In Conversation with Bec Brideson
Director: BecBrideson.com Founder/ECD: Venus Comms
With over 24 years experience in the ad industry, I was one of 3% of females to become a Creative Director, gaining international awards and recognition. In 2004 I started my own agency which I have run and been a Director of for 12 years. (less than 0.5% of women start their own ad agency.)
In 2016 I started a consultancy Becbrideson.com, and I’m working side by side with clients to unlock and leverage their brand’s future potential and viability with the female economy.
Women’s economic influence has changed the world. Women are worth $28 of the $35 trillion dollar global consumer economy. They are big business.
I am a pioneer and innovator of marketing to women and I love championing diversity in the ad industry and creating new ways of solving problems.
Who (or what) inspires you?
Inspiration comes in many forms: innovation, change, big picture thinking, great friends who have stimulating conversations, clever professionals who provoke clever thinking, entrepreneurs who break the rules, people who ask interesting questions and see life through different perspectives, people who push against traditional thinking, people who give encouragement and energy generously to others.
How did you get your first break?
I met lots of Creative Directors who told me take a cup of ‘harden the fuck up’ and work long and hard. So I took their advice until I was in a position to give myself a break.
Tell us what you are currently working on?
I’m working on my first book about women and their strength as a consumer force and why the industry needs to see life through their perspective. I’m also working on a piece for a conference in New York on the gender view in Australian advertising and as always, I’m working on my jokes. (That’s a standard line.)
Top tips for anyone wanting to get into the Advertising Industry?
Make a great big effort to show people in the industry how keen you are. Our job is about going the extra mile when you feel like giving up – the breakthroughs come when you least expect it. Stamina and self-agency will get you a long, long way!
Read the latest books, soak up all kinds of cultures and learn to have empathy with your consumer.
When you do make it to the top, make sure you send the elevator back down for others. Because, karma.
Share it around…
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
