Raising My Voice: Tahnee Farfán, MullenLowe Delta

MullenLowe Global
广告/全方位服务/整合传播
London, 英国
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Tahnee Farfán
Head of Strategy MullenLowe Delta Ecuador
 

How would you describe the overall culture at your agency?

Our culture is based on diversity, in general, not only gender; we have people from different nationalities and cities of Ecuador. We think this is really important as it gives us a variety of cultures and points of view which enriches both the dynamic in the office and the work we produce. At MullenLowe Delta, 46% of all employees are women, and 43% of our leadership roles are led by women. We believe opportunities should be given to those based on their talent, not their gender, and we have a lot of very talented women at the agency!

 

In your opinion, what do you see as the biggest change in the advertising industry since women have begun to break the glass ceiling?

There's still a lot of progress to be made, but one of the biggest changes we’ve seen is a greater representation of women as jurors and speakers at awards events. This was not the case a few years ago and I think it is a great chance for women who are in leadership positions to be more visible in a field that generally has been ruled by men.

 

Do you think that women still face challenges in our industry, and if so, what are they?

Absolutely. The biggest challenge is the male chauvinism of women themselves; it is a truth that we have trouble admitting. There are many women leaders who do not support other women in less important positions to raise them, I think that before blaming the other gender, for what happens in our industry, we must as women realize how we are contributing to this fight.

 

How should we tackle an issue such equal opportunity?

We need to keep fighting for the opportunities ourselves, because the world has historically made us feel like sh*t, so we’re more inclined to view ourselves and other women like sh*t. That´s why I think that´s so important as a leader to champion other women every day and teach them skills such as: not being afraid to speak their mind, participating more in projects, raising their voice in meetings, asking for what they need to do their job better, and the list can go on. Because I believe that tacking an issue as large as this starts in our own agency, with those who we can help, then hopefully it will escalate further

 

How did you find your way into the marketing communications industry and what professional achievement are you most proud of?

I began in the creative department at a very young age (17), but back then I was so insecure about my ideas and my boss (male) wasn´t supportive either, so I decided to try a safer side: the accounts department. But in there I felt uncomfortable just doing a work on an operating level because I’m the type of person that needs to be creative and do great things for brands, so I started to study Planning, which really helped me raise my voice in meetings and share my point-of-view on projects.

So, I think that raising my voice lead me to have the fortune of currently leading the largest planning department in the country, at the largest billing agency in Ecuador. Wow! Just writing it here gave me the chills, but really the responsibility of meeting the objectives of our clients and their brands makes me feel prouder.

 

Who inspires you the most, either inside the industry or outside? Why?

Anna Wintour. I believe her to be a modern symbol for women empowerment. She has broken stigmas surrounding gender roles, sexism, female power, and lately is an example for older women that want to stay active in the industry.

She has dealt with the perception of being “the bitch”, because she is powerful and determined, a problem all women in higher roles encounter, if a man acts the same way he is considered a role model and an excellent professional. I believe she stands her ground highlighting her work and talent and keeps working towards changing stereotypes.