The Women in Media Awards are back for 2018! To celebrate this wonderful fact, and to recognise some of the killer women in our industry, we’ve created a women in media series – and have profiled some pretty inspiring women so far.

This week, we chat with Bauer Media head of trade marketing Claudine Hall.

What was the best career advice you were ever given?

“Don’t headbutt your way through the brick wall; use the ladder beside it”.

This speaks to how driven I’ve always been, but these days I’d like to think I use far more diplomatic skills to get to the other side.

Also, always bring your authentic self to work. I strongly believe that you need to show people who you are.

Relationships are so important and obstacles can be broken down when you’re interacting with empathy or humour; as human beings.

What women do you find inspiring?

Single mums and women that hold down a full-time job with children.

I can barely make it out of the house most days alive.

I am in awe of anyone who can juggle children, work and string a coherent sentence together at the same time.

What’s changed in your role since you started?

Almost everything.

Bauer has been working really hard to re-invigorate the publishing business, and I personally feel like it’s a very exciting time to be working here.

What annoys you about the industry?

Where are the older women?

What’s your proudest professional moment?

Helping to put Bauer on the path to purpose – to use their influence to be the champion for Australian women.

Our Female Futures forecast was a very proud moment for me, and watching staff crash tackle each other for the t-shirts showed me how much this piece also impacts staff engagement.

The plans we have ahead for this year will be some of the best work of my career.

Right now at Bauer, it reminds me of when I was the marketing manager for the Nova 96.9 Sounds Different launch in 2001.

We had a mission to make Sydney sound different, and we were passionate, and single-minded in our approach to disrupt the radio industry.

What advice would you give to young aspiring women?

My top 4 pieces of advice:

1. Never apologise for who you are! Just do you and own it.
2. There’s no rush to get to the top! Good mentors are everywhere (not just at work) and listen, learn and challenge what’s before you.  You’ll get to where you want to be, and stay there longer.
3. Also, with so much emphasis on data these days it’s important to remember to listen to your gut. Balance the finance with the feelings.
4. And finally agility – the only constant is change and you’ll need to roll with the punches.

Why are women vital to your industry?

Let’s be honest, we are the ones that make the magic happen. The power of EQ cannot be underestimated.

What do you think is the most exciting thing about women working in the media right now?

That we have the power to create change.

And it’s even more potent when we come together.

It’s so amazing to see companies upgrade maternity policies, normalise flexible working conditions, and consciously seek to even out gender imbalances at the executive level.

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.