To kick off Women’s History Month, Kite Hill hosted its first Women in Media and Marketing event of the 2025 season. We gathered industry experts to discuss a crucial topic: how to level up your career in the AI era.
Moderated by Digiday’s Senior Marketing Reporter, Kimeko McCoy, the discussion covered topics such as identifying career goals, finding mentors, and building a professional network. Industry leaders Christina Peña Brower (COO & Founding Partner of NewWorld), Shoshana Winter (CEO of Converge), and Kate O'Loughlin (CEO of SuperAwesome) shared the following key insights and advice.
Building Your Network
A recurring theme was the importance of a robust network. Kate noted the value of peer relationships, those "give and get" moments that foster growth. For example, even those seen as competitors can become allies. In a previous role, Kate and a peer supported each other by sharing information and advocating for one another, which helped them both grow.
Mentorship vs. Sponsorship
While mentors offer guidance, sponsors actively advocate for your advancement. "It's not enough to just do a good job. We need people to clear the path and take a risk on us." Christina emphasized that "a sponsor isn't just someone to talk to; they're someone who will act on your behalf." Shoshana added to this point by stressing the importance of sponsorship, especially for women and people of color. She emphasized that advice without action ("skin in the game") is ineffective. Sponsors should actively advocate for their protégés. Shoshana suggests building a network of sponsors or a personal “board of directors.”
Career Transitions
Career transitions can be daunting, but our speakers offered encouraging words. Christina shared, "The most fruitful relationships aren't always formal mentorships. They're the people who are there for you during transitions, especially when you're least sure of yourself." Kate advised attendees to "architect your network" during times of change, intentionally seeking out relationships that can provide needed support.
Embracing Generative AI
The rise of generative AI is reshaping industries. However, a recent Harvard Business Review report found that women are adopting generative AI technology at a significantly lower rate than men. Our speakers addressed this head-on. Shoshana reflected on the possibility that women might underestimate their knowledge and skills or judge themselves more harshly than men. She also cautioned against getting caught up in AI hype cycles, urging listeners to "separate what truly matters (efficiency, career growth, confidence) from what's just driving stock prices and industry buzz." Kate shared a Boston Consulting Group stat that contradicts HBR, stating that 68% of women in the tech industry say they use a genAI tool at work more than once a week, compared with 66% of men. Christina shared her belief that working moms and women have the most to gain from using AI to further enhance their efficiency and streamline their lives and work.
We're incredibly thankful to our speakers for sharing their wisdom and experiences during our webinar. It served as a potent reminder of how crucial mentorship, networking, and adaptability are for navigating today's dynamic professional landscape. Their insights will undoubtedly inspire and empower many.
Join our growing Women in Media and Marketing Meetup for event updates. Missed the webinar? Catch the recording here.
— Maggie Stasko, Senior Account Manager