Women in Marketing: Leadership, Impact + Breaking Barriers
The marketing world is evolving, and women are leading the charge. From redefining brand strategy to championing agency growth, women in marketing are shaping the industry with innovation, resilience, and bold leadership.
At Setup, we’ve had the privilege of speaking with some of the most influential women in marketing over the years—leaders who are driving change and making an impact in their organizations and beyond. Here’s what we’ve learned from their stories.
1. The Power of Authentic Leadership
Marketing leadership today isn’t just about driving results—it’s about leading with authenticity, vision, and empathy. Women in marketing are proving that success comes from staying true to their values while adapting to an ever-changing industry. By being authentic, leaders can connect better to their teams and their consumers.
Anna Webb, Vice President of Global Marketing + Concept Design at Interface, attributes her approach to creativity and authenticity to her upbringing. "Creativity runs through my veins. My mother is an artist by profession and instilled the value of the arts and thinking creatively in all of her children."
Read Webb’s full interview here.
By bringing creativity and authenticity into leadership, women like Anna are ensuring their teams feel empowered, heard, and supported.
2. Overcoming Industry Challenges
While women continue to rise in marketing, challenges still exist. Breaking into executive leadership roles, advocating for equal opportunities, and navigating gender biases are all hurdles that many women have faced in their careers.
Read more about it here.
Kelly Hawkins, Head of Loyalty at Regal, emphasizes viewing challenges as opportunities rather than roadblocks: "Challenges are not in my vocabulary, but looked at as opportunities to make things better."
Read Hawkins’ full interview here.
Similarly, Liz DiLullo Brown, EVP and Chief Marketing and Business Relationship Officer at Little League International, hopes that future generations will move beyond gender-based recognition and focus on true leadership qualities. "Someday, hopefully in my daughter’s lifetime, we won’t see gender, but see authenticity, integrity, work ethic, drive, and compassion as most valuable."
Read Brown’s full interview here.
Support networks, mentorship, and industry recognition are crucial in creating more opportunities for women to step into leadership positions. If you’re a woman in marketing, share your story. Someone can learn from your experience and insights to help inform and shape their career.
3. Navigating the Future of Marketing
Marketing is shifting rapidly with advancements in AI, data-driven strategy, and evolving consumer expectations. Women at the forefront of this industry are embracing innovation while ensuring that creativity and human connection remain central.
Michelle Rainbow from Response Media encourages embracing continuous learning and risk-taking as essential traits for marketers navigating change. "Don’t be afraid to take risks, ask lots of questions, and keep learning."
By staying ahead of trends and adapting to new tools and strategies, these leaders are ensuring their brands remain competitive while maintaining a human-first approach.
4. Advice for the Next Generation of Women in Marketing
What advice do these trailblazing women have for the next wave of marketing leaders?
Own your expertise – Speak up, share your ideas, and trust in your skills.
Find mentors and allies – Build relationships with those who will support and challenge you.
Stay curious – The best marketers never stop learning and adapting.
Advocate for yourself – Don’t be afraid to ask for opportunities, promotions, or the seat at the table you deserve.
Celebrating Women in Marketing
The women featured in Setup’s Women in Marketing series are proof that strong leadership, resilience, and innovation are shaping the future of our industry. Their insights and experiences serve as inspiration for current and future marketing leaders who are ready to challenge the status quo and make their mark.
We’re committed to amplifying these voices and fostering an industry where talent and leadership are recognized.
Great marketing thrives on strong partnerships, bold leadership, and fresh perspectives. The women leading today’s marketing industry know that innovation doesn’t happen in isolation—it comes from the right collaborations, risk-taking, and strategy.
At Setup, we help brands connect with top-tier marketing leaders and agencies that align with their vision—because the right partnerships don’t just support growth, they fuel it.
Looking for an agency partner that understands your brand’s goals? Let’s talk. Explore more ways we can help.
At Setup, we’ve had the privilege of speaking with some of the most influential women in marketing over the years—leaders who are driving change and making an impact in their organizations and beyond. Here’s what we’ve learned from their stories.