Page 37 - Adnews magazine Sep-Oct 2022

www.adnews.com.au | September - October 2022 37
“I’m a self-confessed introvert in what sometimes feels
like an industry of extroverts.”
Justine Leong, whiteGREY
The “am I good enough?” feeling either holds people back or can spur them on.
“What it does mean is that only people who are motivated to push through that emotional/conditioned barrier to move forward end up succeeding and we lose others because they get frustrated by the lack of recognition and the career gaslighting, regardless of their skills and values. But it also holds women back from challenging management structures and getting ahead.
“I’m not a fan of the term ‘imposter syndrome’ because it validates it, rather than questions why women are being held back. It normalises the frustration and the anger and hides it with a glib label. I’ve worked on the client and agency side for nearly 30 years and yes, it’s held me back and it’s held others back. And it still holds many women back.
“There are virtually no women of my generation left in the industry. We can’t blame the individuals for lacking the fight and the endurance to persevere”
What can be done?
Amanda Wheeler: “I’m lucky to work in the Publicis Groupe where it is more than lip service. Parity of women in leadership roles is an ambition. Course correction doesn’t happen by accident, it takes planning and looking at some hard truths about behaviours, practices and traditions.
“Leo Burnett’s global CCO Chaka Sobhani was talking to the Australian team recently and what a breath of fresh air that was; firstly to see a women in that role and secondly to see the energy and drive she brings – and an energy and drive that is very different to that of her male col- leagues. Breaking down generational walls will take time but what I’ve found that really makes a difference during my career is women support- ing women. For every woman who succeeds, she should ensure more follow in her footsteps.”
Ross Hastings, managing direc- tor of The Ne-Lo Group, says the self-doubt associated with a nega- tively framed question such as “Am I good enough?” can lead to risk avoidance, reactivity and defensive behaviours.