ADVICE FROM MELANIE EUSEBE, BUSINESS LADY, PROFESSOR, BROADCASTER & CHAIR OF BLACK BRITISH BUSINESS AWARDS

To celebrate International Women’s Day, we’re putting the spotlight on some of the most inspiring women in the creative industries on The Dots.

Over the rest of the week, we’ll be highlighting their work, thoughts on what it means to them to be in the creative industries, their inspirations, aspirations, iconic role models and sage words of advice.

Next up, we have creative industries polymath Melanie Eusebe, Business Lady, Professor, Broadcaster, Chair of Black British Business Awards and Board Member Creative Industries Federation.
What does it mean to you to be female and in the creative industries?

Sometimes it makes me sad to look around the table and see that there are very few women in leadership in arts and media. There is no lack of female talent entering the pipeline, but as you get further along in your career, and further into leadership, the lack of women is astonishing.

Do you have words of wisdom for other women looking to break into the industry?

Own and value your creative output. This industry is famous for unpaid work and low wages at entry…apprenticeship and interning may be necessary when starting out. However, be sure that you are getting something from it and that you teach yourself how to negotiate for what you want.

Who is your all time female creative icon?

I don’t have one icon, I have several, anyone from Sade, to Frida Kahlo, Bell Hooks to Oprah… They all have such distinctive authentic voices and they own their creative output.

Check The Dots, our blog, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for inspirational insight throughout the week.

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