International Women’s Day: A moment for the women the industry admires
International Women’s Day is not only about reflecting on the achievements of women, but also about acknowledging the people who have helped to make them happen.
This is why The Media Leader asked women across the industry to highlight and champion a woman who has supported and helped shape their careers.
The answers reveal the importance of solidarity and the progress that can be made, not just for women, but for the whole industry when women are supported.
Ruth Cartwright, UK MD, Active International
“On International Women’s Day, I’m reminded that progress happens when women actively advocate for one another, amplifying voices, opening doors, and challenging systems, industries and cultures that weren’t built with us in mind.
“Advocacy isn’t just sponsorship in the boardroom; it’s everyday allyship, honest feedback, and shared ambition from both women and men.
“When we back each other’s ideas and opinions, recommend each other for opportunities, and celebrate each other’s wins, we create momentum that benefits everyone individually and collectively.
“Real equity accelerates when women see their success as interconnected, not competitive.
“I have been fortunate in my career to support and be supported by fantastic women who have shown up and had my back.
“From Jess Evans at Dentsu, Carli Gooch at Reddit, Sophie Toms at X, Freddie Turner at Chalice AI and more recently Priya Dogra at Sky Media – there are too many brilliant women to name but what is consistent is that putting your hand out to other women matters.
“Regardless of position or seniority bouncing thoughts and ideas off each other, or just simply being able to acknowledge that it isn’t always perfect – it matters.
“Today, women still hold less than a third of leadership roles across adtech and martech, even as the industry accelerates through streaming, data, and AI.
“When organisations invest in mentorship, advocacy, and inclusive growth, women don’t just advance; the industry does too.”
Lucy Basden-Smith, MD, Fuse
“I’m lucky to work in an agency full of incredible women, and together with the wider network I’ve built over the years, they are one of the greatest assets I have.
“It’s easy to operate in isolation, forgetting that who you surround yourself with matters. Your network can be one of the biggest drivers for your success, from the support they give and advice, to the lessons you’ve learnt through them and their experiences.
“So while I’ve never had one “official” female mentor, I’ve got something I think is even more powerful, a group of exceptional women who’ve pushed me, challenged me, and shaped my career in ways I could never have done alone.
“Women like Zarah Al‑Kudcy, who I’ve known since university. Watching her climb, grow, and own her space has been a constant reminder that we can do this – that we belong here – and that we’re absolutely capable of more than we give ourselves credit for.
“And then there are the incredible women I had the privilege of hiring early on, Kim Broadbent and Charlie Hugill, who quickly showed me what excellence truly looks like.
“Their support has made more of a difference than they probably realise. Even now, as we all work in different organisations, I still turn to them for perspective when I need it most.
“This International Women’s Day, I’m reminded that as women, we can be each other’s greatest advocates and, sometimes, just by seeing another woman succeed, we can be inspired to follow in their footsteps.
“Peer support is everything, and I’m constantly inspired by the incredible women I’m lucky to be surrounded by.”
Emily Brewer, head of business development, CTV Supply EMEA, Teads
“Reflecting on my nearly 30 years in media, very few managers and mentors have been female.
“Whilst my experiences were positive, if I’d had more female influence earlier, I would have found my voice, and learnt to use it, sooner.
“But women can support women regardless of rank or relationship. I’ve been lucky enough to work with Amy China Wire, VP of Teads Studio, whom I was recently reunited with on my return to Teads.
“As a true nurturer and crusader, she is my media idol. Amy is a talented, empathetic leader, unlocking opportunities for others, spotting talent and letting it shine by building confidence, championing them, and ensuring they have the training to succeed.
“Amy always brings sunshine, despite a demanding home life raising two sons, advocating for her eldest’s autism support, and fundraising to support charities like Yorda Adventures.
“Whatever life’s challenges, Amy had taught me that a positive and resilient mindset will get you through anything.
“All women deserve an Amy. I strive to empower women and individuals who may not be heard, by helping them develop the confidence to thrive. My signature phrase is: you don’t ask, you don’t get (just make sure to ask nicely).”
Davina Barker, sales director, DCM
“From day one, I have been fortunate to have amazing female support.
“You couldn’t ask for a better mentor than Karen Stacey, who is there to support me every day. Helen McGeough was my first manager and mentor at Granada, giving me a real step up into the industry.
“And I can’t praise Charlie Parkin from Conker and Sam Philips (former OMD & now consultant) enough, who, alongside their continued support, nominated me for WACL.
“Senior mentorship is vital, but I’d also like to highlight the incredible day-to-day advocacy that often goes unnoticed.
“It’s the impact of the amazing women around you that builds the confidence needed to meet career challenges head on.
“I’ve been lucky enough to have this experience in many roles, but it’s at DCM where I’ve received the most support.
“Whether it’s Karen Stacey’s leadership, the creative vision of Zoe Arresti in marketing, Jemma White’s commitment to positive company culture, or Natalie Holmes and Louise’s Youll’s incredible aptitude for sales – I can rely wholeheartedly on each of them.
“As an industry, we should be proud to celebrate our female colleagues as much as our mentors. It’s advocacy in action.”
Alice Morgan, business director, Mediahub
“I have had the privilege of learning from a couple of female mentors so far in my career – both perspectives have been invaluable.
“Laura Moorcraft offered guidance removed from the day-to-day dynamics of my workplace.
“Her objective advice helped me approach challenges strategically and think beyond immediate situations.
“Poppy Barnes, understood the culture and expectations within the organisation.
“Her support was especially meaningful when I was part of a team largely made up of senior men.
“She helped me navigate those environments with confidence, teaching me how to advocate for myself while staying authentic and composed.
“What inspires me most is seeing both women lead full, multidimensional lives.
“Hearing their experiences – whether managing senior leadership roles or balancing career growth with motherhood – has broadened my understanding of what is possible.
“They have shown me that success does not require sacrificing identity.
“Their mentorship reflects the importance of women advocating for one another.
“Through their example, I have learned not only how to grow professionally, but also how essential it is to uplift other women along the way.”
Milly Putley, associate director of marketing, Alkimi
“I’ve spent much of my career working in male-dominated environments across adtech and crypto.
“In those spaces, self-advocacy really matters – being confident in what you know, standing behind your perspective, and staying grounded even when you’re one of the few women in the room.
“That experience has changed how I think about success as a leader. It’s not about being the loudest voice in the room; it’s about being in environments where your input is genuinely respected and where different perspectives are actively brought into decisions.
“The leaders who create that kind of culture don’t just make it easier to do good work – they raise the bar for the entire industry.
“I’ve been incredibly lucky to have Claire Glesson-Landry as a mentor – her guidance and support have made a real difference for me at key moments throughout my career.
Celine Saturnino, CEO, Mediaplus UK
“Mentorship isn’t defined by a title; it’s built in everyday conversations, tough feedback, and the people you call in a crisis.
“Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to be inspired by remarkable women who have shaped my thinking, challenged my limits, and supported me in moments that mattered most.
“I couldn’t refine this to one formal mentor, here are just a few of the women who have made an impact on my life:
“In my early career I was mentored by one of my first bosses, Amanda Davie, now Co-founder and CEO at Equal Talent, who inspired me with her no-nonsense approach, she told me the things I needed to hear and for that I am very grateful.
“Karen Eccles, MD of Sky Media, has always given her time and valuable advice selflessly.
“From the first panel we did together to sharing advice on work, family and female networking, Karen lives and breathes the kind of selfless kindness that is hard to come by.
“And finally Shirley Smith, SVP Sales EMEA at Innovid embodies what it means to pay it forward with time, advice, connections and a calming influence in a crisis.
“Shirley’s creative brain, her ability to find solutions and steady the ship make her the mentor everyone wishes they had.
“Mentorship – formal or informal changes the way people experience this industry. It’s the kind of support that creates communities, opens doors, builds confidence and creates fairer opportunities, making the industry more representative.”
Niki Chana, programmatic strategy director, SBS
“International Women’s Day is a powerful reminder of how important it is for women to advocate for and uplift one another.
“While I didn’t always have strong female direct bosses in my career apart from Sarah Nie – when at Collective (now Azerion), I was fortunate to learn from incredible women who shaped my journey in meaningful ways.
“Shirley Smith, now SVP Sales at Flashtalking, was an important mentor to me during a pivotal stage in my career.
“She was always generous with her time, offering guidance and honest advice when I needed it most.
“Her leadership, resilience and belief in me helped build my confidence and shaped how I approach challenges today.
“I’ve also had the privilege of working with Julie Selman at when at FreeWheel. Her presence, direction and ability to lead in a male-dominated industry truly inspired me.
“Watching her command respect with authenticity and strength showed me what’s possible and gave me courage in my own path.
“Beyond individual mentors, it’s the network of phenomenal women around me that has made the greatest difference.
“That’s why I helped establish The Women in Programmatic Network (TWIPN).
“Creating a supportive community where women can share experiences and lift one another up is essential, and the TWIPN board continues to be instrumental in driving that strength and impact.”