The Stable’s series of powerhouse women in adland-Aus for International Women’s Day continues. These women are not all CCOs or CEOs although some are leaders. The Stable, and the people who nominated them, want to applaud the grit, guts and gumption that exist in women at every level. We hope our powerhouse women will inspire everyone to see people, not their gender, in their colleagues, clients, friends and partners.
Until the pervasive stereotypes, gender pay gap, unequal parenting…the idea that women are less than…disappear. Until a person’s sex doesn’t affect their choices or their standing, let’s make sure that International Women’s Day continues to its job.
This edition features Belinda Drew, chief client officer, The Monkeys, part of Accenture Song, nominated by Mark Green, The Monkeys co-founder and group CEO and president of Accenture Song ANZ. He commented, “Belinda Drew is the archetypal creative business leader. She loves the work and creates an environment where creative people can be their best. She is down to earth, straight up and smart. And that’s why she is always given more and more responsibility.”
Here is a snapshot of what makes Belinda Drew a powerhouse woman:
The Stable: Why advertising? What made you want to join the ad industry? How did you get your first job?
Belinda Drew: I started singing jingles when I five years old. Classics like, I like Aeroplane Jelly or Happy Little Vegemite, and I can still recite all the words to the early ‘80s Ajax Spray & Wipe spots. What cemented it for me was a high school assignment in the ‘90s about the use of hypersexualised female imagery in advertising. There are some Razzamatazz ads that still make my eyes widen. It didn’t sit right with me, I was curious. I wrote my first CV as a creative brief (cringe!) but it landed me a role at Young & Rubicam.
TS: What have you relied on most to form successful client relationships?
BD: The classic, just be yourself. I think in my early days I tried to be ‘professional’ and it may have felt a little sterile and transactional. Now, I’m comfortable in my own skin and not afraid to share my honest opinion quickly, be vulnerable and keep perspective. My mum is a nurse, she saves lives every day. I don’t.
TS: What have you relied on most to succeed in the ad industry?
BD: Hard work and a drive to succeed. In everything I do I want to be the best. It’s always been my nature – blessing and a curse. Also, when I give my word, I mean it.
TS: What have been the greatest challenges you’ve conquered?
BD: Far from conquering but the greatest challenge I face is one I navigate daily – that is my ambition for a successful career in advertising & marketing and being a loving present parent who isn’t willing to sacrifice being there for the big or little things.
TS: What advice would you give to a woman wanting to gain a foothold in the industry now?
BD: The advice goes for anyone regardless of gender, learn from the best. My success is the result of the time people took around me to nurture my growth and development. And of course, be sure to give it back.
TS: What are you most proud of?
BD: I’ll throw back to the first campaign we did for UN Women Australia, When Will She Be Right?. Created in less than four weeks on a tight budget, it was an example of how we galvanised a cultural movement of fury to champion the agenda for gender equality. And, with 131 years away still to go until global gender parity (World Economic Forum) it is still as relevant today as it was back in 2021. So When Will She Be Right?
