The Fishbowl: Christina Hawley, Immediate Media

Why are you passionate about media?

I believe that media plays a crucial role in both democracy and society. It has been a long-standing pillar, upholding important values and contributing to a well-functioning society.

Ultimately, media provides a platform for individuals to delve into their interests and expand their knowledge. Whether it’s through exploring hobbies like gardening or staying informed through news, media offers a valuable way to understand the world more comprehensively.

What conversations are coming up with clients?

There is a significant amount of discussion around first-party data, particularly from an advertising, subscription and customer experience perspective. The question that keeps coming up is how to leverage data to enhance customer experiences by providing more personalised and relevant products and services.

What unique skill do you bring to the job?

I believe my superpower lies in recognising potential in others. It’s not just about blind optimism, but rather a deep understanding of people’s skills and abilities. I don’t get caught up in limitations like specific experience.

Instead, I focus on what a person can learn and how their skills can be applied in innovative ways. This approach allows me to build strong teams and push boundaries. For example, I might see potential in someone with a print background and support them in developing a new digital revenue stream.

What was the last film you saw at the cinema?

Well, I have three young children, so the last film I saw was Paddington in Peru!

However, I’m very much looking forward to taking my daughter to see Wicked, because I love to see theatre transformed into movies, simply because it brings it to wider audience of people who might not always have access to the theatre.

Who is the smartest person you know?

I’m fortunate to have an amazing group of friends who are all senior professional women. This group has been invaluable to me, providing support, advice and different perspectives. They’ve helped me with everything from decision-making to setting boundaries and understanding my capabilities.

I’m grateful for this incredible group of smart, supportive women who have enriched my life in countless ways.

What is one non work-related goal you would like to achieve in the next five years?

I’ve always wanted to learn the guitar. I played piano growing up but, as an adult, it’s easy to let those skills fade. However, seeing my musical children has reignited my interest in music.

I’d love to be able to play alongside my daughter, who has a beautiful voice. It’s a challenging goal with three young children, but learning a new skill, especially a musical instrument, is something you can enjoy at any age. It’s a timeless pursuit.

What do you hope to be doing 10 years from now?

In 10 years, I hope to be running a business. Probably a small to medium-sized business. I’m drawn to this scale because it allows for rapid impact. I’m excited about the opportunity to lead teams and drive business growth.

After all, much of the global economy is built on these types of businesses.

Peer question: What are your top three workplace non-negotiable behaviours?

Open and honest communication: I always want to create environments where dissent is welcomed and team members feel empowered to voice their opinions, even if they differ from the majority. Open dialogue is crucial for innovation and problem-solving.

Efficiency and focus: I am constantly prioritising my time and minimising distractions. I won’t take a break for lunch. This allows me to maximise productivity and dedicate more time to important tasks, while always ensuring I can give the right attention to my home life in the evenings.

Continuous learning: I believe in the importance of staying curious and seeking out new experiences. Every Friday, I schedule time to connect with people outside my industry to gain fresh perspectives and expand my network.

Question from Ryan Rummery, commercial Dax director, Global

Peer question: How do you go about empowering your team members to become great leaders of the future?

Empowering people involves building a foundation of trust and aligning individual goals with broader business objectives. It’s about being a supportive leader who is there for your team, not imposing your ideas but offering guidance and assistance.

I believe a true leader empowers others to succeed by creating an environment where they can thrive and achieve their goals.

Question from Jem Djemal, global new business lead, Viooh

Peer question: What’s the biggest opportunity for media brands right now?

Opportunity lies in understanding how to scale human-centred content effectively across various platforms.

This involves leveraging human expertise and experience to create engaging content that resonates with audiences, whether it’s on YouTube, Instagram or other platforms. By combining the best of human creativity with technological advancements, we can deliver high-quality content that reaches people wherever they prefer to consume it.

Question from Liz Moseley, managing director, Good Housekeeping