Women In Media Profile: Kimmie Neidhardt

Women are vital to any industry, especially this one. And B&T doesn’t think it’s right that some of these women aren’t recognised for their inspiring efforts every day. So come one, come all, because we’ve got some killer women to showcase!

To celebrate the launch of our annual Women in Media Awards, we’ve grabbed a few industry power women and prodded them with questions about who they find inspiring, their best advice and why women are vital to their industry.

B&T is taking steps in addressing gender disparity in the workplace with our upcoming event Changing The Ratio. Buy your tickets here to be part of the movement.

First up is Kimmie Neidhardt, founder and creative director of Burd. Take it away, Kimmie!

What was the best advice you were ever given?

“Don’t fish for ideas in the advertising pond – because they stink.” Warren Brown, ca 2006. (…and I never looked at an advertising award annual again!)

What’s your proudest professional moment?

The day I said ‘Fuck it, I’m going out on my own!’ and promptly started my own ad agency with Simone.

It took more guts and self-belief than I thought I had. But I did it – and I’ve never looked back.

Quirkiest attribute?

I don’t know if it’s quirky or just stupid, but I like to change my hair colour quite regularly. When the time comes, I bring some pretty fun stuff to my hairdresser for reference. Like a beautiful pink and yellow Grevillia I found out on a walk, my daughter’s My Little Pony toy, or even a blank piece of white paper.

What women do you find inspiring?

Without a doubt, stay-at-home mums!

They have the hardest job, with awful hours, few perks, lots of judgement and little recognition. It can be isolating, frustrating and awfully monotonous. But they’ve chosen it anyway.

To me, these women are Goddesses, all of them.

Guiltiest pleasure?

Following Doctor Pimple Popper on Instagram – I find it an amazing stress relief.

What would be your ultimate role?

I really get off on making a real, positive difference to people’s lives. So my ultimate job is one where I can use my advertising experience to solve real problems in the real world. The kind of stuff that can’t be solved with traditional advertising. Maybe it’s a creative/tech hybrid thing. Or maybe I’ll end up becoming an inventor.

What advice would you give to young aspiring women?

You are better, stronger, smarter and so much braver than you think.

Why are women vital to your industry?

Because 50 per cent of the world’s population is female.
Because women make the majority of household purchasing decisions.
Because women experience the world differently to men.
Because a department full of clones will never achieve anything new.
Because more ways of thinking equals more solutions for the same problem.
Because most fluffy-chinned 23-year-old boys have no idea what being a woman feels like.
Because we have been insulting women with un-insightful advertising for too long.
Because if I see one more ad that starts with the words ‘as a busy mum’, there will be trouble.
Because our clients deserve better.

We are all vital to the industry: men, women, people of different ages, religions, ethnicities and educational backgrounds, people with disabilities, people with a talent for juggling. If they’re ‘featured’ on planet Earth, they should be featured in creative departments.

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.

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B&T Women in Media Burd Kimmie Neidhardt WIM Women in Media Women in Media Awards 2018