The Stable’s series of powerhouse women in adland-Aus for International Women’s Day concludes. 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.
Fifty – even thirty – years ago, a woman in a senior role in business was an oddity. And a mother in the workplace – well, all hail to her tenacity and huge kudos to the people she could rely on as resources. That past is over. But women still have a way to go. So, until there is no longer a need to highlight powerhouse women. 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 Ellie Dunn, senior copywriter at Clemenger BBDO, nominated by Dani Bassil, CEO Clemenger BBDO, who commented, “Ellie is an exceptional member of our team, passionate, talented, empathetic – and so well deserving of being featured as part of The Stable’s powerhouse woman series. Ellie possesses a unique mix of curiosity, honesty, ambition, while always allowing others the space to share ideas and is someone who actually listens. Clemenger BBDO is so fortunate to have you on our team.”
The Stable: What is it about advertising that gets you up in the morning?
Ellie Dunn: The same thing that keeps me up at night—a love for ideas. There’s a special kind of rush that hits when you think of something good. A bit like bungee jumping. Except, I’d never actually go bungee jumping.
TS: What is the greatest challenge you’ve had to conquer to get to where you are? How did you do that?
ED: Look, I’m sure I don’t have to tell aaaaaanyone that advertising can be a really tough industry. So I guess my greatest challenge has been maintaining self-belief. As a creative, you can be feeling fantastic one minute, and the next you’re floundering around in a sea of crippling doubt and self-loathing and wow….this is starting to sound like a therapy session.
As to how I conquered it? Well, it’s a work in progress. But I’m an Aries— we’re passionate, driven and
slightly stubborn. Helpful traits for advertising. And also being surrounded by great leaders who support and guide you. That makes all the difference.
TS: What makes you a Next Creative Leader winner? What skills/attributes do you rely on most?
ED: Does my ability to powernap anywhere count?
I think a big one for me is being tenacious while still being empathic. I’ve always liked the saying, “Be hard on the work. Not the people.”
I also love the quote from Dan Wieden: “Walk in stupid every morning.” It’s a great reminder to stay curious, honest and vulnerable.
And lastly as a big ol’ introvert, I tend to listen a lot more than I talk. This makes me hyper aware of giving people the space to speak and feel valued.
TS: As a representative of the next gen of women in creative in advertising what do you hope to achieve?
ED: As much as possible. Knowing what women went through to get the rights I enjoy today – and the rights we’re still fighting for – is never lost on me. So I always try to make the most of every
creative opportunity. (I’m one of those stubborn, driven Aries, remember.)
TS: What changes do you hope the industry will make for women in advertising
ED: The number of commercials being directed by women is still woefully low. So too when it comes to female photographers, DOPs and composers (just to name a few). If we expect diversity in front of the camera, we should be taking measures to ensure there’s diversity behind it. (And it shouldn’t just be up to female creatives to see that it’s a problem.)
Women have uniquely different experiences and perspectives of the world, and with females being the largest consumer group, it’s a bit mindboggling we don’t have better representation.
I’d of course love to see more women in leadership roles. Change happens from the top down. My last agency had a fantastic CEO, and my current, so more of that thanks please.
And lastly, I’d love for the industry to keep improving at supporting mums returning to work. (Shout out to
The Aunties’ brill podcast, Mums on Call.)
Oh, and fixing the gender pay gap would be really swell too.
TS: What are you most proud of?
Besides my talent for making great roast potatoes, here are some projects I’m particularly proud of.
BONDS OUT NOW
This was a campaign to launch Bonds’ first ever Pride, where we transformed a common fashion phrase into
a powerful mechanism of pride and support. It was a hugely rewarding project
for me. And any work trip that involves going to Mardi Gras….heaven.
THE NOT-SO FANCY OFFER
Health insurers commonly offer up 10 weeks free to try and lure new members. But
what people don’t know is that these big giveaways cost their existing members
millions of dollars that could be spent on better health care. So we
decided to take another approach…
I’m also incredibly proud of The Matildas.
I have absolutely nothing to do with their success (other than watching every game) but whenever I see them play, I’m filled with so much hope and joy and oh dear…what do you know…I’m tearing up already.
I need to go find a tissue now. Thanks very much for having me.
Here is a snapshot of why Ellie Dunn is a powerhouse woman:
I have absolutely nothing to do with their success (other than watching every game) but whenever I see them play, I’m filled with so much hope and joy and oh dear…what do you know…I’m tearing up already.
I need to go find a tissue now. Thanks very much for having me.
Ellie Dunn senior copywriter Clemenger BBDOpowerhouse womenpowerhouse women Ellie Dunn senior copywriter Clemenger BBDO
