Thoughts from our team:
“For those women striving to get into the adtech space, don’t be intimidated and don’t assume you need to be 'techy.' The single most important piece of advice I’ve ever been given is to know your truth and don’t let self-doubt get in the way. There are plenty of female role models who can support you, finding a mentor can make a real difference. Talk to people, use your network of contacts, ask questions, and be curious.
I’ve always had authoritative female role models in my life who have shown me it is possible to achieve, and any limitations were only put there by myself. Equally important to the strong females, I’ve had incredible male support at home and at work, who never made me feel anything less than an equal. Having a team of people around me who didn’t doubt my goals, was a powerful stimulus to achieve.
It’s important, however, to also be a self-starter and learn for yourself. The more we learn and try to understand, the more empathetic we can be as leaders and empathetic leaders are, in my opinion, the best to work for."
- Lucy Hinton, Head of Client Operations
The call to action for this year’s International Women's Day is #BreakTheBias. Break the bias means a time to celebrate women's achievements, raise awareness of gender discrimination, and take action for equality. To raise up the voices of people of marginalized genders, including our non-binary and transgender siblings, and those who have a lived experience of misogyny. And to work towards a more just and inclusive workplace.
Because I believe that inclusion in the workplace shouldn't just take place at the executive leadership level. Inclusion should be happening at every level of the organization. Think about your weekly team meetings - what are you personally doing to make sure everyone at the table has a voice and contributes to the conversation? Are you stepping up and speaking out when a coworker engages in a microaggression? If there is an open role on your team, are you encouraging your manager to consider individuals from underrepresented communities and backgrounds?
How I am working to help break the bias is continuing to speak up when I see or hear discrimination in the workplace. In meetings where I am the only woman, I call attention to the fact that women’s voices are not being properly represented in that space. Or address the fact when individuals from underrepresented communities are not at the table. And to remind individuals that it is not enough to just consider race, ethnicity, and gender when thinking about the dimensions of diversity - but that individuals from ALL dimensions of identity are represented. That our organization continues to be inclusive of all races, ethnicities, and genders, socio-economic class, education, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, mental/physical ability, age, body size, and caretaker status
- S.J. Lilly, Team Lead, Learning & Development
I’m thankful to take part in the #womenshistorymonth celebration at Mediaocean. Throughout the month, I encourage you to believe in yourself, be humble and kind. And I want to share a quote that has always resonated with me:
"You don’t need to be better than anyone else; you just need to be better than you used to be." (W.D.)
Also, I hope everyone takes a moment to reflect and take inspiration from the incredibly strong and brave Ukrainian women who are seeking safety for their families, trying to block Russian tanks or volunteering on the Ukraine borders. There is so much we can learn from them.
- Valentina Giorgio, Customer Success Manager
"Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying 'I will try again tomorrow.'"
- Mary Anne Radmacher (as shared by Chloe Rees)
I've been part of this amazing Talent Acquisition team here at Mediaocean and I've grown professionally and personally over the years to become the independent woman that I dreamt of.
Life presents you with many challenges but be thankful for this life, embrace who you are, and keep learning throughout.
The most beautiful thing in a woman is her #confidence.
Cheers to all the intelligent, bold & beautiful women out there! Don't stop until you're proud!
- Amruta Jamadade, Associate Manager, APAC, Talent Acquisition
I have a core group of rockstar women in my life who inspire me on a regular basis: friends, mothers, current and past colleagues. They each bring a unique perspective and inspire me in their own way. Female friendship, built on meaningful conversation, pushes me to constantly evolve. We are all unfinished — constant reminders from these women inspire me to push for my best self.
- Amanda Glen, SVP, Client Success
I began my professional journey with Mediaocean and couldn't have wished for a better start! I've met some amazing female leaders here who not only have inspiring stories to tell, but also offer advice on becoming the protagonist in your own story!
This Women's History Month, I would like to share this thought...
The best part of being a human is that you can be whatever you want, regardless of background, gender or experience. Be in charge of your destiny without losing your identity.
Power to women! Power to all!
- Diksha Shetty, Learning & Development Associate
Throughout my career I’ve faced challenges and biases – as I’m sure many other women have. As I was beginning my professional career, I had a child and was penalized by my boss as a result. I have also experienced the double-edged sword of being the only woman and a 'people person' in a team, which plays into a pre-conceived stereotype.
Brands and agencies in the ad tech and marketing space have a crucial role to play in reversing these stereotypes. Encouraging and enabling advocacy is the number one way to empower women in any work environment. This happens by setting and publishing targets, introducing and fully supporting programs such as mentorship and career circles, enhancing benefits that support women throughout childbirth/childcare through to menopause, and implementing methods throughout the hiring, promotion and compensation processes that foster equality.
For a woman aspiring to get into the ad tech industry, my first piece of advice is to really take the time to learn the fundamentals on how advertising works across various media channels and understand the basic workflow from brand to consumer. Secondly, start off in a customer support role where you can learn the business as well as gain direct customer experience that will carry into any other role from sales to product management.
I would also encourage you to believe in your own abilities and self-worth. My father told me as a young girl to stop apologizing for everything. My stepmother advised me to accept compliments with a thank you instead of downplaying my achievements or underestimating my abilities. I carry both simple pieces of advice with me as a professional and a woman, and I pay it forward to others whenever I see an opportunity to.
- Steph Dorman, Chief Customer Officer
I'd like to remind us all of a quote by Laurel Thatcher Ulrich:
"Well behaved women seldom make history."
- Chinasa Olie, Campaign Director
It’s amazing to be part of the Mediaocean family where I started my career in finance and accounting. I have a great team and a very good social circle in the company. We all inspire each other to grow professionally as well as personally. I feel right at home with my fellow women colleagues.
For Women’s History Month, I’d like to quote Emma Watson:
"It is time that we all see gender as a spectrum instead of two sets of opposing ideals."
- Prachi Deshpande, Accounts & Finance Specialist
I would like to remind us of a quote by Thich Nhat Hanh:
"Thanks to impermanence, everything is possible."
- Xiyan Qian, Project Executive
To me, the late great Ruth Bader Ginsburg embodied female empowerment, brilliance and grace. When she was asked when, in her opinion, there’d be enough women on the Supreme Court, she’d respond simply: “When there are nine.” People thought that was a shocking thing to say, but no one thought twice when there were nine men. I believe the world is changing in the right direction, but the work is far from done. Women deserve a seat at any table and a voice in every conversation where important decisions are made. I want to live in a world where women in positions of power are the norm, not the exception.
- Gina Miele, VP, Connect Partnerships
"Justice is about making sure that being polite is not the same thing as being quiet. In fact, oftentimes, the most righteous thing you can do is shake the table." - Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
I'm very grateful to be part of a culture at Mediaocean that appreciates women who shake the table!
- Sammy Ford, Product Marketing Manager
Motherhood and Career: these are my identities. It’s where I lead, advocate for what’s best, and continuously learn.
I want to demonstrate for women it’s possible to have both, even on the hardest days. I believe the ambition hits different when you have a little one rooting for you... and more snacks.
- Adina Salah, SVP, Corporate Operations
Working at Mediaocean has been an incredible experience and it is amazing to be a part of this family where I can be myself while working with inspiring people. I have met some amazing female leaders who create and strengthen our group identity here at Mediaocean.
This Women's History Month, I would like to share a quote by Audrey Hepburn:
"Nothing is impossible, the word itself says 'I'm Possible!'"
- Emma Giardina, Campaign Manager
“You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.”
This statement cannot be any truer with all the life events I have personally gone through this past year, along with the pandemic we have endured going on 2+ years and the war in the Ukraine that is unfolding in front of our eyes. To all women, of all colors and all nationalities, with or without children - continue to be who you are and true to yourself. Stay strong, stay determined and never settle for less than what your heart desires.
- Jessica Breault Ramirez, Chief of Staff
