I'm truly honoured to be shortlisted for the Women of the Future awards in the Digital and Technology category.
Growing up in the 90's in Sweden with three techie brothers and an engineer dad, digital and technology has always been a big part of my life. Combined with storytelling it's become my profession. I've ended up as an Associate Creative Director on the global team of one of the world's largest digital marketing and technology agencies, with millions of people's ears and eyes in reach. This is incredibly scary and exciting at the same time.
I love every second of it.
Creativity combined with technology is the most powerful tool in the world. That's why I find my industry enthralling; we solve problems using our brains and heart. All powered by technology.
But, sadly, as so many others, it's not an equal industry. Still, only 3% of Creative Directors are female. What does that really say about my line of work? It tells me that the structures it was built on have not adapted at the same pace as technology has advanced. I truly believe that a more equal climate will make for a better industry. More importantly, it'll make our work better.
That's why awards and organisations like Women of the Future, Rättviseförmedlingen (SWE) and Shesays are so important. They are leading the charge: pushing for equal professional opportunities for men and women.
And this is what we as women in this industry need to do as well, on a grass root level. We all need to take action.
Actually, it's not about gender, it's about being brilliant. Wanting to tell stories that MATTER, create services that are USEFUL, and build experiences that MOVE people.
I'm lucky to have had great mentors, both male and female, throughout my career, who have pushed me to where I am today. It's important to give back. For me, becoming a part of the WOTF network has been a wonderful and empowering experience. I've had the privilege of meeting awesome women from different industries, as well as mentoring young girls from across the UK.
We're living in such exciting times. Let's try to be more than just women - let's be part of defining business and our place in it.
Be brilliant leaders, thinkers and storytellers. Let's push for equality and be a part of the change that is bound to happen. Let's do something about the 3% and give everyone the same opportunities to shine.
Now, let's get to work. I'm ready, are you?
Thea Hamrén, associate creative director at global marketing company DigitasLBi, has been shortlisted for the 2013 Women of the Future Awards.
The awards ceremony will take place on Wednesday 13 November and is hosted by Real Business in association with Shell.