Austin Recap
The 3% roadshow event in Austin was our first taste of what this movement is all about. It was incredibly inspiring to see it come to life— in the form of Kat’s persuasive keynote speech followed by a panel of three talented female creative directors (Carlotta Stankiewicz of GSD&M, Shanteka Sigers of Sanders/Wingo, and Stefani [...]
A chance for agencies to do something they love to do: brag.
The folks above are advisory board members participating in The Gender Equality Challenge launched April 15 at San Francisco City Hall. That’s me, 3% Founder Kat Gordon, peeking out in the center. Here’s what’s up: Bay Area companies are challenged to share a model practice they are implementing to empower women in their ranks. It’s [...]
Prolonging the afterglow: how to make your 3% Conference sponsorship last all year.
Over 30 agencies were in attendance at last year’s 3% Conference and we expect that number to double this October. And based upon emails and calls we’re getting, we’re aware of another difference — more and more agencies wanting to show they have “skin in the game.” We brainstormed how to give agencies a way [...]
Quick Takeaways from NY’s Creative Week.
Greetings from NYC. I’m here for various 3% shenanigans and got to catch two sessions — and see some amazing One Show award-winning work — yesterday as part of The One Club’s Creative Week. First there was the “Women of Advertising” panel featuring another West Coaster, Margaret Johnson of Goodby, alongside Kris Kiger of R/GA, [...]
The 97% Speak: Edward Boches
Welcome to a new feature of the 3% blog where we will regularly hear from men in our industry about the issue of female leadership. Edward Boches, one of the four original partners at Mullen, is our first subject. Kat reached out to Edward to see if he would be available to participate in a [...]
Mad Men Mania: Shot to the Heart
The following post is a review of Mad Men, Season 6, Episode 5. If you have not seen this episode yet, please be aware there might be spoilers ahead. The announcement is shouted into the ballroom where the Ad Club of NY hosts an advertising awards show. Dr. Martin Luther King has been shot to [...]
Mad Men Mania: The Downward Spiral of Draper
The following post is a review of Mad Men, Season 6, Episode 3. If you have not seen this episode yet, please be aware there might be spoilers ahead. After watching this episode, I somewhat struggled to put my finger on its pulse. Unlike some of the better seasons, it seems the current one is [...]
Why Mad Men nails the ad biz: An interview with advertising consultant Josh Weltman
Mad Men is great for several reasons, but I’d venture to guess one of the reasons we love it so is because it’s the first time a TV show actually got the advertising business right. After speaking to the show’s advertising consultant, Josh Weltman, I finally know where they get their insight. Josh Weltman was [...]
7 Nuggets of “Lean In” Truth for Women in Advertising
I read Sheryl Sandberg’s new “Lean In” with the book in my left hand and mini post-its in my right. I then went through all the passages that moved me and selected these seven as the very best thought-starters for 3 Percenters. Rather than offer my commentary on each, I am presenting them here, numbered [...]
Only 3% of creative directors are women. Here’s why.
Women influence 80% of consumer spending. Yet, women make up only 3% of advertising creative directors. Through any lens, it’s a ridiculous representation, but there are very real reasons for this surreal imbalance. What are they? 1. Comfort We know what advertising creatives look like: white guys with goatees and messenger bags. (There have been [...]
