If you had a collective of Super Women by your side, what help would you ask for? This was the question that Are Media’s Jane Huxley asked more than 800 incredible attendees at the B&T Women in Media awards in September this year.
Last week we announced the introduction of B&T’s Superwomen Series in partnership with Are Media, to view all instalments click here.
The women of the Australian media, marketing and advertising spoke out loudly, sharing their biggest fears and doubts. So, now, in partnership with Are Media, B&T has called upon our legion of superwomen – that’s our winners and the Women in Media Power List inductees – to guide this generation of women through some of the industry’s most consistent problems.
Over the next eight weeks, we’ll publish a collection of their responses, grouped around the themes that emerged from your words: Confidence, Workplace, Gender Gap, Coaching, Empowerment and Balance.
This week, we tackle confidence with Project Manager winner, Melanie Aslanidis, Woman of the Year Natalie Taylor, Entrepreneur winner Haley McDonald and number four on the Women In Media Power List, Rose Herceg.
How do I break free from imposter syndrome and finally feel like I belong in the room?
Rose Herceg, President ANZ, WPP
The cost of entry to any room is having a thoughtful point of view. If you have one, you belong in that room.
Melanie Aslanidis, Head of NGEN, MFA
I don’t think I will ever truly break free from imposter syndrome, you just to manage it better over time. For me, belonging has come from shifting the focus. Instead of asking, “Do I deserve to be here?” I try and frame it the question to “What value can I add to this conversation?”
I’ve also learned that confidence often follows action, not the other way around. The more I speak up, contribute, or take the lead on something outside my comfort zone, the quieter that imposter voice gets.
It’s also important to surround yourself with people who both back you and challenge you. It’s not about pretending you know everything, it’s about recognising that your perspective is unique and valuable and that growth happens when you’re slightly uncomfortable. I’ve recently gained a lot of inspiration on leaning into your superpowers from listening to Chloe Hooper’s podcast, The Limitless Equation.
Natalie Taylor, Founder / Executive Producer, Poppet
Great first question! I don’t think imposter syndrome is something you ever completely “solve.” There will always be moments where, for whatever reason, you doubt yourself. What’s helped me is shifting how I look at it. Remembering that no one has all the answers and that’s actually kind of wonderful.
There’s no magical day, job title, or project delivery that suddenly makes you feel like you’ve “made it.” Letting go of that idea frees you from chasing something that doesn’t exist. Instead, focus on the fact that you’re doing your best with what you know right now. Stay curious, keep learning, and your confidence will grow naturally.
I’ve learned to see imposter syndrome as a sign that I’m in an exciting place where I’m trying something new and that’s where I should be. So instead of fighting it, I’ve started to welcome it. The rest comes with time, trust, and a bit of self-kindness.
Hayley McDonald, CEO & Founder, 3P Studio
You don’t need to “earn” your place in the room… you’re already there. That’s the evidence.
Imposter syndrome tricks you into thinking confidence comes first, but in reality, confidence comes after you act. The fastest way to quiet that voice is through doing. Speak up once. Deliver once. Then do it again.
Everyone who looks like they have it together is still figuring it out behind the scenes. The difference is they’ve learned to live with the doubt and move anyway. Start seeing imposter syndrome as a sign you’re growing… not proof you don’t belong.
How do I find my voice when I’m the youngest person at the table and constantly feel overlooked?
Rose Herceg, President ANZ, WPP
Youth is a gift. Likely, you represent the very people that the table wants to target! Use it.
Melanie Aslanidis, Head of NGEN, MFA
That’s less my experience these days. In my role with NGEN, I’m often the oldest in the room!
But the advice I have for anyone starting out is that your voice carries weight when it’s grounded in curiosity. You don’t have to be the loudest or most experienced person to add value, you just need to speak with purpose.
When you’re new to an industry your perspective is often fresh and unfiltered, which can be a powerful tool. Ask smart questions, listen carefully and notice what others might miss, and back your observations with thought. Over time, consistency builds credibility, and credibility builds confidence.
As leaders, I think it’s on us to make space for all voices, and to ensure the youngest people at the table don’t feel overlooked, and to create an environment where everyone feels confident to contribute.
Natalie Taylor, Founder / Executive Producer, Poppet
It’s been a while since I was the youngest at the table, but I remember the feeling. Being young doesn’t mean you don’t have value. You’ve earned your seat, even if you’re still learning what to do with it. Everyone is learning, all the time. Especially in this business, where the rules and platforms evolve constantly.
Speak from curiosity, not perfection. Ask great questions, listen closely, and don’t be afraid to say, “Explain it to me like I’m new to this.” People love sharing what they know and showing genuine enthusiasm is memorable. Over time, those small, brave moments of speaking up add up to real confidence.
And remember this: the industry needs your fresh perspective. You are needed in the conversation.
Hayley McDonald, CEO & Founder, 3P Studio
You don’t need to have the loudest voice at the table to have impact; you just need to make your voice count. Prepare well. Know your stuff. Then speak with intent… short, clear, and confident.
If someone talks over you, finish your point anyway. If you’re overlooked, keep showing up until they can’t ignore you. Respect is rarely given freely….it’s built over time through consistency and clarity.
I feel paralysed by the fear of failing or making the wrong choice – how do I move forward and overcome this?
Rose Herceg, President ANZ, WPP
Ask yourself this: what’s the worst that can happen? Outside of death, nothing. When you see the bigger picture, you’ll find courage in your choice. You can live with a wrong choice (which you can easily correct). It’s making no choice at all and living in limbo, which does the real damage.
Melanie Aslanidis, Head of NGEN, MFA
I’m an over-thinker by nature, but I’ve realised my fear of failure comes from caring and wanting things to go well. For me, it’s about balance, creating space for testing new ideas, but ensuring there is also a baseline of proven strategies. If you don’t feel a bit of fear or discomfort, are you really stretching yourself?
We usually learn our biggest lessons from the moments that don’t go to plan, and those experiences shape who we become. When I’m weighing up something that feels risky, I step back and ask, “What’s the worst that could happen?” It helps put things in perspective. And I still love a good pros and cons list when I’m facing something outside my comfort zone.
I also try to replace perfection with progress. Not every decision has to be permanent. It’s about moving, learning, and adjusting.
The courage to try often matters more than the guarantee of success.
Natalie Taylor, Founder / Executive Producer, Poppet
This question speaks to me about the crazy pursuit of perfection that we all need to let go of. It doesn’t do anybody any good. To be able to be the best, we have to take risks, and inevitably that means some decisions or choices we make won’t go the way we want them to. You can’t make an omelette without breaking some eggs, or something like that.
Try to remember it’s very rare to make a truly “wrong” call. We all make decisions with the best information we have at the time. Try not to think of lost wins or errors as black-and-white failure. Reframe them as reroutes with extra wisdom. When you shift from fearing failure to trusting the process, you start to enjoy the journey rather than trying to control it. So take the step. You’ll either succeed or you’ll learn, and both move you forward. Progress over perfection, always.
Hayley McDonald, CEO & Founder, 3P Studio
The fear of failing is often worse than failing itself. The truth is, you will make wrong choices… we all do and no one is perfect. What matters is what you do after.
Progress comes from momentum, not perfection. So instead of waiting for the “right” move, make the next move. Decide, act, learn, adjust. That’s how you build resilience and confidence… not through getting it right every time, but by proving to yourself you can handle whatever happens next.
You don’t overcome fear by waiting for courage… You create courage by moving through fear.
