I recently attended the Female Quotient’s Equality Lounge at the Cannes Lions Creativity Festival, where themes of authenticity, resilience, and innovation in female leadership took center stage. The event was a powerful testament to how women leaders are reshaping industries and inspiring future generations. Through various sessions, we explored the importance of embracing change, fostering curiosity, and building meaningful relationships. Additionally, the festival celebrated creative achievements that elevate women's empowerment and drive awareness of the challenges women face, showcasing the collective action needed to improve these conditions. Here’s a deep dive into the insights and inspiration I gathered from the event.
Hindsight is 20/20: Lessons Learned From Female Leaders
The first session featured a panel of remarkable women who shared their journeys and the wisdom they've accumulated along the way. Courtney Howell (Head of Agency Development, Samsung Ads), Kelly Metz (Chief Investment Officer, OMD), Melissa Gordon-Ring (Global President, Health, Initiative), Lisa Giacosa (Chief Investment Officer, Spark Foundry), and Lola Bakare (CMO Advisor & Inclusive Marketing Strategist, Author of "Responsible Marketing") took the stage to offer invaluable lessons.
One of the central themes was authenticity. Oscar Wilde’s timeless advice, “Be yourself; everybody else is already taken,” resonated strongly. The speakers emphasized that being true to oneself is a cornerstone of effective leadership. This authenticity not only helps in personal growth but also in building genuine relationships.
Change, they noted, is inevitable. Embracing life’s opportunities and challenges with a mindset of curiosity can lead to personal and professional growth. Asking curious questions is a simple yet powerful tool for continuous learning.
Networking was another critical topic. The panelists suggested starting conversations by asking how you can help the other person. This approach often leads to more meaningful and mutually beneficial connections. Respect, they stressed, is more important than being liked. An approachable leader who earns trust can navigate the complexities of leadership more effectively.
Lasting Legacy: A Conversation with Media Legends
In another compelling session, media industry veterans discussed how digital transformation has reshaped the landscape. Courtney Howell (Head of Agency Development, Samsung Ads), Kelly Metz (Chief Investment Officer, OMD), Melissa Gordon-Ring (Global President, Health, Initiative), Lisa Giacosa (Chief Investment Officer, Spark Foundry), and Lola Bakare (CMO Advisor & Inclusive Marketing Strategist, Author of "Responsible Marketing") shared their insights on thriving amidst disruption, the importance of paying it forward, and the qualities needed to leave a lasting legacy.
The discussion highlighted the relentless pace of change in the media industry. Innovation and agility are no longer optional but essential for survival. The panelists identified key qualities for success: relentless pursuit, empathy, flexibility, and continuous education. These traits are indispensable in navigating the ever-evolving media landscape and in fostering a legacy that inspires future generations.
Driving Change: Fostering the Next Generation of Leaders
The final session focused on the role of women in reshaping leadership. It featured inspiring stories of women leaders who are not just navigating the status quo but actively transforming it. Srishti Gupta (Chief Product Officer, Rokt), Susie Wolff (Managing Director, F1 Academy), Hamda Al Qubaisi (Red Bull Racing Pepe Jeans Academy Programme Driver), and Shelley Zalis (CEO, The Female Quotient) shared their experiences and vision for the future.
Hamda Al Qubaisi’s story was particularly inspiring. An Emirati racing driver, she has broken barriers and achieved remarkable success in a traditionally male-dominated sport. Starting her career in karts in 2015, Hamda has since made significant strides, including competing in the F1 Academy and securing multiple first-place finishes.
The session underscored the importance of creating a positive culture, embracing change, and fostering curiosity. Building meaningful relationships and expressing gratitude were highlighted as essential practices for effective leadership. The panelists also emphasized the need for self-sufficiency and confidence to direct others effectively.
Celebrating Creativity: Cannes Lions Award Winners
The Cannes Lions Festival also celebrated outstanding creative achievements that elevate women’s empowerment, drive awareness of the challenges women face, and celebrate the collective actions that can improve these conditions. The jury awarded two Grands Prix, showcasing the best in advertising and marketing.
Orange - WoMen’s Football: Last summer, during the 5th Women’s World Cup, French women’s football faced a broadcasting rights dilemma. Despite the game’s passionate following in France, women’s football remained marginalized due to prejudice about women’s technical abilities. Orange, a long-standing football partner, seized the moment to combat these biases. The strategy targeted football fans, particularly men, who constitute 66% of sports viewership. Research highlighted sexism’s prevalence, with male supporters displaying hostile attitudes toward women’s football. Watch the full campaign here.
"We Are Ayenda": WhatsApp and The Lab, the creative incubator, announced the release of their new documentary, "We Are Ayenda." This film tells the extraordinary story of the Afghan Youth Women's National Football Team and their remarkable escape from Afghanistan after the Taliban took power in 2021. Since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, women and girls have been denied their human rights, including the right to go to school, work, and play sports. The documentary debuted during the Women’s World Cup and is now available on Prime Video. Watch the full campaign here and here.
Health Grand Prix for Good: Child Wedding Cards — UN Women & Impact BBDO: This campaign from UN Women aimed at raising the minimum age of marriage to 18 in Pakistan, and was designed by child brides. The campaign invited lawmakers in Pakistan to a child’s wedding with invitations designed by children. Watch the full campaign here.
Johnnie Walker - Errata at 88: On October 8th, Carnegie Hall hosted a remarkable tribute show honoring a pivotal 1962 concert that helped introduce bossa nova to the global stage. This historic event had featured legendary Brazilian musicians such as Tom Jobim, João Gilberto, Sérgio Mendes, and Carlos Lyra, but notably absent was Alaíde Costa. At nearly 88 years old, Alaíde, revered as one of the 'founding mothers' of bossa nova, finally graced this iconic stage. Accompanied by artists like Seu Jorge, Daniel Jobim, Roberto Menescal, and Carlinhos Brown, she performed in "Bossa Nova: The Greatest Night." Watch the full campaign here.
Conclusion
The Female Quotient’s Equality Lounge at Cannes Lions was a celebration of female leadership, innovation, and creativity. The sessions provided invaluable insights and inspiration, underscoring the importance of authenticity, resilience, and continuous learning. As we move forward, these lessons can guide us in fostering inclusive, innovative, and supportive environments for all. The award-winning campaigns from the festival further demonstrated the power of creativity in driving change and making a lasting impact.
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