Equality, Challenges and Future Aspirations

In celebration of International Women’s Day, this Jillian, Lisa, Rachel, and Janine discuss advancements in gender equality, flexible work policies, and mental health support, while acknowledging ongoing issues like the gender pay gap and male-dominated leadership. They highlight the importance of mentorship and inclusive work cultures, reflecting on both past achievements and the work still needed for true equality.

In this article, we have contributions from:

• Jillian: Digital PR Manager
• Lisa: Digital PR Editor
• Rachel: Head of Marketing
• Janine: Digital PR Executive

Progress in Workplace Support for Women

Janine: When I joined a corporate IT company, leadership was mostly male. Over time, more women stepped into leadership roles, including myself. However, salary gaps remained an issue until later HR initiatives were introduced.

Lisa: Publishing was seen as female-dominated, yet men received higher pay and better opportunities. Balancing motherhood and career made it harder to advance, especially in larger companies and overseas (Middle East), where I felt undervalued. Exclusion from key meetings and press events due to being a mother was common. Thankfully, flexible work policies have improved, reducing these barriers. Support for mental health has also grown, creating a more inclusive workplace.

Rachel: Throughout my career, senior roles have mostly been held by men, and the mentors, support groups, and networking events I’ve attended have been predominantly male-dominated. I’m pleased to see a slow shift to a more women in leadership roles – particularly in marketing.

Recently, increased awareness of women’s health at work has been a positive shift, for example, menopause policies, but there is more to do.

Jillian: Throughout my career in both the private and public sectors, I’ve seen a significant shift in workplace support for women.

Early on, during my first pregnancy, my manager praised my performance but expressed disappointment that I was expecting. The lack of response when I escalated the issue exposed deep biases and fuelled my passion for advocating for a more supportive workplace.

The most impactful change has been the increased dialogue around gender equality and the recognition that diverse perspectives drive success. While progress has been made, there’s still work to do in creating a truly equitable workplace for all women.

Empowering Women: Leadership and Equality

Janine: I work with strong women in a team built on mutual respect, where we support each other’s ideas and successes.

Lisa: My experience in media, marketing, and editorial roles helps me mentor and support colleagues. I share lessons from past challenges and encourage high editorial standards while blending traditional techniques with modern approaches.

Rachel: I’ve always championed salary equality and training for women in leadership, ensuring they’re treated fairly and given equal growth opportunities.

Jillian: I believe in fostering a supportive environment where individuals can excel, boosting both productivity and overall business success. I achieve this by sharing my expertise, offering constructive feedback, and advocating for my team’s growth, ensuring they have the skills and support needed to thrive.

Biggest challenges as a woman in marketing leadership

Rachel: Navigating male-dominated leadership, where the loudest voices often prevail, was tough. Imposter Syndrome is very real, and you must learn to ignore it. I had to remind myself that I earned my place at the table.

Jillian: In 2013, I moved from Lancashire with my three young children, balancing career ambitions with childcare costs and my husband’s shift work. I needed more than just a job—I wanted a supportive, enjoyable workplace with room to grow.

Artemis stood out as one of the few opportunities that offered both flexibility and career development. I have just celebrated my 7-year anniversary, having progressed from SEO Administrator to Digital PR Manager.

Fostering an Inclusive Culture

Janine: I focus on creating a space where team members can be themselves and play to their strengths, offering support and flexibility to help them do their best work. Leading by example, with openness and fairness, is key.

Rachel: I’ve been lucky to work for companies that emphasise strong values like professional communication, adaptability, and curiosity. A good culture starts with clear values and includes employee development through regular reviews and feedback. It’s important to celebrate uniqueness and hold everyone, including leaders, accountable to these values.

Jillian: It’s about creating a space where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported. Open communication encourages idea-sharing, while teamwork thrives through shared goals and fun activities. Recognising individuality and setting clear expectations keep us aligned. Regular check-ins ensure progress and growth. Ultimately, we want a workplace where everyone feels empowered, heard, and able to thrive.

I prioritise employee well-being by promoting flexible work options, knowing that personal well-being is key to professional success. This creates a more inclusive workplace that supports those with families, caregiving responsibilities, or dependents with disabilities. I’ve seen firsthand how flexibility helps navigate life’s challenges while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Staying Ahead in a Changing Industry

Janine: Staying open to new ideas and continuously learning helps me adapt. Supportive leadership and shared knowledge are crucial to keeping up with industry changes.

Lisa: Transitioning from print to digital publishing required me to learn new tech and seek advice from others. I’ve learned that asking for help, embracing new tools, and staying confident in my skills are key to staying ahead.

Rachel: A growth mindset and flexibility are essential. Adapting to change and being open to new roles, like my recent transition to Artemis, keeps me learning and moving forward.

Jillian: Adaptability is key to our success. We foster a supportive team culture, building a strong team that prioritises both client requirements and Google’s ever-changing requirements, ensuring continuous evolution.

Role Models and Career Inspirations

Lisa: Throughout my career, I’ve been inspired by many women. In my first London job, an older indexer was fearless with high-ranking lawyers, and I loved hearing her stand her ground. In my 30s, a 50-year-old Marketing Director who was also a veteran runner was a brilliant leader with a great work/life balance. At the time, we thought she was ancient, but she was amazing, and everyone respected her.

I also admired Kate Adie, whose toughness inspired me to pursue publishing and journalism. Female journalists and crews in war zones are incredibly brave and inspiring.

Rachel: I’ve been lucky to work with supportive female colleagues my whole career. The women I’ve managed who now hold leadership roles inspire me, and I’m proud to have contributed to their success.

Jillian: Sara, my manager, is a true role model. She combines a strong work ethic with empathy and a commitment to team development. Her ability to balance high expectations with support inspires me. She’s taught me the value of clear communication, strategic thinking, and empowerment—qualities I aim to bring to my own team.

Lindsay: I haven’t followed a single role model but have charted my own course. I was brought up to work hard, achieve and don’t be afraid to take a chance with something different.

International Women’s Day: Reflection & Future Aspirations

Lisa: IWD celebrates the global achievements of women and reminds me of the challenges women in less supportive environments face. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had.

Rachel: IWD celebrates the progress of women in leadership and marketing, and I’m excited for what’s to come. As a mother of two daughters, I’m especially passionate about ensuring their voices are heard.

Jillian: While I strongly believe in celebrating women’s achievements, especially on days like International Women’s Day, I also feel it’s crucial to acknowledge the positive role men play in creating an inclusive workplace. At Artemis, I’ve experienced a truly equitable environment where everyone is judged on their merits, regardless of gender. This kind of inclusive culture benefits everyone and is something I deeply value.

IWD celebrates what women can achieve and the value we offer. While inequalities remain, we now can challenge old misconceptions and simply be given the chance to try!