Why did we launch the initiative? The reason is clear: too many women leave the industry mid-career, just when this element of their lives should be blossoming. We set out to find the women bucking this trend and succeeding on their own terms in the still male-dominated digital marketing world.
How can you enter?
It’s an international issue. Kate Dale, head of brand and digital strategy at Sport England, pointed to recent UK government figures showing that just 26% of those working in the digital sector are women. That’s down from 33% in 2002, and looking even worse given that 47% of the UK workforce is female.
And research from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics and Harvard Business Publishing, via the National Center for Women and Information Technology, showed 56% of women quit the US tech sector by mid-career.
Rachel Barnes, editor of Marketing, commented: "When women’s careers stall mid-term that’s bad news for business and it’s an issue affecting forward-focused industries like digital marketing as much as more traditional industries.
"Our 11 innovators and influencers last year showed it doesn’t have to be that way. Sarah Holt, BBC Store’s VP of marketing, Cult LDN co-founders Cat Turner and Bridey-Rae Lipscombe, Mindshare’s APAC regional director of strategy Amy Kean, and M&C Saatchi Mobile’s EMEA MD Libby Robinson, among others, showed what can be achieved with talent and the determination to succeed."
What is the criteria?
There's no age barrier to enter, but we're looking for women mid-careers who have made a significant impact on the brands they work for. These inspirational leaders could be in a start-up, a charity, a digital agency or at the world’s biggest brands; but they must have made a tangible difference to the fortunes of the brands they work for.
In particular we're seeking women who have
- Transformed the Status Quo of an existing business – for example through creating a new programme, group or approach to business
- Are much more than ‘thought-leaders’ in their field – but are driving tangible change through their business
- Are driving an innovation agenda in digital marketing
- Are seeking out and achieving success on their own terms
Each of the nominated marketing mavericks must also be willing to donate one hour of their time to mentor a young marketer starting out in her career.
How can you enter?
To enter yourself or nominate a digital marketer who is a true innovator, check out the full criteria and Return it to Sandra.Halliday@haymarket.com before April 24
Want to know more?
If you want to get involved with supporting the Digital Mavericks programme, please contact Daniel Chester, brand champion for Marketing on Daniel.Chester@haymarket.com.
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