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, 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.

Earlier this week, Kimmie Neidhardt, founder and creative director of Burd, shone a light on stay at home mums and let us in on her guilty pleasure (Dr Pimple Popper).

And our second Women in Media profile target is… Olivia Warren! She’s the head of brand experience partnerships at Initiative (and a winner at last year’s Women in Media Awards, BTW) – and she has some pretty great advice for young women.

What was the best advice you were ever given?

“Never be limited by your title”. But I was also once told: “Don’t make things look ugly or I’ll go nuts,” and that has also stuck with me.

What is your proudest professional moment?

My proudest professional moment was moving to IPG Mediabrands in July 2016 after building my own experiential agency at the age of 24. This marked the culmination of a tough and fulfilling journey with incredible clients that left me with lasting lessons. And, of course, winning B&T’s Women in Media Rising Star Award last year.

Quirkiest attribute?

Probably the liberal use of my AFL footy shorts at work. I get a lot of wear out of my 17 pairs – go the Sydney Uni Bombers!

What women do you find inspiring?

I look up to women who continually reinvent themselves and move with culture: Meryl Streep, Lady Gaga and Tyler Wright.

Guiltiest pleasure?

I couldn’t publish that.

What would be your ultimate role?

I started my own business in 2014 because I absolutely love delivering brand experiences for clients. I still do to this day. My ultimate role would be doing that on a global stage – bringing what I know to markets around the world.

What advice would you give to young aspiring women?

You shape your future. Don’t wait for a chance, make your opportunity happen.

Why are women vital to your industry?

Our industry should reflect the people we talk to everyday. In my experience, gender diversity at an agency produces better, more effective work.

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.