Women To Watch: Bauer Media’s Anna Preston

At B&T, We are staunch believers that every woman and her achievements should be celebrated, every day and always.

However, unfortunately, the achievements of women often go unnoticed. That’s why we launched our annual B&T Women in Media Awards – to recognise the amazing accomplishments of women across the marketing, communications and advertising industry.

In honour of our WIM Awards, we’re chatting to industry powerhouses; women we should all be keeping an eye on — women to watch.

Today we’re hearing from Bauer Media head of strategy Anna Preston.

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I think the B&T Women in Media Awards are important for many reasons, but perhaps most importantly they are important for young women. It’s positive that when young women enter this industry they are able to look around and see lots of potential views of her future self– the awards are an inspiring and energising forum to do so.

The most influential woman in my life who has had a great impact on me is my Nana. She didn’t conform to traditional stereotypes of her time, was a talented painter, stylish, steely, smart, curious and kind. I also really admire Jacinda Adern. She had a completely unexpected election win and is redefining our perception of what a leader looks like.

In terms of the biggest impediment to equality in the workforce, I believe it is the lack of support from government and workplaces for fathers. There need to be changes that will allow them to be more involved in parenting. Many fathers want to be more involved in caring for their kids, but policies seem to assume they have a limited role to play. More father-friendly policies would level the playing field at home and at work.

I think something we can do every day that could make a massive change in the struggle for equality is thinking about how we talk to young girls. We need to ask more questions about what they’re building or creating. We also need to stop ignoring the talent and energy of women over 50. We need more of them in our workplaces and represented in media.

Another important aspect of equality that’s often overlooked in pay equality. Since working on Bauer’s Financially Fit Females campaign I’ve had so many more deep conversations about money – it’s made me realise despite how fundamental money is we don’t have enough meaningful conversations about it. I’m still working on my financial fitness -I don’t think I took my superannuation as seriously as I should – and as they say, compound interest is the 8th wonder of the world. My advice to younger women to make sure they’re paid what they’re worth would be firstly to know your worth, then negotiate early (ie. from your first job) and don’t underestimate your ability when deciding whether to put your hand up for new opportunities: apply for roles where you don’t tick 100% of the boxes.

Quickfire questions

If you were PM, what law would you change/introduce right now to improve equality?

I have two changes. Get more women in politics and make childcare tax-deductible. Why is it legal to tax deduct your conference in Whistler, but not the cost of childcare while you’re at work?

What is the best advice anyone has ever given you?

Put your hand up for every opportunity.

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