This week’s Meeting of the Minds brings together Vanessa Winley and Stephanie Higson, sisters from Publicis Groupe’s Spark Foundry. The siblings reveal their leadership heroes, current streaming binge, and career goals.
This special edition of the Mediaweek series showcases diverse perspectives, thoughts and opinions by bringing together two different points of view from an industry rookie and an experienced expert.
Vanessa Winley, group activation director, and Stephanie Higson, associate activation director
Favorite memory with your sister:
Vanessa: Watching her beam with pride when my niece, Jacinta, walked onto the stage at her first dance concert. It was a small step for Jacinta, but a huge step for Stephanie to help her perform in front of hundreds of unfamiliar faces.
Stephanie: Likewise, hanging out with her and my kids. She’s such a great aunty!
Why did you join the industry, and what role did your sister play in that?
Vanessa: The industry’s vibrant and dynamic nature, especially at Spark Foundry, captivated me. I was unable to resist the offer of an ever-changing environment and the chance to work alongside fantastic colleagues.
Stephanie: Vanessa is the reason that I work in media. She spoke so highly of the industry that I applied for a role at a media agency and never looked back!
Who’s the more ‘corporate’ sister, and who’s the creative rebel?
Vanessa: Stephanie is beyond reliable – conscientious, organised, and process-driven. She’s a powerhouse of consistency!
Stephanie: Vanessa is certainly the creative sister. She constantly amazes me with the creative integration ideas she comes up with!
Do you ever team up on projects? What’s that dynamic like?
Vanessa: Yes, we’ve collaborated a couple of times and we’ve had a giggle or two. We know each other inside and out, which allows us to bring out the best in each other in any situation.
Stephanie: It feels normal to us. We just get down to business!
What’s the biggest perk — or challenge — of working with your sister?
Vanessa: The perk is car trips and coffee on the way to work. She has four children, all in different schools. So, I’m grateful for the time we get to spend together.
Stephanie: I love that we get to catch up every day over lunch together.
Have you ever disagreed at work? How do you handle that as both sisters and colleagues?
Stephanie: We don’t tend to disagree.
Vanessa: In general, though, at Spark we have a ‘good humans’ mantra. Any disagreement is always conducted respectfully, collaboratively, and constructively, regardless of who you are.
Do you talk about work when you’re off the clock, or do you have a ‘no work talk’ rule at family dinners?
Vanessa: She’s my support for everything in life. If I need to talk to her about anything I will, and vice versa.
Stephanie: We do sometimes talk about work, but that’s mainly because we are so passionate about what we do!
Misconception about your role:
Vanessa: People often assume that my role is limited to just investment, but it actually involves a lot of strategic decision-making and creative problem-solving.
Stephanie: That my role is on the creative side, when it’s much more about crunching the numbers.
How has the industry changed/evolved?
Stephanie: The industry has certainly evolved with the integration of digital technologies, becoming more dynamic and fast-paced. There is now a greater emphasis on data-driven decision-making and customer engagement through multiple channels.
Best career advice:
Vanessa: Keep growing—keep going!
Stephanie: Always be yourself!
Leadership hero:
Vanessa: I’m spoilt for choice with the calibre of leaders at Spark Foundry. The entire management team inspires me, particularly Lucie (Jansen) and Sue Ellen (Osborn) who are always willing to listen and provide encouragement.
Stephanie: Agreed! I love that there are so many amazing women in leadership here at Spark. Really, all of them are inspiring.
What is your hot take on the industry?
Vanessa: The industry is at a pivotal point where ethical practices will become as crucial as profitability. Companies that prioritise these will lead the market.
Career goal for 2025:
Vanessa: Continue to grow and learn while embracing the wonderful culture I am privileged to be a part of every day when I turn up at work.
Stephanie: Ditto!
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Past editions of Meeting of the Minds.
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Top image: Vanessa Winley and Stephanie Higson