Women’s Day.
Somehow I have always felt special on this day.
There have been views on whether we or why we need a special day.
We need it because of the same reason we celebrate a birthday.
Or an anniversary. Or a festival.
A day when we focus, we celebrate, we spend time and effort. To think. To react. To act.
That’s why special days are special.
So this is for all the women out there in the ad world.
Love being a woman.
The strength in us lies in being who we are.
It’s fine to work on that school assignment as well as the strategy deck. It’s just called balance.
Dressing smart does not necessarily mean business suits. But it is absolutely fine if we like wearing them. Just wear anything that makes us smile at the mirror as we leave every day, with confidence.
Tears are our ally. Our expressiveness. Reaching out for that tissue box does not make us more vulnerable. Far from it.
I had always thought my strong emotions were my weakness. Till I realised that that is what makes me sensitive to most issues. To imbibe life and feelings in an otherwise drab piece of work. To get under the skin of my team-mates, clients and intuitively understand.
Poise is the art of raising eyebrows, rather than the roof. To be a silent persuader is a skill. After all most boardroom battles are won through poise and negotiation skills rather than open confrontation.
Late hours over that campaign does not necessarily mean effectiveness. We can work from home. That’s what technology has empowered us to do.
Start that network off at work. Where one woman helps another. Could be for that school pick up you have to miss. Or that baby sitting one evening. Really helps ease our lives.
Assertiveness works. Not aggression.
Have time for those breaks. Whether it is that salon break, or the long vacation.
Never give up. Commit passionately to the profession. There will always be a solution.
Sometimes sabbaticals or short breaks end up being longer than we expected. If we love our work, we will find a way out.
Cultivate mentorship. Nurture the new.
Like I said, there’s never been a day when I have stopped loving my work.
When I have had to trade off between work and people I love.
Happy Women’s Day.
Let’s celebrate ourselves. And make things happen.
(The views expressed are the author's independent views as an ad professional and do not reflect the organisation's viewpoint.)
