Earlier in the year, the IMAA launched its Female Leaders of Tomorrow programme as part of its commitment to fostering long-term diversity and inclusivity across independent media agencies nationally.
The six-month IMAA programme aims to create a support network between accomplished industry leaders and their mentees by matching senior staff with up-and-coming women in indie media agencies for knowledge-sharing and professional development opportunities.
One of the IMAA mentors involved in the programme is Andrew Will, commercial director at Nova Entertainment.
What’s the most important/best piece of advice you’ve received during your career?
“Surround yourself with colleagues that you can both trust and learn from.”
Who do you look up to in business and why?
“Mark Coad at IPG – his outlook and perspectives are always well informed. He has consistently made the time to connect with myself, never focusing on his own leadership impact – always deferring to his team as the mainstays and he keeps the conversation real at every corner.”
Did you have a mentor and what did they teach you?
“Many. The general theme from each focused on your awareness as a leader. Each moment leadership is required, what is your role? – sometimes it may be to say nothing at all, other times may demand you draw on previous experience to navigate a scenario.”
What does mentoring mean to you and why is mentoring important?
“It’s a privilege to be included in an individual’s career path. The great leaders generate immense satisfaction from their teams’ performance and mentoring fits in this category – the best time you commit as a leader is time with your people and mentoring offers an opportunity to extend this impact into deeper networks.”
Why is it important to have more women leaders in the industry?
“Living with two teenage daughters, we can see the influence that relatable female role models in education, sport, and community have on their mindframe, wellbeing and attitude. Similarly, in the media industry, it’s important that our developing and aspiring teams have clear visibility and clarity that regardless of gender; leadership is a career for all.”
What’s on your business reading and podcast list?
“I have worked through a few of the Brene Brown books and now up to ‘Dare to Lead’. Many of the insights and learnings from this impactful content have been applied consistently in the day-to-day leadership role. The Fear & Greed daily podcast business headlines are a brilliant way to connect with the market dynamics – definitely worth a listen and to add to your podcast listening portfolio.”
See Also: IMAA Female Leaders of Tomorrow Mentors: ARN’s Peter Whitehead
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Top Image: Andrew Will