Vanessa Mitchell* talks to several women marketing leaders on the secrets to their success.
Talk continues around how women need to forge ahead in their careers.
CMO recently had the opportunity to talk to a number of female marketers about how they got ahead in their careers and the top lessons they learnt along the way.
- Being yourself
Be yourself — this is the top lesson many of our marketers’ stress.
In other words, don’t try to be what you think colleagues or bosses want; instead be authentically you, and you will find the right career niche.
Kellogg Company Managing Director, Esme Borgelt told CMO the single biggest success factor is having intellectual curiosity.
Chief digital and marketing officer for Westpac group, Martine Jager agreed it is counterproductive to emulate anyone else.
“Be yourself, set out to create your own story, your own success,” Jager said.
“I truly believe that if you are not authentic then long-term sustainable success is not possible.”
- Find a good mentor
Head Giraffe at Purple Giraffe, Lynda Schenk argued for being yourself and not trying to be someone you are not.
Be confident in your decisions and engage a good mentor.
Borgelt also says it’s important to find mentors who can help you.
“Some mentors will become lifelong friends, and some mentors will give you the help that you need at the time and move on,” she said.
“All learning has value.”
“The best way to pay them back is to help others to do the same.”
“If we all did that, it would make a significant difference in the quest for equal opportunities in a very short period.”
One thing that has remained consistent throughout her career is the support, guidance and friendship of strong mentors, said Amaysim CMO, Renee Garner.
“Over the years, I have been fortunate enough to have been taken under the wings of inspiring women like Catherine Tanner, Kim Clarke and Clare Savage who have played an instrumental role in shaping my career,” Garner said.
“My advice for any young women looking to make their mark is simple: don’t be afraid to ask for support from the women around you.”
“I cannot overstate the importance of confidence and connections in getting you to where you want to be.”
“One thing that I have come up against time and time again … is that as women, we don’t always back ourselves.”
“The experience of mentorship is so important in building confidence, perspective, and shaping the kind of leader you want to be.”
She said she encouraged all women to think about who they would like as a mentor and go for it.
“They don’t necessarily need to be in your immediate network,” Garner said.
“Perhaps you’ve seen someone that you admire on LinkedIn?”
“Connect with them and see if they’re keen for a quick lunch-time coffee.”
“The worst thing that can happen is they say ‘no’ and you continue powering forward.”
- Know your purpose
Finally, get clear on your purpose and what you want to achieve in your career — don’t just go where the wind takes you.
“Get to truly understand your purpose and be clear on what’s important to you,” Borgelt said.
“This will help you find the courage to take the risks needed to get ahead and stay motivated when things go wrong.”
“It helps with resilience because you are working in ‘service’ of something greater than you, giving what you do each day meaning.”
“Having purpose is about wanting to make a difference.”
“It is the legacy you are going to leave behind.”
- Believe in possibilities
Jager noted that we all live in a world of opportunities.
“You just have to open your eyes and open your mind sometimes to find them,” she said.
“Lean into what seems scary, put your hand up and have a go, surround yourself with talented people from diverse backgrounds.”
“Remember you don’t need to be the expert on everything but knowing how to access the experts is important.”
“And take action even if you make a mistake.”
“Just don’t make the same mistake twice.”
- Help others along the way
And once you reach the height of success you’ve dreamed of, be sure to help others along the way.
“Successful women leaders all stand on the shoulders of the brave women that came before us,” Borgelt said.
“Successful women leaders today have a moral obligation to continue … to build up young women leaders to unlock their unique potential and to play a bigger role in driving societal change eradicating gender stereotypes, in service of gender equality at all levels.”
Vanguard CMO, Louise Eyres added that women should be a genuine partner for those with whom you work and stay curious.
“Curiosity will lead you to look outside your sector, industry or country and see what is possible,” Eyres said.
* Vanessa Mitchell is Content Strategist at IDG and a senior journalist at CMO Magazine.
This article first appeared at www.cmo.com.au.
