SEEING AND BEING by Adebola, Insight Publicis’ Copy Group Head
So this time last year, I was minding my business,swimming through the multiple briefs on my desk, andat the sametime trying to crack a pitch brief, when my Creative Director Sinmisola Hughes- Obisesan pushed a piece of paper under my nose; the Cannes Lions logo on it immediately caught my attention. It was an application to enter for the See It Be It programme, an exclusive programme for female creatives at Cannes, the most prestigious international festival of creativity in the world. The programme was launched to address the gender imbalance in the industry.
My first instinct was, naw, I can’t do this, there are way more smarter female creatives in the world, more awarded, more recognised, more this, more that etc, my mind conjured up a gazillion reasons why I shouldn’t bother. However, with the right nudge from my creative director, who has a nose for success, I sent in my application. Fast forward a couple of months later and I receive a phone call from a Ms. Benson, an Executive Director with Cannes Lions informing me that I had been selected for this extremely exclusive programme.
Now why was this such a big deal? One, only 15 women out of the hundreds that apply worldwide are selected. Two, I was the first African ever to be selected since its inception in 2013. Three, apart from it being an all expense paid trip to the Cannes Lions festival of creativity; I was going to have direct access to the crème de la crème of global advertising. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity and I felt extremely humbled and honoured for the privilege. I had a feeling it was going to be a life changing experience, and so it was.
The programme was meticulously structured and packed with workshops and events aimed at accelerating our careers and increasing our network. Getting mentored by Global Chief Creative Officers, Founders and CEOs of global organisations, who gave us valuable insights on leadership; listening to the journeys and struggles of women creative leaders from across the world; attending prestigious underground events like lunch on Google Island, the 3% conference, the elegant Girls’ Lounge and getting exclusive access to the jury rooms and the jurors were just a few of the highlights of this amazing trip.
Most instructive, for me however was the depth of the generosity of these remarkable amazons, chief of which was our programme ambassador Madonna Badger, CEO of Badger and Winters advertising agency in New York. She overcame a horrific tragedy,to come andlead the programme and graciously share her knowledge, her expertise and experiences with us. This was a common thread that ran through the entire programme; the need for empathy, to lead with purpose, and as succinctly put by the incredible Susan Credle, CCO of FCB Global, “to create a culture where others can succeed”.
I came back with 14 new friendships, and a renewed vision for a hopeful future in an industry where more women will not only be recognised, but will make each other stronger, by helping each other and sharing knowledge.
I got this amazing opportunity because my creative director opened the door, now I’m asking every mid to senior level female creative who is worth her salt to visit https://www.canneslions.com/see-it-be-itand apply for this transformational experience.
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