This article follows our earlier piece on how early promotions can sometimes be biased. We’re sharing actionable recommendations for women in marketing procurement (or any industry) to take control of their careers. This can be hard — especially if you’re just starting out, feeling unsure, or new to a role or company. But you can totally do this.

We know the advice might sound familiar, but we’ve added in some of our own experiences to make it more relatable and useful for you.

Enhance Your Skills with Professional Development

Don’t overlook professional development opportunities — there’s a lot out there, and some of it’s even free! Check out courses and certifications from organizations like the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) or the American Marketing Association (AMA). If you’re working in the U.S., your company might already be a member of both CIPS and AMA, as well as the Association of National Advertisers (ANA). Even if you’re outside the U.S., you can still access a lot of these classes online. If not, look into local or regional associations like ISBA in the UK.

In today’s rapidly evolving world, the role of professional women is not just essential — it’s transformative. As industries face unprecedented shifts, from technological innovations to climate change, women leaders have emerged as key drivers in crafting sustainable solutions and fostering inclusive growth. Their unique approach to leadership — collaborative, empathetic, and action-oriented — starkly contrasts traditional hierarchies, offering new possibilities for solving complex global challenges.

One of the greatest lessons we’ve learned from women’s leadership is the importance of resilience. Former President of Ireland, Mary Robinson, exemplifies this spirit. Robinson was seen as an outsider when she ran for president in the 90s, yet she became a beacon of change in a nation ready for new leadership. Her journey underscores the importance of perseverance, even when faced with poor odds to win. She also brings to light the idea that leadership is not solely about authority but about influence, integrity, and a deep sense of responsibility.

Attending the Female Quotient Lounge at Climate Week NYC, held at Deloitte’s NYC offices, provided a valuable opportunity to step away from the daily responsibilities and reflect on how we can contribute to a greater purpose. The event featured senior leaders in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) from Salesforce, Delta Airlines, and World Central Kitchen. Their insights led to an engaging discussion, offering the audience a wealth of meaningful takeaways.

A growing trend in business is integrating purpose-driven agendas into the core of operations. Companies like Salesforce and Delta Airlines exemplify this shift, where sustainability and purpose are no longer seen as side projects but as essential elements of their business strategy.
According to Sunya Norman, Senior Vice President of ESG Strategy & Engagement at Salesforce, operationalizing values is crucial. She emphasized that today, companies are not only driven by profit but also by their values. At Salesforce, the focus is on embedding sustainability into every department, ensuring that each function contributes to the company’s overall ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals. ​

Innovation and strategic integration are crucial for driving business value in the dynamic marketing world. Kasha, the Chief Media Officer at Known, shares insights into how their agency leverages data, analytics, and technology to redefine marketing effectiveness and help Marketing Procurement achieve business results.

Interviewer: Thank you so much for joining us today, Kasha. First, could you tell us a little about Known and its unique approach to marketing procurement?

Kasha: Hello, and thank you for having me. Known is a merger of three different companies—a data and analytics company, a brand strategy company, and a creative agency. We were founded four years ago with the vision to offer everything modern marketing requires and to reintegrate what has been pulled apart over the past two decades. Our goal is to drive business results for our clients through extensive integration and collaboration across all aspects of marketing.

We’re thrilled to be speaking with Janet Fitzpatrick-Wilks, a trailblazing leader in AI and brand development. With an extensive career that spans global leadership roles at companies like IBM, Ogilvy, and Motorola, Janet has proven herself as an innovative force in business strategy, media, and marketing.
Janet is also the founder of AI For Everyone, a platform designed to empower professionals and small business owners to confidently integrate AI into their daily operations. Janet’s unique experience in building brands and leveraging AI makes her a valuable voice in the evolving world of technology and business. Let’s dive into her incredible journey and insights.

Interviewer: Janet, your journey into AI is quite unique, especially considering you were retired and had switched off from your professional life. Can you share with us how you first got introduced to AI and what sparked your interest?