Canadian Ad Insider

To celebrate International Women's Day and Women's History Month, Profectio and PR In Canada are taking a moment to learn from some of the women across Canada that are leading the way for more change. Women who have made a difference in their organizations, continue to have a positive impact on those around them while creating additional opportunities for women to excel today, and tomorrow.

As part of our series, we talk with Jill McDonald, Associate Partner at M&K Media.

Today is IWD, what does it mean to you?

Jill -

• As a Canadian 100% female owned and lead agency, M&K Media understands the importance of supporting women every day, not only on International Women’s Day
• We believe, every day, it is critical to champion and support women throughout all facets of their lives, not just their day to day working lives. As we all know, women wear many hats at one time: employees, leaders, owners, managers, mothers, sisters, cousins, daughters, aunts, friends the list goes on and on
• On IWD, we believe it’s an opportunity to create conversation, awareness and also use the moment in time to reach out and let the women in your life know, the ways they have inspired you

What are you most excited about when it comes to women in the workplace?

Jill -

• Representation and diversity of people in the workforce. It creates space and opportunity for underrepresented communities, including women
• We are excited to continue to demonstrate to the advertising/marketing community that women can be successful on our own terms.
  • This means that we can have successful careers and achieve a balanced, healthy and happy life at the same time. Implementing work/life balance policies within the workplace that stress career development along with promoting quality family life and good health practices is key.
  • Practically, this must include an every day and unwavering foundation of support from leaders and management to ensure there is space and time to do both
• Finally, we are excited to continue to forge new and foster existing connections and partnerships with women in the industry. By connecting regularly and constantly supporting each other, we can make our lives easier and better. Even if in business we are competitors, we share a common goal as women to champion one another, celebrate our successes and remove barriers for one another, celebrate our successes and remove barriers for one another.

What are you disappointed about when it comes to women in the workplace?

Jill - 

• Pay inequality across the industry.
• Ageism although not limited to woman is rampant in our industry-the irony is as a woman enters her prime, she often has to worry about being dismissed as past it.

What are 3 things women in the marcom (marketing, communications) industry need to do more?

Jill - 

1. Celebrate with each other – our impact and success-be much better at bragging about our wins and contributions
2. Share learnings and insights we have uncovered in our business and day to day lives-build our category not just our individual brand sort of speak
3. Be mentors- offer up help and resources to solve barriers and problems for other women. Foster and environment where “it takes a village” mentality is not looked down upon in business. Collective minds, hearts and energy create progress and impact!

The workplace and the world have changed so much in the last 5 years - what does it take to be a female leader today?

Jill -

• Belief in yourself and what you are doing
• Being purposeful with your energy and enthusiasm and where to dedicate mental and physical resources and your time
• Trust in your employees, partners, and network
• Critical thinking
• Empathy

1 word to describe your leadership style

Available

What is your go-to song when you feel good?