Philippa Moig, chief executive of UnLtd and MOOD is the next guest writer in the latest instalment of the IMAA’s Female Leaders of Tomorrow program, following on from last year’s series. Fry, delves into the importance mentorship, creating opportunities and building confidence champion female voices as the industry evolves.
1. How did you get involved (and why) in this program specifically?
Philippa Moig: Mentorship has fundamentally changed my career, and more importantly, what I believed was possible for myself.
I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have people back me, challenge me, advocate for me and open doors I didn’t even know existed. Many of those relationships have become lifelong friendships.
This program is an opportunity to pay that forward.
The media and marketing industry has given me so much, and I genuinely believe one of the most important things we can do as leaders is help others navigate their own path with a little more confidence, clarity and courage.
2. Why is mentoring women in the industry so important for its future success?
PM: Because talent is everywhere, but confidence and opportunity aren’t always distributed equally.
Many women still underestimate their capability, hesitate to put themselves forward, or don’t always see people like themselves in leadership positions.
Great mentoring helps bridge that gap. It provides perspective, encouragement and practical guidance, while also helping build the next generation of leaders our industry needs.
Put simply, our industry will be stronger when more talented women back themselves, step into leadership and realise their full potential.
3. Who are/were your mentors, and what did you learn from them?
PM: Too many to count!
I’ve been fortunate to learn from incredible women, including Aimee Buchanan, Karen Halligan, Sian Whitnall, Laura Nice, Kim Portrate and Pia Coyle.
I’ve also learned so much from some exceptional men, including Horgs, Sparrow, Fairhurst and Stepho.
They’ve all taught me different things. Perspective. Courage. Clarity. Accountability. How to make hard decisions. How to bring people with you.
One lesson that has stayed with me is that leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about creating the space to think, staying curious, making the decisions only you can make and helping others achieve more than they thought possible.
The best mentors don’t give you answers. They expand what you believe is possible.
4. If you could offer one piece of advice to all future leaders, what would it be and why?
PM: Back yourself more.
Most of us spend far too much time focusing on what we don’t know instead of recognising what we’re capable of learning.
Some of the best opportunities in my career were the ones that scared me the most.
Growth and comfort rarely exist in the same place.
Say yes. Put your hand up. Take the opportunity. Trust that you’ll figure it out.
You’re almost certainly more capable than you give yourself credit for.
