To Marloe, Chief Client Officer at Demographica, being a woman is a rich and intricate experience. It’s about embracing a full spectrum of emotions, from shedding unabashed tears without reservation to sharing uncontrollable laughter with friends. It embodies bravery, particularly in times of uncertainty, and the innate ability to deeply care for others. For Marloe, womanhood means confidently occupying spaces unapologetically, celebrating vulnerabilities and passions, and recognising that her love for fashion and aesthetics doesn’t overshadow her intellect.
Marloe’s life is interwoven with remarkable female role players who have provided her with strength and wisdom. Her mother stands as a symbol of sacrifice and unwavering love, imparting the values of independence to Marloe and her sister. The men in her life – her father and husband – have exemplified the personal growth needed to raise empowered woman, underscoring the vital role men play in fostering strong, self-reliant women. Her sister, a beacon of confidence and authenticity, consistently sets high standards and is the epitome of support and a safe space. Marloe’s daughters teach her the principles of love, resilience, and finding pure joy in life. The camaraderie shared with her circle of close friends epitomises the influential power of sisterhood. A great friend once said to Marloe that we spend a lot of time as woman saying, “I should be doing this, I should be doing that.” And left Marloe a golden nugget of advice, “Don’t SHOULD all over yourself.”
Marloe emphasises the significance of women uplifting one another, advocating for tolerance, and fostering genuine alliances between each other. Navigating a leadership role as a woman, Marloe reflects on the challenges she has faced. One notable hurdle has been cultivating self-confidence, while avoiding the guilt or judgement that can sometimes accompany assertiveness. In her early years in the marketing field, she observed male-dominated spaces where women were side-lined and excluded from the conversation. Despite industry progress, Marloe believes that women often face more criticism, heightened expectations, and an added pressure to be likable. “The best way to combat this is by learning to let it go,” Marloe notes and continues, “not everyone will like you, and that is okay.”
Through mutual support and empathy, the landscape for women at every career stage can be changed for the better. Marloe advocates for enhancing women’s leadership presence in advertising and marketing. She champions empathy and active support and an everyday approach that values genuine, human connections beyond policies. Marloe advises against burdening oneself with self-imposed expectations. With this, Marloe encourages women to take the time to form thoughtful opinions, prioritise authenticity over empty words, and most importantly, enjoy the journey.
