Every International Women’s Day, we celebrate the achievements of women around the world. But beyond the accolades and milestones, growth is often shaped by the wisdom we receive along the way, the quiet encouragement from a mentor, the advice from a peer that shifts the way we see things, the lessons that help us manage work and life with equal zest and courage.
At M&C Saatchi Performance, the women on our team have built their careers through hard work and determination. Along the way, they’ve received words of wisdom that shaped their perspectives and guided their growth.
This Women’s Day, we’re sharing those lessons, not just as advice, but as reflections of the strength and authenticity that drive us forward.
1. Speak Up – Your Voice Matters
At work, many women hesitate to speak in meetings, fearing they don’t have the ‘perfect’ answer. But Adrienne Rice, our Performance Media Director, learned early on that “asking a question in every meeting, especially when senior people are in the room,” can be a game-changer. It’s not just about getting answers; it’s about being seen, building confidence, and becoming an active participant in the conversation.
Pavithra S, our Senior Programmatic Executive, struggled with the same hesitation until a colleague told her, “Stop editing yourself in real-time. Your voice matters.” That one shift helped her trust her perspective and embrace the fact that she didn’t need to have all the answers, she just needed to contribute.
2. Leadership Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All
There’s a common stereotype that leaders must be the loudest voices in the room. But Gwend Lim, Account Manager at M&C Saatchi Performance, learned that introverts can be great leaders too, just in their own way. That advice helped her embrace a quieter, more empathetic style of leadership that values sincerity in quiet confidence.
3. Focus on Solutions, Not Just Problems
It’s easy to spot issues, but real impact comes from finding ways to solve them. Rachel Owen, our Business Director for EMEA, received a piece of advice that shaped her leadership approach: “Anyone can point out a problem, but the real opportunity comes from finding solutions.” This mindset not only built trust with her colleagues but also helped her navigate challenges with clarity and confidence.
4. Your Career is Not a Straight Line, And That’s Okay
Bridget Hall, our Group Account Director, once believed that success had to follow a fixed trajectory – hit milestones quickly, climb the ladder, no detours allowed. But she soon learned that “success is not a linear path. Your career will have unexpected twists and turns.” Instead of seeing detours as failures, she began to recognize them as opportunities for growth.
Careers evolve in phases, and every unexpected turn can lead to something even greater than what we originally planned.
5. Failures Are Stepping Stones, Not Roadblocks
The fear of failure can be paralyzing. But Taylor Hodgson, Account Manager at M&C Saatchi Performance, received a piece of advice that reframed her perspective: “View setbacks as an opportunity for growth.” Instead of dreading mistakes, she began to embrace them as lessons. This shift not only made her more resilient but also encouraged her to take more risks.
6. Work Hard But Don’t Work Yourself to the Ground
Abhyani Prastika, ASO & Media Manager, was told by two different managers, ‘I don’t want you working on your day off or after hours.’ Coming from industries where hustle culture is glorified, this advice stood out as a simple but important reminder that productivity isn’t measured by exhaustion.
Sonal Sarswat, our Junior Strategy Manager, echoes this with advice she received: “You don’t have to prove your worth by overextending yourself. The right opportunities will recognize your value.” In a world where burnout is often mistaken for dedication, this reminder is invaluable.
7. Take It One Day at a Time
When things feel overwhelming, it’s easy to spiral into self-doubt. On her second day at work, Yan Qing, Search and Social Planner at M&C Saatchi Performance, was given a simple but powerful piece of advice: “Take one day at a time. Don’t be too hard on yourself.”
Now, when the demands of work pile up, she draws on that advice to stay grounded and approach challenges with clarity. Breaking things down into manageable steps makes even the biggest challenges feel less daunting.
8. Your Authenticity is Your Strength
Gracia Issaura Raulina, Digital Marketing Manager at M&C Saatchi Performance, found inspiration not just from mentors but from her own mother. Watching her navigate a successful career while staying true to herself taught Gracia a crucial lesson: “Yes if yes, no if no.” You can be soft and strong at the same time.
Authenticity isn’t about fitting into expectations, it’s about bringing your unique approach to the table.
9. Every Challenge is a Chance to Grow
One of the most powerful shifts in mindset comes from seeing obstacles as opportunities. Whether it’s navigating career setbacks, speaking up in meetings, or finding balance, our women at M&C Saatchi Performance have embraced the idea that growth happens in discomfort.
10. We Rise by Lifting Others
If there’s one common thread in all these lessons, it’s the power of mentorship, encouragement, and shared wisdom. Every piece of advice in this piece came from someone who took a moment to uplift a colleague, challenge a mindset, or remind a woman of her worth.
So today, we pass these lessons forward. Whether you’re at the start of your career or years into leadership, we hope these words inspire you to embrace your voice, your journey, and your own unique path.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we’d love to hear from you.
What’s the most powerful piece of career advice you’ve ever received?
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