FEMALE CREATIVE DIRECTORS SEEM DIFFERENT TO MALE CREATIVE DIRECTORS.

If I had a dollar for every time I’ve heard that male creative directors are easier to work with than female creative directors, I’d worry less about wage equality.

I’ve heard female creative directors described as being defensive, quick to react, and overly protective. I’ve heard male creative directors described as being funny and confident, as having an ease about them and an upbeat, relaxed attitude.

And I really wish I could 100% disagree.

I know plenty of wonderfully funny and confident female creative directors. I am also lucky to have been helped, shaped and inspired by the very, very best male creative leaders.

But, I’m not surprised that the guys seem more comfortable and at ease.

Nobody can completely control how they come across to others. Not completely. Part of what we’re bringing to the room is built-up dirt stuck to the bottom of our shoes.

I’d love to be more confident, upbeat and relaxed. Who wouldn’t?

I bet I’d have a lovely ease about me if I hadn’t had so many clients ask me for coffee after complimenting someone else on my scripts, so many directors overlook me until it was time for cocktails, or had countless talent/actors hand me their admin forms as they walk into an audition, assuming I was doing the filing and not making the decisions.

I’m sure I’d be more patient and relaxed if I hadn’t had to bite my tongue for so many years while I was spoken over in meetings and had to sit there being positive while my ideas were repeated and claimed by someone with different, deeper voice.

It’s just a touch easier for some people.

It’s easier to be upbeat when you haven’t worked all night on a pitch you’re creatively running, written manifestos that make people cry and presented campaigns you truly believe in, only to be called the Vanna White of the pitch team when you win. I’ll have a “C” for “crushed”, please, Vanna.

It’s easier to be good-humored in a presentation when the client didn’t try to follow you into the bathroom a few hours beforehand.

It’s easier to be composed in a meeting when the client didn’t offer you designer luggage to sleep with him while his wife was out of town the night before and you’re too embarrassed to be properly disgusted.

It’s easier to be calm and charming in a presentation when the head of strategy from your partner agency didn’t just tell you that he was going to punish you for teasing him with your pretty dresses by fucking you, hard and soon, whether you want it or not (rape). The specificity of how and when he described it’ll take place and what position you’ll be in doesn’t help you to be witty as you’re presenting your work. Spoiler alert: the position he described wasn’t CCO.

It’s easier to be breezy in general when you weren’t once given tips on how to call out your boss for demeaning, sexist references in a way that also strokes his ego. You know, to make it easier for him to hear you.

It’s easier not to throw large objects out of windows (so aggressive) when no female VP has ever told you that your height can be intimidating and no female managing partner has ever told you how to wear your hair to be more approachable.

I believe female and male creative directors are equally talented. I believe we’re equally hilarious, stressed and incredibly lucky to have this job. I believe things are getting better.

I think it’s worth remembering that not everyone’s road to this position has been equally smooth. And that a promotion only made it a teensy bit smoother.

Now, heels on, back to work.

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