Female Creative Leaders 2017 - Meet the 150 women redefining the creative industries

To celebrate International Women’s Day 2017 we asked 15 incredible female leaders in design, advertising, illustration, tech, film, fashion, arts, social enterprise and more to nominate the 10 women that they believe will redefine the creative space over the coming years - all with the aim of inspiring the next generation of female creative leaders.

Discover, connect and be inspired by these amazing women, listed below and stay up to date with our 2018 list of women redefining the creative industry: here.

Jude Kelly, Artistic Director, Southbank Centre & Founder of Women of the World Festival (WOW)

“I like being able to make younger women feel they've got an ally – women should support other women."

Jude Kelly’s 10 inspiring women:

Laura Jordan-Bambach, co-founder of She Says, President D&AD and Chief Creative Officer of Mr President

“In moments of self doubt, hang on to the knowledge that you’re not there by accident, have confidence in your ideas and speak up.”

Laura Jordan-Bambach’s 10 inspiring women:

Danielle Pender, Founder and Editor of Riposte Magazine - a smart magazine for women.

“Work out what success means to you and follow your own goals. Don’t be swayed by how other people define success, it’s not one size fits all. Don’t look at the competition. Just do what you do and make it amazing. Don’t try and be something you’re not to follow a trend.”

Danielle Pender’s 10 inspiring women:

Amanda Nevill CBE, Chief Executive of the British Film Institute (BFI)

“Just remember, life isn't a rehearsal. Love every day to its full, and if you don't, change tomorrow.”

Amanda Nevill CBE's, 10 inspiring women:

Polly Nor, Illustrator

“Dedicate time to your passion. Keep creating and putting yourself out there. Even if it doesn’t take off right away keep at it and you will keep on learning and evolving.”

Polly Nor’s 10 inspiring women:

Liv Little, Founder of gal-dem - an online and print magazine run by women of colour, for everyone.

“Be bold, be brave and surround yourself with other exceptional women. Not only will you be able to shout louder with each other's support, but you'll need each other when things get tough!”

Liv Little’s 10 inspiring women:

Jamie Klingler, Head of Publishing Operations at ShortList Media

“We are in the middle of a huge regression in terms of our rights and having our voices heard. My best piece of advice would be to persist, and continue to persist. It won’t be easy in the current climate, but it is worth the struggle.”

Jamie Klingler’s 10 inspiring women:

Marina Willer, first female Partner at Pentagram Design London

"Stay curious and connected to the real world. The virtual world can make us indifferent to any real beauty, real pain and real experiences, but design has to work for human beings"

Marina Willer’s inspiring women:

Beatie Wolfe, Anglo-American singer songwriter.

Brilliant (GQ) // Captivating (Wired) // Mesmerising (MOJO) // Extraordinary (Forbes)

“I love the Bavarian saying my father always quoted... that is “The eye of the farmer fattens the pig" which means that if it's your baby, your pig, even the act of overseeing will ensure it's growth. No one can watch your pig like you!”

Beatie Wolfe's 10 inspiring women:

• Emily Gobeille, Co-Founder of Design I/O
• Ina Fried, Journalist, Axios
• Esther Dyson, chairman of EDventure Holdings
• Janet Billig Rich, Manage This Media
• Sammy Payne, Co-Founder of Open Bionics
• Sarah Rose, Director of Consumer Insight at Channel 4
• Jessica Rosenkrantz, co-founder Nervous System
• Julia Kaganskiy, Director, NEW INC at New Museum
• Paola Antonelli, MOMA
• Nadia Ricketts, Founder BeatWoven

Camille Walala, Print • Design • Interiors

“Perseverance! That’s what my dad said to me … I did, didn’t give up until I got happy with what i was doing professionally!”

Camille Walala’s inspiring women:

• Sabine Zetteler, Creative publicity
• Bettina McILwraith, Ethical fashion stylist
• Julia Jomaa, Creative Director
• Alice Mayor, Founder We Built This City
• Juliette Ihler Meyer, Journalist
• Sarah Ihler Meyer, Art Critic
• Aine Donovan, Founder of They Made This
• Annie Nicholson, Artist
• Marie Rouvière, Vegan food pioneer
• Tracy Yelza, Entrepreneur

Georgia Arnold, Executive Director, MTV Staying Alive Foundation & Senior Vice President, Social Responsibility, Viacom International Media Network

“To be a successful leader is to be bold, assertive and fearless. Powerful stereotypes often serve to tame young female leaders to submission from an early age but being “bossy”, contrary to what you may have been told as a child, is a good thing – you need to be bossy to be a boss."

Georgia Arnold’s 10 inspiring women:

Nishma Robb, Head of Ads Marketing at Google and Chair of Women@Google UK

"Get comfortable with saying “Yes, I'll give it a go!” when given a task, even if you don’t feel comfortable. Try to stretch yourself and learn what your passions and capabilities are. Keep an open mind. Push your own boundaries. You will be much more effective down the road if you truly understand yourself."

Nishma Robb's 10 inspiring women:

Alice Black, Co-Director, Design Museum

“Don’t self-censor: a reason why women don’t progress up the ladder is that they self-censor and don’t put themselves forward as men always do. Create a network and invest in the relationships that you have. Work hard – as Warren Buffett said ‘the harder I work, the luckier I get. Ask for help when you need it, there is not prize for struggling on your own. The right advice or help at the right time can be life changing.”

Alice Black’s 10 inspiring women:

Otegha Uwagba, Founder of Women Who a London-based platform for creative working women

“Don't wait for other people to give you permission to live the life or create the career you want, otherwise you'll be waiting around forever.”

Otegha Uwagba's inspiring women:

Pip Jamieson, Founder of The Dots

'You are the average of the 5 people you hang out with most. Surround yourself with positive people, avoid the drains!'