At Nurofen and McCann London’s event marking Women’s History Month, Deborah Williams, Founder of The Women’s Association emphasised the value of community and of creating space to share experiences and listen to one another. Creating that inclusive, open space helped Nuroften create its ‘See Their Pain’ campaign that works to help close the gender pain gap and validate women’s experiences with pain, proving the creative value and real world impact of active listening.

Making that space to listen and learn from one another is imperative in creating a more curious, creative workforce and in turn work that truly resonates within culture. Creating an open forum where people can express freely and are met with genuine curiosity as opposed to judgement, is what leads to finding unique solutions. In an industry that talks a good game on inclusion but has a multitude of gaping say-do gaps as evidenced in Major Players salary survey that shows the gender and ethnicity pay gaps are worsening, there has never been a more important time for leaders to put their money where their mouths are.

As part of an ongoing commitment to making space and learning from upcoming talent, Brixton Finishing School alumni share their authentic, lived experiences and unique perspectives of the advertising industry. 

What attracted you to the advertising/marketing industry?

There are two parts I am attracted to in the advertising world.
Finding the human truth behind why people do things,  you can call it consumer behaviour. I call it asking 5 “whys” to find an answer.
The second thing is finding a solution to the business problem in the brief.
Advertising is commercial art and that is what makes it such an interesting sector to work in.
There is commerce, art and now with data being such a big part of brand narratives, even science has entered the chat(gpt).

How has your experience at Brixton Finishing School shaped your approach to the industry?

I speak about BFS as a life experience no one should miss and it’s one I am glad I did not miss. The 10 weeks of learning are something I am going to keep by my side throughout.
While BFS introduced me to the ad land of London, it shaped my outlook towards aspects like Inclusivity, Diversity, and their importance. It’s something I vociferously speak about to this date.
The balance BFS gave between live pitches and making you understand why Advertising is important is a valuable life lesson no one should miss.

What one thing would you change about the industry?

It’s still difficult for International Students to enter Creative Agencies in London.
While there is no dearth of talent and I speak about this from first hand experience, I see fellow International Students struggle.
London is attractive because of its multicultural space where everyone has a say and safe space to create.
I just hope it becomes an equal place of opportunity because ideas are born out of different people coming together.

Did anything surprise you upon entering the industry?

How willing people are to help! I entered the industry with a preconceived notion of how an intern would be treated. I was pleasantly surprised at how many people are willing to help and take the time to answer your ‘silly questions’.  

What was the most important lesson you learned at Brixton Finishing School?

BFS taught me to get comfortable with being uncomfortable - from networking, to trying a new skill, or public speaking. It’s an ongoing challenge for me, but doors have opened when I felt most vulnerable and gave it a go. 

Do you think there is enough exposure/schemes to help young people start their journey in the industry?

Since my time at BFS, I've definitely seen an increase in schemes across many ad agencies. However, it would be amazing to see more rotational schemes - shaping untapped talent and placing them in the best role to thrive. 

What would be your advice to young people struggling to get a first break into the industry?

Keep going and trust that’s what meant for you will find you. Months will go by of dreaded rejection emails, but it only takes that one opportunity and one person to push you into the start of your career and shape you into your best self. 

What are you most excited about experiencing or learning?

I’m really excited to continue experiencing the world of production, and especially the future role of tech in expanding creative possibilities within our work (e.g. virtual productions). I also can’t wait for the day I produce a shoot abroad! 

What attracted you to the advertising/marketing industry?

I’ve always wanted to do something creative, but had never really studied art or any other creative subjects. I thought advertising would be a great way to make creative my day job, produce great work, and avoid dying a starving artist. 

Did anything surprise you upon entering the industry?

I was shocked at how few Creative Directors of colour there are. Even in agencies that tout themselves as being ‘massively diverse’, the truth could not be further from it. That’s why initiatives like Brixton Finishing School are important, but I also think we need to put more emphasis on promoting and championing creative leaders of colour as well as juniors.  

What was the most important lesson you learned at Brixton Finishing School?

Network, network network. 

What one thing would you change about the industry?

As mentioned before I’d promote great talent of colour, clear out the pale male stale tier at the top, and have the courage to push back on clients who want to make safe work.

What would be your advice to young people struggling to get a first break into the industry?

Keep hurling. Keep creating, and never stop knocking on doors. LinkedIn and other social networks are a great way to connect with creatives you admire. Do this often, learn as much as you can and you’ll eventually land where you want to. 

Who would be your dream client/dream brief, why?

While the obvious answers are Nike, AirBnb, Burger King - I would like to go a different route.

I absolutely loved Surreal’s new campaign. (Google it!)

I have always been a fan of great Outdoor Print campaigns which have a simple insight to them and great execution.

I am also of the opinion that sometimes an advertisement can just be fun.
Lastly, it would be difficult to make a campaign which is better than their current one.

That is a challenge I would like to take upon.

·  What fresh perspective do you hope to bring to your work/work life/the wider industry?

·  Are there any brands/agencies that stand out to you through the campaigns they create?

·  Do you think there is enough exposure/schemes to help young people start their journey in the industry?

·  What would be your advice to young people struggling to get a first break into the industry?

What are you most excited about experiencing or learning?

I’m excited about a new start-up I am working on which will make connections easier.

A networking tool to break the ice, a conversation starter, a party trick to set things going.
It’s called SPUD ME and it’s about seamlessly connecting people. A shameless plug-in nevertheless, do follow the page on any social media you are active on.