Lorraine Stewart Interview(s)

Perspectives: Women in Advertising

How would you describe the overall culture at your agency and would you say that there is a separate female culture?

The Rojek Consulting Group is a leading marketing consulting firm specializing in advertising agency search and selection for corporate clients. Since we are 100% female owned. We have from our inception been intentional about creating a culture where all individuals are respected and women are given every opportunity to flourish and thrive.

What do you see as being the biggest change in the advertising industry since women have begun to break the “glass ceiling”?

The industry must be attentive to the nuanced ways in which woman are portrayed in advertising and strive to produce, support and elevate content that increases the value of woman and girls. We must also call out advertising that devalues women.

What are some of the challenges that women are still facing?

Woman today still face challenges in three areas: being recognized in career pathing for C-suite potential; equal pay; the opportunity for true work-life balance.

What steps do you take to ensure you achieve a healthy work-life balance?

We offer autonomy to individuals in how, when and where they work by establishing an understanding of both desired outcomes and standards of professionalism, with focus on the core values that are most important.

What professional achievement are you most proud of?

My company, ROJEK Consulting Group, founded a better way for corporate companies to find an hire advertising agencies to build their brands by focusing on organizational culture and fit as a key driver of effective relationships and teaming; an innovative concept that has been validated over time.

Tell us about a mentor that helped guide you in your career. What made them so special?

My first boss was a woman who wanted young women entering the field of advertising to succeed. She functioned as a mentor (for a lifetime), sharing, supporting and coaching. I was lucky. I credit her with my many early in career opportunities ...for increased exposure with clients, strategic work and autonomous responsibility to learn and grow.

How do you as a successful woman plan to inspire the next generation of women?

Be a voice and advocate for companies and agencies that produce advertising content that elevates the value of women and girls in society; continue to support healthy work-life balance within my own company. Walk the talk with a principled-based leadership role within the industry.