In an interview with Ad Age, Mindshare North America CEO Amanda Richman discusses female representation in the ad world and how women can be better supported and advocate for themselves in the industry.
Here are some highlights from the interview:
What advice would you give to rising females in the ad world?
“Run to the problem,” Richman says. She explains there are opportunities everywhere to identify problems and then offer solutions to them. Richman gives a few examples such as streamlining workflow, advancing a client relationship, addressing a unique challenge in the industry, and advancing DEJI initiatives. Ultimately, there is no lack of problems to solve on the micro or macro level.
“The standout talent, the people who rise fastest in our industry, are those who have an eye for the problem, zoom out and have a bigger picture view of it, and then bring people together as a team to solve it. And when they do that, their reputation rises.”
How do women find mentors in the industry?
Richman says the temptation is for women to look only in their company for female mentors, but that doesn’t need to be the case.
She suggests exploring mentorship programs through organizations like She Runs It or the American Advertising Federation. It’s a great way to network outside of your circle and connect with peers.
“As you enter the industry, you’re often thinking about looking up to who to model and get mentored from, but it’s the people who you work with [outside your company] who keep rising up over the years and will become your strongest support system,” Richman offers.
What does workplace flexibility mean post-pandemic?
Workplace flexibility isn’t just one defined policy. The pandemic has opened the space for the conversation with your boss and team about “how do you create the right schedule that both [delivers for your clients] but is also respectful of the team and the individual,” Richman says.
Watch the entire interview here.