4A's Kaplowitz tackles gender inequality in agencies

Stephen Whiteside

Advertising agencies still have considerable progress to make when it comes to achieving gender equality in senior leadership, and with talent management for female employees throughout their ranks.

Marla Kaplowitz, the President/CEO of the 4A's (American Association of Advertising Agencies), can call on personal experience to highlight the issues that face women in the advertising industry.

"I've been in a meeting where I've been called 'emotional'. I thought I was being passionate about something; I was told I was 'emotional'.

"Have I ever forgotten that? No; it really angered me," she said. "And one female colleague stepped in and was supportive of me on that particular issue. And I will always remember that person supporting me in that meeting.

"But it was it was really telling."

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