International Women’s Day may be behind us, but celebrating the contributions of women—in our industry and beyond—shouldn’t be confined to just one day. We’re keeping the conversation going by highlighting the experiences and insights of women leaders whose contributions are making a significant impact.
Jen Sharpe, the Founder and Managing Director of Think HQ, embodies this spirit of commitment to positive change. In a recent interview, she shared how her journey in the industry began with a passion for telling positive stories: “I was only ever interested in telling positive stories and working on communications projects that created real, positive change in society.” For Sharpe, the theme of International Women’s Day 2025, which is “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment,” resonates on both personal and professional levels.
She conveyed that financial independence among women enables greater choice in life’s decisions, drawing from her own experiences growing up with a single mother. “I’m really proud to be paving a way for [my daughters],” she noted, emphasizing the importance of setting positive examples for future generations.
Reflecting on systemic barriers and the stark reminder of inequality that the day represents, Sharpe believes the theme extends well beyond a single day. “The other 364 days are the opportunity to do something about it,” she asserted. Her passion for ethically impactful work became evident in 2010 when she recognized a gap in the market for agencies focused on their work's community effects.
Sharpe was further driven by defining moments in her career, such as a dismissive encounter with a celebrated creative director who hadn’t considered the broader implications of his work. Additionally, a blatant instance of sexism she witnessed at a workplace prompted her to establish Think HQ, a company committed to inclusion and social impact. “It’s time to start my own thing,” she declared after confronting such behaviors in her previous jobs.
Mentorship played a crucial role in Sharpe’s journey, with several individuals, including Caroline Catterall and Jane Emery, helping expand her horizons. Now, as a mentor herself, she emphasizes that listening and creating a safe, inclusive culture are pivotal strategies in cultivating new talent. “Employ people that are different,” she advises, urging organizations to not just hire women but place them in leadership roles.
Sharpe’s agency, Think HQ—comprising 73% women and speaking 37 languages—takes its commitment to diversity and inclusion seriously by embedding these principles into its DNA. “Without them, I don’t have a successful business,” she commented. Furthermore, Think HQ runs a paid community internship program called the Community Traineeship Initiative, aiming to open doors to individuals facing socioeconomic disadvantages.
While Sharpe is optimistic about the progress toward inclusivity in communications, she remains critical of retrogressive movements. “The election of Trump and the swing towards 'Bro culture' has the potential to undermine much of the progress made,” she noted, referencing the significant drop in Tesla’s sales in Australia as an indication of changing consumer sentiment towards inclusivity.
Meanwhile, in another part of the industry, Kanokkan Rinnachit (Pare), Managing Director at Yell Bangkok, shared her perspective during a similar celebration. Rinnachit believes the theme “For ALL Women and Girls” is a vital call to action rather than just a statement. She feels a personal responsibility to help women and girls realize their potential, both in the workforce and beyond, “because when women rise, entire industries, economies, and communities rise with them.”
The pivotal role that women play in leadership cannot be overstated, according to Rinnachit. She encourages companies to embed diversity, equity, and inclusion into their organizational culture. One of her proudest achievements has been transforming Yell into Thailand’s first network agency with a presence across Asia.
As the dialogue surrounding women’s rights continues, the significance of these voices cannot be overlooked. Sigrid Thornton, an acclaimed Australian actress, recently unveiled a plaque honoring the actions of her mother, Merle Thornton, who stood up against gender discrimination in the 1960s. At the Regatta Hotel in Brisbane, where her mother famously protested against women being denied service in public bars, Sigrid reflected on her mother’s spirit and the ongoing struggle for equality.
“There has been a massive imbalance over myriad generations, and it continues,” Sigrid said, emphasizing that while progress has been made, there remains a long path ahead. She highlighted alarming statistics regarding domestic violence in Australia, reminding listeners of the broader societal issues that contribute to ongoing gender inequality.
Thornton implored the audience to see feminism as a necessary pursuit for equal opportunities across society, encapsulating the need for collective action. “International Women’s Day is an important day to celebrate women of all colors, shapes, sizes, creed, and aspirations,” she said passionately.
The stories shared by these influential women during this year’s International Women’s Day activities serve as reminders of both the progress achieved and the work that remains. Empowering female leaders like Jen Sharpe, Kanokkan Rinnachit, and Sigrid Thornton inspires many, driving the conversation on rights, equality, and empowerment far beyond a singular day in the calendar.
