This month, IMAA launched its Female Leaders of Tomorrow programme, as part of its commitment to fostering long-term diversity and inclusivity across independent media agencies nationally.
The six-month programme aims to create a support network between accomplished industry leaders and their mentees by matching senior staff with up-and-coming women in indie media agencies for knowledge-sharing and professional development opportunities.
One of the mentors involved in the programme is Melinda Petrunoff, Country Manager ANZ, Pinterest, who tells Mediaweek about the importance of mentorship in the industry.
See Also: Why Pinterest’s Melinda Petrunoff says that “it pays to be positive”
What’s the most important/best piece of advice you’ve received during your career?
Petrunoff: “Don’t doubt yourself. Your inner voice can be your worst critic. And, if you’re not uncomfortable you’re not learning. It is important to be uncomfortable at least 20% of the week in your role.”
Who do you look up to in business and why?
“Mel Silva at Google. In my early years at Fairfax Digital I was placed in a rising stars program and aligned to Mel Silva as my mentor. In the time she mentored me, she was smart, authentic, compassionate and moved fast. As she progressed in her career I’ve continued to admire her as a leader, she is a transformational leader who is forward thinking and incredibly kind.”
Did you have a mentor and what did they teach you?
“I have had many mentors, and I am a big advocate for having multiple mentors in both official and non-official capacities.
“Mentors give you perspective, and I valued this so much, especially in my early career. At times, you can get caught up in your role and your individual impact and a mentor, with greater visibility, enables you to take a step back and think from a more macro lens.
“This helped me understand the importance of thinking long-term, how to be a bit more patient and identify other learning moments and opportunities that will benefit my career.”
What does mentoring mean to you and why is mentoring important?
“I get a lot of enjoyment out of helping and seeing people advance in their careers. The opportunity to mentor people is an opportunity to pay forward the learnings and the investment people made in my career.
“I also value people who seek out mentorship. They typically have a growth mindset and are open to perspective and advice. Bonus, I get to grow my network with smart and interesting people.”
Why is it important to have more women leaders in the industry?
“It’s important in a business no matter what shape or size to have diverse thinkers and perspectives. Encouraging women to seek leadership roles will help us achieve that.”
What’s on your business reading and podcast list?
“My colleague Os recently gifted me a book that he highly rates that I have just started to dig into. Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion, by Robert Cialdini.”
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Top Image: Melissa Petrunoff