As we continue to push towards an equal future, more and more women are becoming leading figures for those around them, as well as younger women just starting their careers. And B&T thinks it’s time we shone a light on these industry power women.

Welcome to our 2018 Women in Media series! This series is to celebrate our annual Women in Media Awards – which, come August, will recognise the best of the best women in our industry.

Our last profile featured Naomi Shepherd from Facebook. And now it’s time for you to meet Alison Michalk, CEO of Quiip!

Quirkiest attribute?

My friends joke my mind is like Scully – it does operate on a very high processing speed. Constantly. So meditation and yoga are important resets!

Favourite food?

A great pasta. And pastries. Assuming coffee and beer don’t count!

What was the best advice you were ever given?

To “just do”. Anyone can have an idea, it’s all about the execution.

And my Mum always said; “as long as you tried your best.” So in the back of mind I know I can always do more, reach further, be better.

What women do you find inspiring?

I’m inspired weekly by The Three Birds (Bonnie Hindmarsh, Lana Taylor and Erin Cayliss) business strategy and approach.

Melanie Perkins of Canva is obviously incredible.

And I’ve a close friend, Allison Brownmoore of BlueSpill who sets impressively ambitious business goals which has landed her on the red carpet for her VFX work.

On a personal and consciousness front, Brené Brown and Pema Chodron inspire me.

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

Gosh, probably the vast majority! Law, finance, medicine, the list goes on. No doubt that’s why I’m an entrepreneur and in charge of creating my own work environment, work-load and work conditions.

What drives you?

Business is like a rubix cube. And endless puzzle to solve, muse on, reiterate.

My strategic and analytical mind loves the problem solving, but I’ve also been entrepreneurial since I was little — having autonomy and independence over my mind and time is crucial to me.

What advice would you give to young aspiring women?

Don’t waste energy doubting yourself. Get out there and try. You’ll make mistakes, you’ll be out of your comfort zone, but you’ll be learning every step of the way.

Treat it all like practical in-the-field study. Do not beat yourself up for it. Live and learn!

Why are women vital to your industry?

Social media and online community management are among the few tech fields dominated by women – so this presents an opportunity for women to springboard into other areas.

But women are as vital to our industry as any, we’re half the population and gender diversity simply makes business sense. You can’t innovate without it.

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.