International Women’s Day is an opportunity to reflect on the progress women have made and the work still to be done.
At STM AGENCY, we celebrate women every day, and this year we asked some of our colleagues to share what this day means to them. Ana, our Content Planner, highlights the importance of empowering women in the workplace and how flexible work options contribute to their success.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you personally?
My relationship with International Women’s Day has always been special since I was just a girl, as it is a popular bank holiday back home. The whole country stops to pay homage to women. Commercially it is almost as popular as Mother’s Day because women and girls get flowers, gifts, and discounts in shops, and are generally pampered by their family, friends and employers.
Who is a woman (past or present) who inspires you and why?
There are two women I find to have similar characteristics and inspire me at work. They’re incredible team players, who master the deep knowledge about their art, with generosity when sharing it with others. Despite encountering challenges, they maintain a positive attitude, and a strong willingness to help others: Steph Calver (Creative Director) and Laurie Foxon (Head of Content).
What advice would you give to women who are early in their careers?
Observe and absorb! Don’t feel daunted by the corporate environment. No one knows everything, so ask questions, be interested, and share your ideas. Sometimes the most creative input comes from the most unexpected place.
What do you think workplaces can do to create better opportunities for women to thrive?
Since in our society, women tend to have caring responsibilities, an environment with hybrid work, flexible hours and a fair maternity leave helps to keep women within the business. Moreover, research shows that businesses with a female CEO or with 3+ female Directors perform 36% better and are less likely to be hit by scandals such as bribery or fraud, so an unbiased promotion pathway and training programs are keys to help us thrive and improve business results.
How do you celebrate or empower women in your personal life?
I feel very lucky to be surrounded by exceptional women. We share laughs, work tips, and the family emotional load, and boost each other’s confidence when imposters syndrome knocks on the door. I also have a ‘village’ of foreign women where we address issues that are very particular to our reality, such as being homesick, raising bilingual children, and adapting to a new city.
What’s one skill or quality you’ve gained from a woman in your life that has influenced who you are today?
My first manager was my mentor for several years. I remember her leadership style being interpreted as bossy at a time when women were not allowed to be strong, assertive, and opinionated. She taught me to be proactive, to work hard even if no one is seeing it, and to find creative ways to solve difficult tasks.
If you could have dinner with any woman in history, who would it be and why?
Marketing-wise, I would love to have dinner with the Marketing Hall of Fame, Bozoma St John, former Netflix, Uber, Apple Music and Pepsi CMO. She has been part of key businesses in recent marketing history, not afraid of moving on, trying new markets, and starting her own businesses.
Outside the marketing sector, I’d love to meet Queen Njinga Mbandi (1582-1663). She was a great warrior, diplomat, and leader who conquered other Kingdoms, negotiated peace treaties with the Portuguese during the XVI century, and demanded to be called King instead of Queen because it was a male-dominated world. Our history does not have much information about her, so I would love to hear from her.
