IMAA Female Leaders of Tomorrow Mentors: Stockland's Natalie Warren-Smith
"When you can go to a meeting with your team and you don’t need to speak, you have succeeded as their leader"
Earlier in the year, the IMAA launched its Female Leaders of Tomorrow programme as part of its commitment to fostering long-term diversity and inclusivity across independent media agencies nationally.
The six-month IMAA programme aims to create a support network between accomplished industry leaders and their mentees by matching senior staff with up-and-coming women in indie media agencies for knowledge-sharing and professional development opportunities.
One of the IMAA mentors involved in the programme is Natalie Warren-Smith, general manager – brand and channel at Stockland, who tells Mediaweek about the importance of mentoring.
What's the most important/best piece of advice you've received during your career?
"When you can go to a meeting with your team and you don’t need to speak, you have succeeded as their leader."
Who do you look up to in business and why? Did you have a mentor and what did they teach you?
"I have had many leaders over the years I would consider both a mentor and leader and in some instances, great friends. Focus, honesty and trust have always been at the heart of these relationships."
What does mentoring mean to you and why is mentoring important? Why is it important to have more women leaders in the industry?
"To ensure liked-minded women have role models and supporters to grow emotionally and tactically through every stage of their career. This is particularly important as women work through the journey of career progression coupled with having a family."
What's on your business reading and podcast list?
"I’m currently following Ryan Reynolds and his hugely impressive ability to identify opportunities that can be turned around with an injection of great marketing and big creative ideas.
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"I am also a huge fan of Good to Great by Jim Collins. A read that can be revisited over and over and always a reminder that planning and focus are always the best foundation of high performing, agile teams."
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Top Image: Natalie Warren-Smith
