What truly defines the character of female leadership across different eras? How can today’s female entrepreneurs, inventors, and corporate leaders inspire the next generation to dream bigger, share their experiences more openly, and more importantly, in their own voices?
As I watch the evening news, a striking contradiction often comes to mind: despite being a collective majority, women remain a minority in fields that shape our future. This isn’t just a statistical anomaly—it’s a challenge to our progress and a call to action.
From soviet union to marketing leadership: A personal journey
Hi, I’m Kate Vasylenko!
Born in 1983, I am part of the first generation of Ukrainians 🇺🇦 who grew up in an independent country, a place that was newly open to the Western values, freedoms, and opportunities that shaped our aspirations. Raised by a lineage of women who pursued higher education and led in their fields, I was taught early on that education is the gateway to freedom, and ambition, paired with hard work, paves the way to achievement. This foundation was a gift—one that I am eternally grateful for.
Girls Can Do Anything!
Breaking barriers: The influence of western culture on women’s ambitions
During my teenage years, my peers and I devoured every piece of Western culture we could—from Ayn Rand to ‘Alien’—absorbing a century of Western history and culture. The American Dream resonated deeply, teaching us that anything is possible with enough determination. However, we also noticed a lack of diverse female role models in these stories, which made us ponder the broader implications for our own aspirations.
Climbing the marketing ladder: Lessons from female mentors
Starting my career early, I was fortunate to enter the emerging advertising industry, surrounded by impressive female leaders. One of the first was Tatiana Popova, who founded her own agency in her early 20s and quickly became a leading figure in Ukraine’s media industry. Tatiana was not a traditional mentor but rather a dynamic entrepreneur who led by example, embracing a philosophy of ‘failing fast’ and learning from mistakes, which proved invaluable for growth.
My next significant mentor was Ruta Petrauskaite, a CMO from Lithuania, who not only taught me the intricacies of marketing but also how to effectively communicate with those in power. At just 22, she trusted me to present directly to the board of directors and CEO, a profound lesson in owning my space and using my voice effectively.
Returning to the agency world in a managerial role, I discovered the transformative power of community at dentsu. Working alongside many talented women, we formed a powerful group that not only advanced our careers but also significantly impacted the advertising industry through unity and collaboration.
Transforming the marketing landscape: The role of women leaders
This journey has not only been about personal achievement but also about recognizing the importance of giving back and sharing our stories. The essence of this post is to highlight how pivotal contributions from successful women are to the success of future generations. We must start giving back, creating opportunities not just for ourselves but for those who follow. This isn’t about waiting for permission; it’s about forging paths and opening doors.
5 steps for elevating women in marketing leadership
Here are actions we all can take to elevate female leadership:
- Embrace authenticity: Be genuine and open; authenticity engenders trust and deepens connections.
- Dream big and fail forward: Encourage ambitious goals and view setbacks as growth opportunities.
- Speak out loud: Engage on broader societal issues to widen your impact.
- Leverage community and trust: Build strong networks that can change industries.
- Activate mentorship: Share your insights and experiences; mentorship is crucial for developing future leaders.
By sharing our stories and taking these actions, we can transform ‘female leaders’ into simply ‘leaders.’ Our narratives inspire us and pave the way for a future where no boundaries limit our ambitions.
