woman we took a closer look at was Zeina Khodr from Colloquial Australia, and this week’s first profile is on the amazing Katherine Williams, managing director at MediaCom Brisbane! Take it away, Katherine.

What profession, other than your own, would you love to attempt?

I’d love to be in the music or theatre industry – maybe I could put all that dance and acting tuition to good use!

What profession, other than your own, would you never want to attempt?

Working across so many sectors and brands has taught me to never make judgement calls about a profession you know nothing about, and I’ve also built a career out of giving crazy ideas a go, so I’m not keen on closing myself off to the unknown. That said, I don’t really see myself as a professional sky diver!

What was the best advice you were ever given?

A strong, female boss early in my career warned me to be careful of being boastful of being the kind of girl that was one of the boys, as I may isolate myself from the sisterhood.

She encouraged me to be the kind of woman that extends her hand to other women, helping the sisterhood to rise together.

What annoys you about the industry?

That the focus can often be on accolades and awards, rather than effectiveness and meaning.

What women do you find inspiring?

I have wonderful women in my life who inspire me daily. I have a girlfriend who gave away the corporate world to travel the world in pursuit of her true happiness, and I’m so inspired by her sense of bravery.

My oldest (longest known, not aged) girlfriend is a wonderful mother and I call her regularly for advice and wisdom – she inspires me to be present, to be true to myself and to get my priorities straight (although she sometimes offers strange advice about how to make home-made chalk!).

I also have a friend that is fearless in her approach to business, and I’m inspired by her ability to take risks, but be enormously generous in spirit.

My mother inspires me with her strong sense of character and taught me to persevere with positivity in the face of hardship.

What advice would you give to young aspiring women?

Know your worth, but exercise humility in your attitude. Nothing in life is ever worth compromising your sense of integrity. Be true to your word, work hard, and always remember your manners.

What’s your proudest professional moment?

I am very proud of many career achievements, but I am a great believer that a leader isn’t a leader until they’ve produced another leader, and the day I first realised I achieved that goal, was a game-changing achievement in my career.

Nothing makes me prouder than watching someone I’ve coached or mentored go on to great success.

Why are women vital to your industry?

Diversity is vital to our industry, and that’s broader than just gender. But specifically, on women in the industry, we offer a different approach to leadership, problem-solving and creativity.

We also represent approximately half of the overall industry, but our representation is significantly reduced at the top senior positions – a diverse perspective is valuable, and vital, at all levels.

B&T‘s Women in Media Awards 2018 will be held on Friday 17 August 2018 at Doltone House – Jones Bay Wharf. Grab early bird tickets to the event here and find all other info on the website.

WIM_Sponsor_Block_1604updated

Advertise with us

Please login with linkedin to comment

B&T Women in Media Awards 2018 katherine williams mediacom Women in Media women in media awards