Celebrating the Women of FCB

Women's History Month marks a pivotal moment to celebrate women's achievements across the globe and to reflect on the important contributions they have made to our society, both past and present. This year, the theme for Women's History Month is “Moving Forward Together,” while the theme for International Women's Day on March 8^th is “Accelerate Action.”

 

In honor of this occasion, we are proud to present a series that highlights some of the extraordinary women who make up our network. Throughout the month, we will showcase their inspiring career journeys, the work they are most passionate about, the women who inspire them, and how they believe we can all “accelerate forward” together.

 

Recognizing women's contributions isn't just about honoring history, it's about driving the future. Women have played an undeniable role in shaping industries, breaking barriers, and redefining what's possible. By amplifying their voices and championing their work, we don't just celebrate progress — we fuel it. Because when women thrive, creativity thrives. And when creativity thrives, our entire industry moves forward.

 

FCB Women's Spotlight

 

Chandni Shah, Founder & COO at FCB Kinnect

How did you end up in the advertising industry? Can you share a bit about your career journey?

“Believe it or not, my journey into advertising started at just three years old! Throughout my childhood, I appeared in over 100 commercials, working with brands like Amul and Nerolac. As I grew up, I was far more intrigued by what went on behind the scenes. That curiosity led me to a career in marketing and advertising. At 22, I took a leap of faith with my to-be-husband and we co-founded Kinnect. Over the years, FCB Kinnect has grown into India's leading creatively integrated agency with 600+ passionate Kinnectors, partnering with some of the biggest brands in the world.”

 

If you had to create an advertising campaign for your life, what would be the theme song and the slogan?

“The theme song would be Unstoppable by Sia, because resilience and passion have been the driving forces behind my journey. The slogan? ‘Lead with vision, hustle with heart.'”

 

What's the most important lesson you've learned in your career?

“Success isn't about having all the answers, it's about being adaptable and open to learning. Our industry evolves so fast that what works today may be irrelevant tomorrow. Staying ahead requires curiosity, courage, and a willingness to reinvent yourself at the flip of a switch.”

 

What's the best piece of advice you've received?

“‘You don't have to fit into a mold to be a leader, create your own.' Early in my career, I thought leadership had a rigid definition, but I've learned that the most effective leaders bring their authenticity, intuition, and personal strengths to the table.”

 

What work are you most proud of in your career?

“I still pinch myself thinking about how Rohan and I have hustled to get where we are today. Building FCB Kinnect has been a journey of manifesting every dream board we ever envisioned — an agency where creativity meets impact and talent is nurtured to create breakthrough work.

 

Winning on global stages, standing proudly alongside industry giants, and proving that we belong has been surreal. If I had to pick one campaign, it would definitely be Chatpat and our first crowning moment on the Cannes stage.”

 

Can you share a woman leader or mentor who has inspired you and why?

“This, without a doubt, is our very own Susan Credle. From the moment we spoke, her energy, vision, and absolute presence stood out. She has an incredible ability to rally teams, push creative boundaries, and champion diverse voices, all while making you feel heard and valued.

 

Seeing her lead as Global Chief Creative Officer at FCB, breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry, reinforced what's possible for women in advertising. Spending time with her at Cannes and during her visit to India was nothing short of inspiring. Every conversation with her felt like a masterclass in leadership, reaffirming my belief that the best leaders don't just inspire, they empower."

 

The International Women's Day theme this year is: “Accelerate Action.” How can the advertising industry “accelerate forward” to better support and empower women?

“To truly accelerate action, we need to move beyond just talking about diversity and actively implement structural changes. This means more leadership opportunities for women, equal pay transparency, flexible work environments, and a culture that doesn't penalize women for balancing career and family. As a mother of two kids, I know how difficult it gets for women in Indian advertising and I'd like to champion a space where women can thrive without compromising on personal ambitions, and I hope to see more of that across the industry.”

 

To all the advertising moms out there: Has your child(ren) shared any wisdom that has inspired or influenced your career?

“Absolutely! Motherhood has taught me a whole new level of patience, adaptability, and perspective. My child once reminded me, ‘You don't have to do everything at once, just do your best.' That simple statement hit home. As professionals, we often feel the pressure to juggle everything perfectly, but sometimes, it's about being present in the moment and giving your best to what's in front of you, whether that's a campaign, a meeting, or bedtime stories.”

 

Letícia Rodrigues, Creative Director at FCB Brazil

How did you end up in the advertising industry? Can you share a bit about your career journey?

“I kind of ended up in advertising by accident. I started college wanting to study journalism, but from the very first class, I didn't like it. So, I thought, “What am I gonna do now?” Since I was a kid, I'd always been told, ‘you're so creative,' so switching to advertising seemed like the obvious choice, especially when I found out about this thing called the creative department. So, I went for it and confirmed that creating has always been my biggest passion."

If you had to create an advertising campaign for your life, what would be the theme song and the slogan?

“As a creative woman (and often the only one in the department), I think “Roar” would be a good soundtrack. And the slogan should be: ‘Always a hungry art director on the inside.'”/p>

 

What's the most important lesson you've learned in your career?

“Nobody does anything alone. Advertising is full of ego and self-promotion, but it's the collective effort that truly makes the difference.”

 

What's the best piece of advice you've received?

“Choosing my battles and focusing my energy on what really matters. Because sometimes, as women, we think we need to handle everything and try to take on the world, but of course, it's just not possible."

 

What work are you most proud of in your career?

“There are a lot of them. Of course, the most awarded one makes me really proud. But there's one in particular called 'The Shameless Pad' for Intimus (Kotex), that holds a special place in my heart. Not only because we put so much effort into making it happen, but because we had a powerful female team handling everything. It was beautiful to witness this team working together closely.”

 

The theme for Women's History Month this year is: “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations.” This theme celebrates the powerful influence of women who have dedicated their lives to education, mentorship, and leadership. Can you share a woman leader or mentor who has inspired you and why?

“I want to mention the first female Creative Director I worked with years ago, Alessandra Sadock. Not just because she was a woman, but because she had an art direction background. Back then, most Creative Directors were men and copywriters, so seeing her in that position really inspired me. Being hired by her gave me the confidence to believe in myself and my work."

 

Similarly, the International Women's Day theme this year is: “Accelerate Action.” How can the advertising industry “accelerate forward” to better support and empower women?

“By giving them more of a voice at the table. Not just hiring women for junior positions but placing them in higher roles and truly listening to what they have to say."

 

If you could have dinner with any woman, past or present, who would it be and why?

It would be with Angela Davis, because of all her fighting spirit and the important footprint she's left on the world — being both brave and generous at the same time.”

 

Sonam Gautam, ECD & Head of Design at FCB Interface

How did you end up in the advertising industry? Can you share a bit about your career journey?

“I like how that question answers itself: ‘ending up in advertising.' That's exactly what happened. It wasn't planned or intentional. I didn't choose advertising; advertising chose me.

 

Fascinated by how colors, words, and symbols shape perception, I was always drawn to the power of storytelling. But that one could build a career in it, came as a surprise when I joined MICA. And the decision to go to this institute, so far away from my small town, was simply led by a deep desire to break out of my comfort zone. So, stepping into advertising wasn't a career move but a leap into the unknown.

 

From dreaming about brands to starting my career by launching an iconic brand like Virgin Mobile, the journey has been incredible. Looking back, it feels like everything has led me here.”

 

If you had to create an advertising campaign for your life, what would be the theme song and the slogan?

Theme Song: Run the World (Girls) by Beyoncé

Slogan: Live bold. Love deep. Laugh always.

 

What's the most important lesson you've learned in your career?

“Nothing is set in stone. Everything is fluid. The creative world thrives on chaos, reinvention, and the next big disruption, which is happening as we speak. And trust me, we're not just witnessing a revolution; we're a part of it. So, the choice is simple — spread your wings, soar, or stand still and fade away.”

 

What's the best piece of advice you've received?

“Be the go-to expert, not just another voice. In a world of noise, true expertise cuts through. And that's always in demand.”

 

What work are you most proud of in your career?

“One piece of work I'm proud of is #FreedomHair for Pantene. What started out as an advertising campaign but grew into something bigger — a canvas to express freedom for millions of women like me. Women who refused to be tied down, who dared to break the norms, and who chose their own path. This campaign set the stage for influencers — even before the world recognized it as a profession.”

 

Can you share a woman leader or mentor who has inspired you and why?

“Serena Williams inspires me not just as an athlete but as a force of resilience, reinvention, and ambition — qualities that resonate deeply with me. She's proof that talent is just the beginning; it's grit, confidence, and the courage to break barriers that truly set you apart. Her journey reminds me that setbacks aren't endings — they're just part of the climb.”

 

The International Women's Day theme this year is: “Accelerate Action.” How can the advertising industry “accelerate forward” to better support and empower women?

“The advertising industry can truly accelerate forward by embracing women in their entirety. Their strengths, vulnerabilities — everything included. Real empowerment isn't just about representation, it's about recognition. We must champion women in leadership, break stereotypes, invest in female talent, and create equitable workplaces.”

If you could go back and tell your younger self one thing, what would it be?

“There are no wrong roads. Every detour sharpens you, every misstep redirects you, and every missed opportunity is just making space for something bigger. It's a matter of perspective.”

 

Ana Becker, Creative Director at FCB Brazil

How did you end up in the advertising industry? Can you share a bit about your career journey?

“The honest answer is: by chance. I studied journalism and was very determined to become a war correspondent (teenage dreams… go figure). But then social media happened, and advertising stopped being a one-way street, where advertisers and brands spoke to a faceless, nameless mass. It became necessary not just to speak, but to engage in conversations with people. And that's exactly what journalists do. Every day. And these abilities naturally and happily found their place in agencies. In 2013, one of them invited me to launch its content department, and I never left.”

 

If you had to create an advertising campaign for your life, what would be the theme song and the slogan? 

Slogan: Normal is overrated.

Theme Song: Harry Nilsson — Coconut

 

What's the most important lesson you've learned in your career?

“My father used to say, ‘The message always belongs to the receiver. It's your job to ensure they understand what you want them to understand, and probably your responsibility if they don't.' Advertising proved he was right and added to the lesson: the obvious must be stated. What's obvious to you might not be to someone else, and it's highly ineffective (and even a bit unfair) to expect people to have the same context as you.”

 

What's the best piece of advice you've received?

“Ask out loud. The chances of someone nearby knowing the answer (or the way to find it) are very high. Even the most absurd questions need to be asked. Ask them out loud. The answers are sometimes brilliant.”

 

What work are you most proud of in your career?

“There is a lot that I'm proud of, but since this is Women's History Month, I'll say the first work I did as a Creative Director. Creating the commemorative brand for Ivete Sangalo's 30-year career was an incredible experience. I'm immensely proud of the result; it turned out beautiful and full of meaning. But more than that, I'm proud of the process and the opportunity to witness one of the most talented women I know in action. Ivete isn't just a pillar of Brazilian music, art, and culture — she's the kind of person I'd love to have as a friend, neighbor, cousin, coworker… anything. Or everything at once. She's truly one of a kind, and she was an absolutely spectacular client.

 

I'll never forget hearing my idol say that our work together felt like a spiritual connection and that we kicked *ss together. Admiring other women's work and having the chance to experience first hand their brilliance and generosity is one of the best things ever.”

 

The theme for Women's History Month this year is: “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations.” This theme celebrates the powerful influence of women who have dedicated their lives to education, mentorship, and leadership. Can you share a woman leader or mentor who has inspired you and why?

“I don't even need to think to answer this one: Anna Martha. She is not only a huge and brilliant inspiration, but a mentor that I'll never be able to thank enough. She hates when I say she taught me everything, but she did. Not everything I know, but everything I should have known and didn't. And she did so with all the respect, the care and the professionalism someone could. I'm sold on the idea that I'd never ever be the professional I'm today without her.”

 

Similarly, the International Women's Day theme this year is: “Accelerate Action.” How can the advertising industry “accelerate forward” to better support and empower women?

“I wish I had cooler things to say here, but the truth is that guaranteeing that harassment of any kind has consequences for the harasser would be an awesome place to channel some forward momentum.”

 

If you could go back and tell your younger self one thing, what would it be?

"You are, indeed, weird but it will become your superpower. Also, cats are amazing, and you are not allergic to them anymore."

 

 

Lara Goldsmith, UX Designer & Technical Lead at FCB/SIX

How did you end up in the advertising industry? Can you share a bit about your career journey?

“My program in school allowed me to learn many different skills. My first job out of school I was able to use all those skills as it was a small shop. I love being able to support projects along the way with my diversity in skills and I am very lucky to have been able to continue that when I came to FCB. I started in the tech department as a front-end developer but was soon able to contribute to web/app designs and UX on various projects.”

 

What's the most important lesson you've learned in your career?

“Don't be afraid to speak up and share your ideas.”

 

What's the best piece of advice you've received?

“Not really advice, but some skills that have been engrained in me from coaches when I was younger. I learned at an early age how important it is to have good work ethic and to give everything your all. I also learned how to take criticism and not get down on myself, but to use everything as a learning opportunity for growth.”

 

What work are you most proud of in your career?

“I can't pinpoint one project, but I love being able to collaborate with people who have different backgrounds and skills. I think the best work comes when different minds come together, and everyone gains new knowledge.”

 

Can you share a woman leader or mentor who has inspired you and why?

“Since being at FCB, Gillian M. has been a great shoulder to lean on for me. She has always been there to support me, and I admire the work she puts in to have things run smoothly for the company and her team.”

 

The International Women's Day theme this year is: “Accelerate Action.” How can the advertising industry “accelerate forward” to better support and empower women?

“In today's world, I think it's important to break down stereotypes and allow others to see what it's like to walk in our shoes and gain perspective. I think it's imperative to understand how changes happening in the world today are going to impact us.”

 

Suchitra Gahlot, National Creative Director at FCB Ulka

 

Lucy Sparks, Business Development Director at FCB Aotearoa

How did you end up in the advertising industry? Can you share a bit about your career journey?

“I grew up with parents in the film industry — my mum a Production Manager and my dad an Editor – so, much of my childhood was spent on sets. I made my first commercial at 11 months old, starring in an ad for the iconic Kiwi spread, Vegemite. I've always had a love for the craft of film, but I was curious about the creative process before you get to set. After a series of serendipitous connections, by 17 I'd managed to land myself a role as an Account Exec on the global Tourism New Zealand account, at one of the top agencies in the country. The incredible Business Lead who hired me told me they'd prefer to teach me what I needed to know, than see me in three years post university – it was an incredibly lucky break.”

 

If you had to create an advertising campaign for your life, what would be the theme song and the slogan?

“If I had to create an ad campaign for my life right now, it would be a PSA for rest. Slowing down, creating space, and unsubscribing from the belief that we have to hustle and grind our way through our lives. Rest is a powerful tool—undervalued, overridden, yet vital for our creative energy. We are an industry that wear our busy as a badge of honour yet complain that time flies. I think it's time to embrace a more conscious, regenerative approach to work and life. Something I am very much trying to uphold for myself and model for my daughters. Rest for me comes from spending time slowing down in nature, watching a sunset, going for a bush walk, getting my feet in the sand, lying on the grass under the shade of a tree. We shouldn't have to hold out for a holiday to find these pockets to recharge ourselves, and luckily in Aotearoa that's not hard to do.”

 

Tagline: Reclaim rest.

Soundtrack: August 10 – Khruangbin

 

What's the most important lesson you've learned in your career?

“The concept of True Self Success, introduced to me by conscious career mentor Alison Rice, completely reframed the way I view ambition and achievement. When I really understood that success is wholly individual — and about living and working in a way that feels authentic to you — the lens through which I viewed my career completely changed. Success not something you achieve; it's a feeling that is yours to define, and that will evolve in every season of your life. Releasing yourself from anyone else's definition of “making it” frees you to design a career and life on your own terms — and that, to me, is the throughway to true fulfilment.”

 

What's the best piece of advice you've received?

“‘Get off the dance floor and onto the balcony' – The piece of advice that took me into leadership. The simple power of opening the aperture and shifting your awareness.”

 

What work are you most proud of in your career?

“Honestly, I'm incredibly proud of the work we're doing at FCB Aotearoa to drive operational effectiveness. We're leading a large-scale change management program designed to shape future ways of working — prioritizing the growth of our people and enabling them to bring their best to their roles.

 

Stress kills creativity, and in an industry where creativity is our product, the way we work is ripe for reinvention. This moment in time presents a huge opportunity to leverage new technologies that free us from low-value tasks, allowing us to spend more time creating, ideating, collaborating — and yes, resting. That excites me.

 

When you really stop to think about it, no one teaches you how to work, yet individual work habits directly impact our ability to co-work effectively. We've kicked off our R&D phase with support from PEP, leaders in workplace effectiveness and self-leadership.

 

Already, we're seeing the impact of simple, practical tools in helping people feel more in control in our fast-paced industry. So much so that our clients are getting curious and exploring how they can apply these changes themselves. I will always love making great ads, but what motivates me these days is how we can unlock growth by creating a culture that enables our people to grow, learn and thrive.”

 

The theme for Women's History Month this year is: “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations.” This theme celebrates the powerful influence of women who have dedicated their lives to education, mentorship, and leadership. Can you share a woman leader or mentor who has inspired you and why?

“My powerful strong working mama who showed me that you can be a present, loving, connected mother and an absolute force in your work. Everything I am building for my girls I am building on the shoulders of what she showed me is possible. Love you mum.”

 

Similarly, the International Women's Day theme this year is: “Accelerate Action.” How can the advertising industry “accelerate forward” to better support and empower women?

“In the current US context where DEIB efforts are under threat, we must do everything possible to ensure we don't go backwards. It's critical that every woman with influence in their roles, workplaces or communities does what they can to reach behind them and grab the hand of those following behind. It's also vitally important that we focus on inclusivity beyond similarities. But we can't do it on our own, male leaders need to be actively sponsoring diverse talent, it's not just about getting a seat at the table but about providing real influence, a sense of belonging and authority to shape our workplaces for a future where equality is the baseline.

 

We need more narratives driven by women, and spaces to come together and connect in our shared experiences – being honest and vulnerable about the barriers and the breakthroughs. This collective storytelling is powerful and essential for both collective action and inspiring the next generation. We need to do more to amplify women's voices and stories, not just one day a year—but all the time. If you can see it, you can be it.

 

At an organizational level, there's still significant work needed in redesigning systems and structures that create drop-off points for women and people from diverse backgrounds. It's crucial to get honest about these barriers and continue changing the structures that force women out or block their progression. This means creatively designing roles and workplaces that prioritize output over outdated office optics, fostering a culture where work and life can coexist harmoniously. Movements like 'work school hours' are interesting, how can we think differently to make work-life integration a collective goal rather than an individual allowance.

 

Finally, there's no excuse for a gender pay gap in 2025. Agencies must commit to equitable pay and backing, ensuring women have the same opportunities to thrive. This is not just about ensuring equal pay either, but about examining where the women are in your businesses and making sure they have equitable influence."

 

To all the advertising moms out there: Has your child(ren) shared any wisdom that has inspired or influenced your career?

“The power of presence. In a world that idolizes busyness, my children constantly remind me that true connection—and the best ideas—happen when I'm fully tuned in and in the moment.” 

 

Cynthia Roach, VP Client Service Lead at FCB Canada

How did you end up in the advertising industry? Can you share a bit about your career journey?

“Like many people I went to university and studied psychology because I loved the topic. I've always loved data and the science behind why we act in certain ways, but I wasn't very versed in what a career would be with a BA in Psychology. When it turned out that it was leaning toward social work, I immediately started to think about advertising from the social psychology courses I took and then took a 2-year advertising program.

 

That led to my first job at Publicis, where I worked in 1:1 marketing, which was data-driven, targeted and complex, as digital was just emerging and always changing.

 

I then went to MacLaren MRM, splitting time between the agency and the client side, which was such an interesting experience to see both sides. Building websites and digital campaigns with clients that didn't fully understand the market was challenging, but very exciting. It was here that I started to work on brand-building initiatives, as clients needed 360-advertising.

 

I came to FCB 16 years ago (then Draft FCB) as a guinea pig to try to bridge the Brand + Direct + Digital worlds as all departments were siloed. Over time, we built an account team responsible for developing all assets of advertising and streamlined so clients had one point of contact for all campaigns. The creative teams also moved in this direction over time, and this is where I started to make the best creative of my career as we really leaned into data and insights to build brands and activations.”

 

If you had to create an advertising campaign for your life, what would be the theme song and the slogan?

Theme Song: “The Adventure' by Angels and Airwaves

Slogan: Live and Love Loud.

 

“I always want to try new things and have new experiences in my career and personal life. I'm also blessed to have a person by my side for over 20 years that feels the same. And even though life gets hard sometimes, like really hard and really real, the next adventure is still there to look forward to.”

 

What's the most important lesson you've learned in your career?

“That while we are in the communication business, we are really in the service business and relationships are key.

 

It's very easy to get caught up in the busyness of the industry/day, but strong dependable relationships built with trust and transparency will help you navigate through any tough challenge ahead.”

 

What's the best piece of advice you've received?

“Always be listening (and taking notes). There are opportunities and meaning in what people say and don't say.”

 

What work are you most proud of in your career?

“PFLAG Canada – we started to work with them through the Young Lions campaign that is done every year and the work the team did was really insightful, using QR codes (when they just launched and were so cool, well before they died and covid revived them), as a muzzle over the LGBT2Q community silencing their stories. But when you scanned through, you could listen to some of the most intense and truly beautiful coming out stories. We had about 15 people volunteer to have their stories captured. I felt so passionate about the work, the people, and the true collaboration to get everything done, even securing over $1M of donated media. And the work paid off — we won a Lion, it was therapeutic for many of the participants, and people from the LGBT2Q community reached out to PFLAG for support after seeing the campaign.”

 

Can you share a woman leader or mentor who has inspired you and why?

“There are so many as I'm blessed to know and work with many great women, but here's a few.

 

My mom — For the simple teachings, she was a kindergarten teacher after all – you don't always have to be right (was pretty sure for many years you did, but she was right); when listening was better than talking (you learn so much more by listening); to not worry if you didn't fit in, you'd find your way; and to always keep trying. She'd say them so quietly but so confidently as things she's 100% sure off. My mom has Alzheimer's and has lost her ability to speak, and I'd love to have her say one of her little gems softly to me most days.

 

Robin Whalen — She was my first GAD that I worked with when I was an AC. She lost her husband at a young age, and she had 2 young children, but was still incredibly active in the industry and gave so much to her team in terms of mentorship. She always showed up to work with positivity. I really noticed the loss of fun and positive energy when we stopped working together and realized how essential it is to love what we do every day. Even on the toughest of days, I hope to bring a smile to someone's face.

 

Nancy Crimi-Lamanna at FCB — Aside from having great fashion and travel tips, and normalizing menopause at FCB, which all women should be thankful for, Nancy paved a path for herself in a male dominated field in advertising. She often tells us how at first, she tried to fit in with how she dressed and acted and then had to find herself and her own way — which I think is so important for younger people to hear; to be yourself, not who you think people want you to be.”

 

The International Women's Day theme this year is: “Accelerate Action.” How can the advertising industry “accelerate forward” to better support and empower women?

“I'm lucky to work in an environment that has 75% Women on our ELT and you really feel the power of support. Being more supportive and trying to help elevate our juniors by giving them a voice to instill confidence right at the start of their careers is essential. I always try to give recognition for good ideas and try to get our junior team members profile with our leadership team.”

 

If you could have dinner with any woman, past or present, who would it be and why?

 

Erlinda Garcia, VP — DE&I Director

How did you end up in the advertising industry? Can you share a bit about your career journey?

“Marketing/Advertising was an accident, never the plan.

 

My first job was an admissions advisor; however, I quickly got moved onto a new business line focusing on marketing after I poked too many holes in their marketing materials during training. Digital marketing was new, so I was tasked with learning email, SEO, affiliate marketing, social media and web analytics. I always thought it was a fun puzzle to solve, so from there on out I sought after marketing roles within start-ups across different industries, which allowed me to help grow businesses and expand my marketing toolbox to include B2B, brand, partnerships, experiential, content, and PR.

 

With every campaign, my appreciation for storytelling grew, and my favorite stories were those of everyday people, especially those I personally connected with. Until recently those stories were far and few between and often from an outsider's point of view. I soon recognized that the value I brought to the table went beyond my technical marketing skills. I had a deeper understanding of the value of these stories, how to tell them, and the environment needed to help these stories flourish. I knew FCB Chicago was the perfect place for me to blend my skills and my passion.”

 

If you had to create an advertising campaign for your life, what would be the theme song and the slogan?

Theme Song: Made It by Teyana Taylor

Slogan: Grit, Glam and Grind

 

What's the most important lesson you've learned in your career?

“Being the daughter of Asian immigrant parents and the oldest child, I was taught to put the collective over the individual, whether it be for family, friends, my team, or the community. As a result, I repeatedly found myself in situations where I was solving other people's problems or cleaning up their messes. I believed this was what was meant by teamwork and collaboration. The burden eventually took a toll on me and impacted how I showed up for my own projects. I was overworked and lacked boundaries which led to burnout and resentment. However, this was only the surface level issue and the symptom of a larger internal conflict — the clash of East vs. West value systems.

 

I was confident that I wasn't going to shed the values I grew up with; however, I needed to learn how to leverage them so that they would propel me vs. hold me back. I had to reframe how I was internalizing these values and learn that setting boundaries and putting myself first didn't mean that I wasn't a team player or that I wasn't collaborative. Helping others didn't need to be a 1:1 trade-off. In reality, the collective was counting on me to do my part and to do it well, which meant I needed help reinforce boundaries and encourage accountability of others, so that my contributions would be viewed as valuable and incremental.”

 

What's the best piece of advice you've received?

“Understand the problem but focus on the solution. Solutions-oriented thinking pushes people to explore possibilities and find new approaches. This is where creativity and innovation can truly shine. When you sit too long in the problem, you allow for the problem to get bigger by getting in your own way (or sometimes in the way of others). When you prioritize solutions, you create a roadmap for improvement rather than just diagnosing the issue.”

 

The theme for Women's History Month this year is: “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations.” This theme celebrates the powerful influence of women who have dedicated their lives to education, mentorship, and leadership. Can you share a woman leader or mentor who has inspired you and why?

“There have been several women who had an impact over the course of my career; however, there are two who I credit for helping to shape how I wanted to show up at work — Patti Carpenter and Jennifer Cook. Day after day I'd watch them command the room in meetings, advocate for their ideas or their clients, push for resources, and debate the best path forward. They took full advantage of their seat at the table and had the respect of others in the room. They showed me how to break into the Boys Club while staying true to themselves.”

 

The International Women's Day theme this year is: “Accelerate Action.” How can the advertising industry “accelerate forward” to better support and empower women?

“As an industry, we've made headway in the areas of women representation both in the workforce, leadership, and in the storytelling, however we need to be inclusive of the different intersections of women. There isn't a one-size-fits-all solution for women, so we need to acknowledge and account for the nuances. We lift up all women when we lift up those who are the most marginalized among the community.”