ACarrales SNichols FLeibaschoffCC JEstacolchic
Last April 18, the Creative Circle USA held the forum Females Leading in a Not So Female Industry, which brought together in Dallas 60 advertising and marketing professionals. Flor Leibaschoff, representative of the Creative Circle and creative director of Richards/Lerma, highlighted three key elements presented by panelists Shaun Nichols, CEO of LALA US; Angela Carrales, senior marketing director of 7-Eleven; and Julia Estacolchic, brand marketing director at Match.com. “We learned that showing your emotions can be a strength in the workplace, that good ideas have no gender, and that not all work environments are good for everyone – you have to find the place where you can contribute more and find the support you need,” Leibaschoff said. The ovation was total when the panelists agreed that men and women are not the same “and instead of trying to be identical, we must celebrate our differences and diversity. Our panel empowered women and also invited men to join the movement,” she said. The panelists gave very good advice, Leibaschoff added: “7-Eleven’s Angela Carrales insisted on the importance of networking and finding people in the work environment who will promote and defend one’s work. Shaun Nichols of LALA US, who noted the need to be prepared to tackle opportunities when they arise, recommended being daring, trying things out, and not being scared of doing something that’s never been done before. For her part, Julia Estacolchic at Match.com added that you don’t have to struggle to imitate a male peer in the office but rather see what it is you want and then fight for it.”