Last month, 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 Nikki Rooke, Nine’s director of dales, who tells Mediaweek about the importance of mentorship in the industry.
What’s the most important/best piece of advice you’ve received during your career?
“That the best leaders are consistent in the way they show up and are safe to approach, no matter how tough the situation might be. To be the boss you’d love to have and never be afraid to admit your mistakes or that you don’t have all the answers.”
Who do you look up to in business and why?
“Cathy O’Connor – and not because she is also a mentor on this program. I was lucky enough to work with Cath when I was a sales rep at 2Day FM and she was General Manager. She was really young but had this confidence and poise that I aspired to, and no matter how dire the ratings were, she was able to wrap them up in such a way that you all left the room pumped and ready to charge.
“I think she represents the combination of warmth and strength that great leaders have and tap into effectively. Her track record speaks for itself, having successfully held two CEO roles in an industry where that role is often held by men. I would also call out Aimee Buchannon and Melissa Hey from Group M as two women in media that I greatly admire – strong, decisive and fair.”
Did you have a mentor, and what did they teach you?
“I have been lucky to have a few, some formal, some not. I have to give a shout out to Geoff Hill who was the Sales Director that wouldn’t take no for an answer and insisted I go for my first leadership role. I found my groove and the rest is history.
“All my mentors taught me to believe in myself and ask ‘why not me?” as opposed to ‘why me?’ and helped me see that I already held many of the answers I was seeking. I am a tactical thinker by nature so some of my best mentors have been the ones who have helped elevate my point of view to a more strategic plane and see the big picture.”
What does mentoring mean to you and why is mentoring important?
“Mentoring to me is a way of paying it forward in an industry that has been incredibly good to me. I genuinely like people and for me, there is nothing more rewarding than working with someone who is self aware and brave enough to learn and grow, no matter how uncomfortable.”
Why is it important to have more women leaders in the industry?
“I can’t wait for the day when we don’t have to ask that question! I am all for equity and for the best person for the job based on its requirements – with equal pay of course. I do also believe that diversity of perspective, experience and emotional intelligence within leadership teams will ensure the best outcomes in organisational culture and female leadership is a critical part of this.
“Softer skills such as empathy and active listening are being increasingly recognised for their importance in leading teams, women tend to index higher here.
“I also think the female perspective and life experience is important – this is particularly true for the increasing number of women aspiring to senior leadership roles whilst also starting a family – they need to see this role modelled (warts and all), supported and championed. The work ethic mums have who are also employed full time should be a guiding light to all!”
What’s on your business reading and podcast list?
“I read the AFR and The Guardian every day and always take a look at Mi-3.
“I usually have some kind of productivity book on the go, usually around focus, output and completion and how to get better at that.
“I listen to The Daily podcast from the New York Times pretty much every day – I love American politics but also their take on world events.
“The Chanticleer podcast from the Financial Review. I am trying to improve my financial literacy around the investor market and the machinations of big business.”
To apply for the IMAA’s Female Leaders of Tomorrow programme, click here.