An Interview with Emma Cantwell

Australian born, Emma Cantwell has 17 years of experience working in Marketing and Communications in the United Arab Emirates, Ireland and Australia. She is speaking at our upcoming Global Conversation on planning for 2021 and here is what she has to say: 
 

What’s your golden rule?

Make it happen. Sometimes challenges and restrictions result in the best ideas.

Who has been your biggest influence?

My mother. I did well at school and was told by the school I should apply for medicine or law. My mother told me I should do whatever I wanted. (Thank heavens as I would have been a terrible doctor or lawyer).

What is your most hated business expression?

URGENT. In a world turned upside down….. is it really?

How can marketers be braver?

Make time to put their head above their parapet. Look to other verticals and industries which can be enormously enriching to help us stretch our thinking. I think we’re typically an industry of workaholics – and working all the time narrows our perspective.

What’s the biggest risk you’ve taken in your career?

Writing a letter to challenge not being hired for a job – I was hired.

Which leader do you admire most and why?

Jacinda Arden, the Prime Minister of New Zealand. Her handling of the Christchurch shootings last year lifted her to global prominence, her celebration of diversity, and her management of the Covid-19 pandemic by holding daily briefings for her country, is impressive. She is a leader, a mother, and a down to earth human being.

What’s your favourite word?

Magic

Tell us a secret?

I am a qualified secondary teacher.