Women Who Will: Hilary Badger
Welcome to 'Women Who Will' a new LBB series pitched in by DDB Group Melbourne creative director Becky Morriss and senior art director Alayna Kunitake. 'Women Who Will' aims to champion women across the industry and around the world, and sees interviewees share their ambitions, highlight who they look up to, and nominate others, creating a ripple effect of recognition and inspiration.
Hilary Badger is a talented writer, mother and executive creative director at Leo Australia. With over 20 years of experience in the creative advertising industry, Hilary has worked with countless clients including BMW, Belong, Myer, and the Australian and Victorian Governments. She has inspired many young minds through AWARD school, the Aunties, Copy School and more. Hilary is also a best-selling children's author, with more than thirty titles published in Australia and multiple overseas markets.
How did you get into the industry?
Hilary> I'm a law school refugee. I'm so glad I listened to my 20-something instinct telling me I didn't want to spend every workday with a bunch of lawyers. And instead, I'd be happier surrounding myself with creative and lateral people who offer surprises and inspiration daily. I finished my law degree in the summer semester whilst doing RMIT Advertising - the best decision and the biggest HECS debt ever.
Who are some of the people along the way who have helped you most?
Hilary> I've been lucky enough to have some killer colleagues over the years. Like Karen Kushinsky, who showed me that resourcing is both a fine art and the key to creative success. Plus, all the amazing clients who embrace creativity and business management who love ideas, like Julia Sheehan. Brilliant producers like Kaz, Lisa, Tracy, Bennie and Frannie. James McGrath, who set a standard I'll never not aspire to. Toby Talbot, who believed in me. And now Clare Pickens, Cath King & Andy Fergusson, who have already made my new chapter at Leo so exciting and creatively charged.
Who have you looked up to throughout your career?
Hilary> I look up to other women who live by their ideals courageously. In the non-advertising sphere, my ultimate idol is Grace Tame. She's just unflinching, never backs down or takes the inauthentic route.
Who do you look up to now?
Hilary> I look up to, and daily thank, my partner Rob for being the main caregiver to our kids, whilst simultaneously saving the planet. His commitment to me and our family is the reason I can do this job.
If you could give your younger self one piece of advice on navigating the industry, what would it be?
Hilary> See being the only woman in the room as a positive point of difference that's way more valuable than you realise.
Tell us about a piece of work that best reflects your ambitions.
Hilary> Every time I think about The Pink Chip, I'm blown away by the story of that idea. It started as an Award School concept, and its creator, Sam Rowlands, kept going and going and never gave up on the vision until she made it. It's won a lot of awards and grown well beyond advertising. But the most impressive thing about it to me is Sam's tenacity. I love to work in cultures that display that kind of commitment to creativity - creativity that truly has an impact.
How has a woman best helped you in your career, and/or you helped other women?
Hilary> It's hard to beat the perfectly formed insights of Lea Walker.
Where do you hope we are as an industry in a year’s time?
Hilary> I hope we've steadied the ship a bit - what a turbulent year in adland.
And five years’ time?
Hilary> Gender equality would be a given and sustainability a main consideration.
What’s your non-negotiable?
Hilary> Drive and passion combined with humanity and kindness.
Nominate the next woman you think should be part of this series.
Hilary> Karolina Bozajkovska - EP at Sunday Gravy
Lea Egan - GCD at Special Group
Julia Stretch - "Friends of Rhonda" queer network founder and creative lead at Remedy Drinks
