Руководитель маркетинга зоопарка в Сиднее стала ментором в программе поддержки женщин-лидеров

Michelle Rowling, head of marketing and sales at Sydney Zoo is the next guest writer in the latest instalment of the IMAA’s Female Leaders of Tomorrow program, following on from last year’s series. Rowling explores the importance of challenging outdated expectations of women, work and family. 1. How did you get involved (and why) in this program specifically? Having worked agency side for a short stint of my career, I have huge admiration for the agency sector – independent agencies especially work incredibly hard. I was so flattered to be invited to support Female Leaders of Tomorrow. I knew the IMAA program would be an incredibly rewarding opportunity where I’d have the chance to meet hard-working, diligent and focussed women keen to make their mark in a progressive sector of the marketing industry. I’ve been nothing but amazed by all the mentees and mentors I’ve met through the IMAA, especially my own mentee. 2. Why is mentoring women in the industry so important for its future success? As a young marketer, I was gifted many words of advice, but some stood out more than others – “have your kids young” and “you and your partner will prioritise the career that will make the most money”. In one job interview, I was even asked about my engagement ring. While these words may have been delivered with kindness, it’s just a mere reflection of how far we are yet to come. While I am proud of the progress our generation has made, I look forward to a world where my son and daughter have the same opportunities as one another in life and work. I am proud to be a mentor of the IMAA FLOT program, as just a small contribution to the transition chapter we are all in. If I can help other women find balance between work, home and life, I am happy. I see this program as an opportunity to help all of us expect equality. 3. Who are/were your mentors, and what did you learn from them? Some of my best role models and mentors have been male leaders in my career – not only the leaders that have directly supported me, but also the ones that have challenged me to find the time and space to be present at both work and at home. I’ve had mentors prove to me that I can take on the pursuit of balance and still make an impact at work. I am proud to be a leader of change, advocacy and persistence for colleagues and team members, irrespective of gender. I don’t feel bound or restricted, and I am proud to identify as a full-time working parent because this is what is best for my family and me. 4. If you could offer one piece of advice to all future leaders, what would it be and why? If I can offer any advice, it’s to ensure we are all working to be the best and happiest version of ourselves – no matter what that may be. We should work to our personal potential, not the expectations of others.