I was between gigs awhile ago, bemoaning my fate to an ad titan over a glass of wine. I’d been told by many it was hopeless, and I’d almost accepted it as fact. After all, I intoned, “I am a woman of a certain age.” He snorted with laughter. “Yes you are. And that’s your greatest advantage. You have a network and wisdom — neither of which you had at 25, and both of which are priceless.”
Read More
It's time to stop coddling toxic bosses
With veins popping out of his neck, eyes bulging, his face six inches from mine, he screamed at me. We were in the middle of a crowded four-star restaurant. Curious heads swivelled our way. A colleague across the table looked down in embarrassment.
This wasn’t the first time I’d been bullied by a boss, of course. I’d had one early in my career who used to quietly savage his staff with a sadistic smile, letting us know that we were all worthless, talentless worms, but he’d try to make something of us. Master of the verbal dagger, he’d gut you to elevate his own self-esteem. The creative department had a revolving door as a result.
Read More
We have an estrogen imbalance
As I watched the parade of winners pick up their Lions in Cannes this year I was, once again, struck by the lack of women.
I’m afraid it’s official. Contagious and Razorfish presented a study showing that the number of women winning has dropped over the last 15 years.
Our business needs more estrogen. The vast majority of consumer purchase decisions are made by women – statistics put it at 85% – yet the work created to speak to us is made almost entirely by young men, and over 90% of their bosses are men. Only 3% of creative directors around the world are female.
Read More
Are Mad Men mad at women?
“People need to tune up their sexism radar, just a notch.”
That’s Karen Howe. She was a little perturbed after hearing that when Canadians see a sexist ad, only 46% feel annoyed. And just 9% feel angry. What’s worse, some don’t even notice sexist undertones in ads at all.
Read More
Why are so many Mad Men mad at women?
The memory of that other famous ad misogynist, Neil French came back in rush when I read about JWT's Martinez under fire. A chill went down my spine. Yet again, an extremely high-profile, globally recognized ad exec – this time Gustavo Martinez – is accused of harassing women. The inappropriate and unwanted physical touching, was accompanied with talk of "rape" and the need for "hog-tying". Then it was followed by the requisite glass ceiling blocking opportunities and limiting financial remuneration. It's something every woman in this business has experienced. I have. And we can't overlook the litany of racist vitriol either. Why do we continue to tolerate this abhorrent behaviour in our business? The corporate wagons circled around Martinez so fast it made my head spin. Perhaps this helps explain why there are so few women in the senior ranks of our business. Maybe it sheds light on why only 3% of the creative directors are women. Is this why minorities of all kinds, remain minorities in this business? It's a sorry week for advertising.