"Women to Watch gave me the credibility, conviction and confidence to get my voice heard"

The nominations process for Women to Watch 2018 is now open. Find all the details on who can enter, how to enter and the deadline (July 6) (July 20) here. 

To help persuade you why you should nominate yourself or a woman you know, we asked three of the women who starred in our 2017 Women to Watch list to reflect on what winning has meant to them. Here's what they said: 

Rebecca Liu
Chief Marketing Officer, Greater China, at Saatchi & Saatchi and director of communications, Greater China, at Publicis

"The two most exciting moments from my 2017 were first, becoming a mom and second, when I was honoured by Campaign Asia as one of the industry’s Women to Watch. Together these accomplishments put to rest a lot of worries that I think often plague career-oriented women who are also in pursuit of a family life.

At the same time, I am very grateful and humbled to be included in this group of women. The career success of each recipient proves the awards' practicality, as each woman embodies what the awards are trying to promote. Though awards are not everything, it is important to let the public know about all the excellent work we put out, which in turn raises the reputation of the agencies we represent.

What is more, through this unique platform I was able to know other female leaders and be motivated by the amazing lives and careers that they are having." 

Rebecca Bezzina
VP, Managing director, R/GA

"It’s fantastic to be recognized by the industry for your work. For me, it was also an unexpected recognition. My team, my boss and a client nominated me as a Woman to Watch and put an entry together without my knowledge — the first I knew about being included was when the list was announced. Realising that everyone had come together that way, and why, was a powerful moment that’s given me continued confidence in what I do and how I do it.

Women to Watch is a very visible, external acknowledgement within the industry. But I think it’s a great internal boost as well — making the list can give you a shot of self-belief. 

I would actually encourage women to nominate themselves. Being nominated by others is humbling and flattering, but it’s also symptomatic of a problem — women don’t naturally put their hands up for recognition they’ve earned. If you wait for others to acknowledge your work, you could be waiting forever. Know your worth and don’t be afraid to ask for it to be acknowledged."

Sakshi Choudhary 
Creative controller, Ogilvy & Mather

"Campaign Asia's Women to Watch is a coveted flagship list. To be celebrated amongst some of the most outstanding and talented women achievers in advertising, media and marketing across Asia was a great feeling and a huge honour. 

The list certainly accelerated my career and helped me gain recognition within the industry. Many opportunities have come my way following the release of the list. It played a huge role in helping me make it to One Club’s 10 Next Creative Leaders from across the world at the 3% Conference. I’ve also recently received invites to be on juries at award shows in Asia.

On a personal level, Women to Watch gave me the credibility, conviction and confidence to get my voice heard. Since then I’ve been using my voice to trigger a conversation within the industry to increase the representation of women at creative leadership levels.

More often than not, women don’t take up opportunities that come their way due to self-doubt and lack of confidence. In fact, in Asia, this confidence gap is bigger than the rest of the world. Which is why it becomes important to shine the spotlight on Asian women through initiatives such as these.

Campaign Asia is one of the industry’s most admired and reputed publications. Being on their list will not only mean being recognized by industry leaders and peers, but will amplify the belief women have in themselves.

I would urge agencies across the region to nominate women who are doing great work, taking the industry forward in one way or another and have the potential to be so much more." 

HOW TO NOMINATE SOMEONE FOR THE WOMEN TO WATCH LIST 2018

Visit this page for all the details on entry, including the nomination form, and send any questions to [email protected]. Good luck!