Today I’m talking to Kim Lawton, Founder and CEO of Enthuse Marketing Group, an experiential agency with a foundation attached to it. Enthuse Foundation is a non-profit organization investing in a new generation of female entrepreneurs and cultivating the next generation of business leaders. Entrepreneurship and mentorship are huge passions for Kim.
And my talk with her was so inspiring.
Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Kim Lawton. Be sure to check out Enthuse Foundation and connect with Kim on LinkedIn.
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Mentorship isn't about finding one perfect individual; it's about building a diverse support system. This system should include a "cheerleader" for encouragement, a "listener" for venting, and a "coach" for honest, sometimes tough, feedback. Each role provides a unique perspective and essential guidance for navigating challenges and growth.
Creating a culture where employees are empowered to pursue their ideas and passions, even those outside the core business, fosters loyalty and innovation. Giving employees the "time and space" to develop their side ventures or new business ideas within the company can lead to greater engagement, retention, and even new revenue streams. This "long game" approach views employee growth as a benefit to the company, even if it means some may eventually leave to pursue their own ventures.
While leadership involves significant responsibility, ownership introduces a profound and often isolating weight of responsibility. Owners are accountable for every aspect of the business, from payroll to HR, and often feel the burden of supporting numerous families, not just employees. This shift in responsibility can be overwhelming and highlights the critical need for strong support systems like mentorship for owners.
The advertising industry faces unique challenges contributing to the low number of women agency owners. These include an "old boys network," a lack of visible female role models, and the industry's rapid evolution, which fosters self-doubt and skepticism about long-term success. Addressing these issues requires creating more supportive environments and actively showcasing diverse leadership to inspire future female owners.
A significant barrier to progress and a source of frustration in the advertising industry is the reliance on the billable hour. This model incentivizes time spent rather than the value and creativity of the output. Shifting to an outcome-based billing model would encourage more creativity, foster better business results, and create a more attractive and equitable environment for professionals, particularly women, to thrive and lead.
