Industry Profile: Amy Weatherlake at Equality Media and Marketing

Amy Weatherlake: Business director at Equality Media and Marketing.

Time in current role/time at the company: 
I have been with Equality Media + Marketing for almost five years and in the industry for twelve and a half years.

How would you describe what the company does?
We’re an independent agency that brings strategy, creative and media together to help brands grow and deliver business results. What makes me proudest though is the culture. It’s a place that opens doors, backs its people and gives back.

What do you do day to day?
I lead client service and support a team of up-and-coming marketers.

Define your job in one word: 
Connector.

I got into the industry because:
I studied media and marketing at uni, but it was an internship at PHD that sparked my love for media. At Equality I’ve built on that passion, expanding into all areas of marketing.

What’s the biggest challenge you face in your role? 
Time. There’s always more I’d love to do for clients, for the team, and for the business, but I’ve learnt it comes down to setting clear priorities and trusting the people around me.

What’s the biggest industry-wide challenge you’d like to see tackled?
Seeing more women in leadership. That means clear progression for women in mid-level roles, real entry points for those starting out or changing careers, and everyday mentorship and advocacy that opens doors and builds the leaders of tomorrow.

Who has been a great mentor to you and why? 
I’ve been lucky to have many wonderful mentors throughout my career, but most recently my Managing Director, Marilla Akkermans. I often say she is the smartest person I’ve ever met, and she is also incredibly funny and stylish to boot. She has taught me so much about leadership and shown me that it’s okay to bring your whole personality to the role.

Words of advice for someone wanting a job like yours? 
Surround yourself with people you can learn from and be willing to say yes to opportunities even when they feel daunting. That is usually where the biggest learning and growth happens.

If I wasn’t doing this for a living, I'd be: 
Working with animals as a foster carer and trainer.

My philosophy is: 
You can do good and do well.

My favourite advert is:
Qantas’ Feels Like Home campaign. It is such a good mix of brand and emotion, and I am a sucker for a tearjerker.

Music and TV streaming habits: what do you subscribe to? 
I am an Audible nerd and listen to 1-2 books per month. I am also a big fan of for reality TV when I just want to zone out, Below Deck and Real Housewives are my jam.

Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you? 
I used to want to be an actress.

In five years’ time, I'll be: 
I joke about the succession plan with Marilla, but I have ambitions to run an agency.