As mentors and trailblazers, they are the powerful trailblazers that pave the way for future women in the industry. Moreover, these are the real representatives who ensure that consumers have a voice and are heard.
These bosses are proof that the world of marketing is nothing without a wife.
So this National Women’s Month, we’ve recruited some of these women to discuss what it means to be a woman in marketing and what women should know when entering this industry.
Curious to know what they said?
So read on as media update Lara Smit finds out how these ladies take care of business here:
Laura Hendel, marketing manager of Club Med Southern Africa
Why is it important to have female representation in the marketing industry / in your industry within marketing roles?
Female representation is needed in any industry nowadays. Not only do women represent 50% of the customer base, but they are also key decision makers in the purchase of most products and services (travel, retail, food, etc.). Having female representatives in marketing functions is fundamental to better understand the public.
What advice do you have for young women looking to enter the marketing industry/your industry in a marketing role?
Don’t be afraid of To ask questions. Be curious. Not only will this show your interest in the field, but it will also give you an overview. In the long run, it will also help you to act as an expert yourself and answer questions from others.
What are the barriers that women may face when starting a marketing career in your industry?
In my eyes, the biggest obstacle women face are their own filters.
We are always afraid of saying too much or too little because we were taught from an early age to be careful and delicate in how we are perceived.
This is slowly changing with Gen Z, who are beginning to be encouraged to be proud of their opinions and bold in expressing them. Yet exercising isn’t always easy, especially for older generations.
What unique perspectives can women bring to marketing roles within brands/in the marketing industry?
The biggest opportunity I see for women in marketing roles is to take control of the narrative and use it to help shift mindsets for the better.
By displaying more diversity and being more inclusive in our communications, we are paving the way for the women of tomorrow to feel better about themselves and more confident in their contribution. [This will] hopefully will lessen the need for a woman’s month to raise their voices on inequality.
Manisha Jogi, Head of Strategy at 8909
What advice do you have for young women looking to enter the marketing industry/your industry in a marketing role?
Let your work speak for itself. Everything else will fall into place. Don’t be blinded by titles, people and pressures – those will always exist. If you’re passionate about the industry and the skills you bring, there’s a reason for that and that means there’s always going to be room for you.
What are the barriers that women may face when starting a career in marketing/in your industry?
The world speaks of progression and creating an environment where all people are treated equally. However, if you work in any industry, chances are you and I have encountered similar obstacles. [such as] undermined and underrepresented.
I believe finding ways to navigate this area is helpful for your own day-to-day peace of mind. Trust your instincts. Your strength lies in your ability to operate from a place of love and kindness, regardless of the environment.
Finally, support yourself and your work. You didn’t go that far just to go that far.
What unique perspectives can women bring to marketing roles within brands/in the marketing industry?
Honestly, gender aside, remember you’re human. The most valuable attribute you can bring to the industry is your humanity.
Remember that the people you are trying to talk to are Human with their own worlds, struggles, beliefs and mentalities. If you are able to prioritize this thinking, you have recognized your responsibility in this industry. In return, you can create more approachable, humanized and goal oriented brands.
Kelly Jackson, Managing Director of The Travel Corporation (TTC) in the EMEA region
Why is it important to have female representation in the travel industry in marketing roles?
According to various researches, it is mainly women who make travel purchasing decisions. So it’s essential that we have the right marketers targeting the market.
What advice do you have for young women looking to enter the travel industry in a marketing role?
The travel industry and marketing within the industry are extremely exciting.
You must be open to change, adaptable and always ready to learn because the marketing landscape is constantly changing. You’ll want to stay ahead of what’s resonating in the market or for your brand, because there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.
Of course, many types of marketing roles play a vital role in the industry – from marketing management to brand management and everything in between. [This is] including digital and social media marketing.
It’s about deciding what role you want to play to make your brand or product stand out and make the necessary decisions to make sure you run the business.
What are the barriers that women may face when starting a marketing career in your industry?
Women in the travel industry are generally well represented. I am fortunate to work for a fantastic organization that has many women in leadership and management positions.
I think for me to work in such a wonderful organization is a huge difference of knowing that you are encouraged to excel and succeed in your chosen field, regardless of of the kind.
What unique perspectives can women bring to marketing roles within brands/in the marketing industry?
In my opinion, women help to create understood and immersive experiences through marketing.
We have a natural ability to be empathetic in addition to being social, flexible and persuasive, which is essential in marketing.
How do you think women influence the world of marketing? Let us know in the comments section below.
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We celebrate all things feminine this Women’s Month. Find out more about this special month in our article, What is South African Women’s Day about – in 200 words or less?
*Image courtesy of Cloth
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