The Drum Awards for Marketing - Extended Deadline

-d -h -min -sec

Women in Marketing Brand Purpose Work & Wellbeing

Female creative directors are on the rise – slowly, but surely

By Charli Edwards, Creative Director

Cavendish Consulting

|

The Drum Network article

This content is produced by The Drum Network, a paid-for membership club for CEOs and their agencies who want to share their expertise and grow their business.

Find out more

March 31, 2023 | 6 min read

When we look at the executive-level talent in businesses, women are severely underrepresented. What role do female creatives play in top-level positions? Charli Edwards of LoveThat investigates.

Woman crossing bridge

For women, emotion is often the driving force behind their success. / Zachary Keimig

The creative industry is undergoing a significant shift as more and more women step into leadership roles as creative directors, but more is needed; currently, only 12.6% of creative directors globally are women.

The need to bring a more diverse gender split is integral to breaking down age-old stereotypes and leading to fresh, innovative ideas.

Countless successful women have paved the way for future generations. These women have made a lasting impact, from art to literature to music, with their unique perspectives and unparalleled talent. One such woman is Maya Angelou, an American poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist. Her iconic work, ‘I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings’, is a powerful exploration of her upbringing and experiences with racism and trauma.

Another inspiring figure is Yayoi Kusama, a Japanese contemporary artist known for her bold and whimsical installations, paintings, and sculptures. Her work has been displayed worldwide and has inspired countless artists and enthusiasts.

Chaka Sobhani, chief creative officer at Leo Burnett London, said: I believe creativity comes from every corner of an agency, not just from the creative department. So, my role as a chief creative officer is to create an environment where everyone feels empowered to bring their ideas to the table”.

These women, and so many others, serve as a reminder that creativity knows no bounds – and that it is never too late to make your mark on the world.

Women are more emotional (and it’s a good thing)

Women outscore men in 11 of 12 key emotional intelligence competencies, including emotional self-awareness, empathy, and conflict management.

When it comes to creativity, the ability to tap into one's emotions and use them as inspiration is crucial. And studies have shown that women tend to have more robust emotional intelligence than men, making them particularly adept at utilizing their emotions in their creative work.

Claire Bridges, author of ‘In Your Creative Element: The Formula for Creative Success in Business’, says: “creative directors with high emotional intelligence can tap into the emotions of their audience and create work that truly resonates. They understand the importance of empathy, self-awareness, and communication in the creative process and can use these skills to inspire and motivate their team.”

While emotional intelligence may feel like the buzzword of the 21st-century workplace, identifying and managing our emotions has become essential in a world where we can easily communicate with emojis; as a female creative director, I can attest that emotions are often the driving force behind our craft.

The ability to tap into our feelings and empathize with others allows us to create work that truly resonates with our audience. So next time someone tries to dismiss your emotional approach to your creativity, remind them of the power of emotional intelligence in unleashing true creativity.

Growth mindset

For women ready to take on leadership roles in the creative realm, it’s essential to start by believing in yourself and your capabilities. Embrace your unique perspective and don’t be afraid to speak up and share your ideas. Building solid relationships and connections is also crucial; seek mentors and allies who can support and guide you.

It’s essential to cultivate a growth mindset and continue developing your skills and knowledge through education, training and networking opportunities. And above all, always remember to stay true to your values and vision while leading with confidence, clarity and integrity.

Women in Marketing Brand Purpose Work & Wellbeing

Content by The Drum Network member:

Cavendish Consulting

Creativity that counts.

Creativity is your secret weapon. It can educate, challenge and motivate. It can turn ordinary into extraordinary, and your audiences...

Find out more

More from Women in Marketing

View all

Trending

Industry insights

View all
Add your own content +