Would you be surprised that the Managing Director was a Salfordian woman? - Nicola Marsh interview

Helen Clarke

Celebrating women beyond International Women's Day we spoke to Nicola Marsh, a local business-woman and Managing Director at EssenceMediacom North, part of global media giants, WPP for the past six years.

What biases and challenges have you faced as a woman in business? 

One of the huge challenges I faced was finding a job in advertising in the regions. I felt like all the ad agency opportunities existed in London and getting into these agencies was really tough. That’s how I ended up selling local advertising as I wanted a foot in the door and was desperate to gain experience.

Fortunately, that led to me taking on a national sales role in regional press, then an internet sales role both of which exposed me to agencies and then finally I got the opportunity to join an agency at the age of 30. I think where I have encountered bias has been around my accent and the fact that I have come from a traditional working-class background.

Having a broad Salford accent has often caused people to make judgements around my intellect which is just crazy.

Nicola Marsh, Managing Director - EssenceMediacom North

I have on more than one occasion seen the shock on people’s faces when I have introduced myself along with my job title. I think the attitude around accents is changing now but there are still people I come across that have some interesting views on the North and don’t appreciate how much talent and brilliant work is done there.

What actions have you taken to help you succeed?

I have worked really hard and I truly believe that most of the time you get out what you put in. I have learned to be proud of the fact that I am a working-class female and have often found other people's short-sightedness as their weakness not mine. I have always been true to myself, and I have found over the years that authenticity is one of the most important qualities you can possess. Capability without authenticity just isn’t the same.

What mistakes are we making now and how do we empower women of the future?

We are still failing to fully recognise what support women really need to be their best in the workplace. I think there has been lots of talk about the issues women are facing but often policies and the day-to-day realities of expectations around women’s roles just don’t match up.

Understanding around women’s health both emotional and physical is distinctly lacking in most businesses. Even when businesses are talking about, and acknowledging the impact of menopause, pregnancy,  IVF, periods etc businesses are still not set up to fully support women facing the challenges that come along with these issues.

Women are often the carers when parents are hitting their later years and with the ageing population this is a challenge for lots of women. Women who have had children are entering back into a space where they are potentially choosing between their career and caring responsibilities.

Promotion and senior jobs are often based around full time working hours. For me the key to supporting and empowering women is around flexibility. Businesses have to be smarter to progress and keep their female talent.