We asked our honorees about the advice they would give their younger self, lessons learned from the pandemic, how to improve diversity in our industry and more. Find out what they said here.
Words of wisdom from our Ad Age Leading Women 2022
Be humble. Nothing keeps you more grounded than a dose of humility and it serves as a reminder that even your greatest accomplishments are never achieved without others.
Heidi Cooley, Crocs
Due to the circumstances related to the war in Ukraine, I decided to help my family to relocate from our native city where right now the battles take place to another country that is much more safe. I realize that I forced them to leave everything there and start a new life.
Vira Melnychenko, Snap
If if I had not pursued a career and worried about a 401-K, I’d be one of those artists in Central Park or by the subway street entrances with an easel and charcoal and paints.
Jill Toscano, Walmart
We have to work hard to dismantle “micro-aggressions” which are really macro-oppressions. The industry has to be much more conscious, human and vocal about the things that aren’t said that create cultures of exclusion for women and BIPOC, if we want to create real cultural change on a mass level.
Darla Price, DDB New York
When normalcy is stripped away and you are thinking about survival, you want your base strong and your loved ones close. I am making sure to prioritize those who are important to me and not fall into the easy trap of constant travel and busyness again.
Melissa Grady, Cadillac
What advice would you give your younger self?
What’s the biggest risk you’ve ever taken?
If you weren’t doing your current job what would you be doing and why?
What should the industry do to encourage more women and people of color into its ranks?
What is the biggest lesson you have taken away from the pandemic?
Ad Age's Jessica Wohl catches up with:
Ann Lewnes, Adobe (class of 1997);
Dara Treseder, Peleton (class of 2018); and Linda Yaccarino, NBCUniversal (class of 2007)
Shelina Janmohamed, a 2017 Women to Watch Europe honoree, shares why the visibility of women and marginalized groups is so important, especially following the terrorist attack on London Bridge, which took place 48 hours before.
The U.S. and Europe classes of 2020 discuss COVID-19's impact to their roles.
The 2021 Ad Age Vanguard honoree, Jerri DeVard, on important moments in her career and what she believes is next.
Carla Serrano (class of 2017), Gail Heimann (2009), Donna Speciale (2001) and Micky Onvural on the impact of being named an Ad Age Leading Woman/Woman to Watch.
The power of the Ad Age Leading Women