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 last week, 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 also 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.
Our last power woman was Olivia Warren, head of brand experience partnerships at Initiative and the winner of B&T’s Women in Media Rising Star Award last year.
And our next Women in Media profile target is… Elaine Herlihy! She’s the marketing director for Paypal Australia (and also a winner at last year’s Women in Media Awards, BTW) – and (rightly) thinks that any industry that ignores women will perish.
What was the best advice you were ever given?
Two pieces:
- Back yourself
- Sometimes you have to subjugate your ego to the outcome
What’s your proudest professional moment?
PayPal being cited as the most trusted brand in Australia in 2017 by IPSOS. That’s a huge honour for the PayPal business to know that Australians feel like they can really trust us and rely on us in this market. Trust is really precious and very hard-earned, and protecting our customers and keeping them safe online is our number one priority.
What are advertising/marketing’s biggest threats and opportunities?
Building and retaining trust, and remaining relevant to the customer. Easy things to say in a sentence but so challenging to keep an unwavering focus on, particularly as the competitive landscape changes all the time.
What women do you find inspiring?
So many – but particularly those who show great personal courage against the odds in driving change for a better society – like Catherine Hamlin, Malala Yousafzai, Rosie Batty.
Guiltiest pleasure?
Easy – Coles two dollar chocolate-covered liquorice! Love them.
What profession, other than your own, would you love to attempt?
I’d love to be a cross-country event rider (horses not bikes).
What advice would you give to young aspiring women?
Ask for what you want – nobody is a mind-reader. Invest in your own development – you’re the best investment you’ll ever make. Be confident and back yourself.
Why are women vital to your industry?
We’re half the population, half the workforce, half the customer base. Any industry ignores 50 per cent at its peril!
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.
