In a response to yesterday's piece by an anonymous young female media executive, UM boss Wendy Gower shares her thoughts on 'The Gender Issue'.
"I read AdNews' anonymous opinion piece with interest yesterday. I can certainly emphathise with the comments of the mystery writer but I hardly think their comments are representative of the situation every female in Australian media agencies faces. It was also disappointing that the writer was anonymous.
An intelligent and clearly passionate woman working in our industry should have been prepared to assign her name to such commentary. After all, those that demand change should at least be prepared to stand up and be counted.
My view isn't exactly contrary to the statements of yesterday but then again is hardly enthusiastic agreement either. A few weeks ago I attended an IPG Women’s Leadership at Mediabrands' impressive new offices in Surry Hills. The event was the first of its kind in Australia, and we have now joined other IPG markets, from the US to China, where such functions are well established. The session is designed to provide networking opportunities and inspiration for women throughout the IPG Network; and we hope to schedule a similar event in Melbourne before the end of the year.
One of the speakers; the managing director of Jack Morton struck a chord with me when she spoke of never having taken notice of barriers to success for women. She outlined how gender inequalities were simply not on her radar growing up, and continued to be something she paid little regard to throughout her career. The same is true for me.
And working with Annie Parsons for six years, somewhat of a female mentor to me, cemented my belief that women in senior leadership roles is absolutely achievable. Annie is an amazingly smart, articulate and shrewd operator and someone who can hold her own against any of the males I have come across in this business.
I am not for a second going to claim that gender equality exists within the media world in Australia. Clearly this is not the case. You only need to take a look at the senior leadership positions across most agencies. However, reaching such heights is absolutely possible for a determined and capable woman. Without question it is a sensitive juggling act; where time for yourself and your family needs to be planned and cherished.
Both you and your colleagues will need to acknowledge that time for the more social side of your working life is more limited once you have children. Almost all of your time in the office will need to be really productive if you are to leave on time; and regardless, there will more than likely be more hours at home on your laptop once the children are in bed.
But I have been able to achieve a rewarding and successful career in a fantastic agency, combined with the joy of being mother to three adorable children. I'm proud to be the managing director of UM Melbourne and certainly believe that talented women can follow in my footsteps. What guidance can I give? Embrace opportunities whole heartedly, believe that success is available to you, find yourself a great mentor that can guide you through your career, recognise that hours spent in the office are not a critical gauge for success and don’t feel guilty about leaving the office at 5:30pm to get home for your children.
And if you feel your agency does not have the framework to provide you with a transparent, flexible, fair and rewarding career path based on your contribution to the business and your potential; if you feel that you are working in a male dominated boys club that is going to preclude you from reaching your potential, then maybe it is time to change agencies."
Wendy Gower is managing director of UM Melbourne
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