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 Andrea Salmon, National Head of Audio Sales, SCA.
What’s the most important/best piece of advice you’ve received during your career?
It’s never been one quote. For me it’s “Work hard, be grateful and have fun.”
Who do you look up to in business and why?
So many to list over my career. Now every time I hear an SME’s story about surviving tough times or spending their last pennies to invest in more stock, or on advertising to drive bigger and better outcomes, I think that is so courageous. SME owners impress me, they take big risks and directly drive our economy.
Did you have a mentor and what did they teach you?
My most recent mentor has been an external coach, Karen Williams. I have learnt a lot about my own internal bias or beliefs and how they can impact my decisions. Having a strong awareness around what motivates you, is the first step in better decision making.
What does mentoring mean to you and why is mentoring important?
The insights that mentees provide me are so reflective of what people want from their workplace and what makes them happy. I also take a lot of learnings from the experience.
Why is it important to have more women leaders in the industry?
Diversity creates diverse thinking on all levels. Women in leadership provides other women more representation and an acceptance that we can have families, be direct, be influential, make hard decisions, be warm, be empathetic, be caring… and show young women that you don’t have to be anyone you’re not to be successful and lead.
What’s on your business reading and podcast list?
Podcast: Shameless and business reading, Mi-3 and The Age.