The creative industry has been grappling with gender balance for decades, yet many still feel like they're peering through the windows of an exclusive club. It's a question that touches on everything from leadership representation to workplace culture, and the answers aren't always what you'd expect.

This question was answered by Simon Lee – Chief Creative Officer and joint owner at The Hallway, with over a decade of experience building one of Australia's leading independent agencies, and Aimee Davies – mental health educator and counsellor who helps creatives through The Hey Mate Project, combining her therapeutic skills with extensive creative industry experience. Andy Wright served as host – Founder of Never Not Creative, Co-Chair of Mentally Healthy, and CEO of Streamtime.

The club myth: challenging assumptions

Simon challenges the very premise that advertising operates as an exclusive boys club. "I would challenge that that is not the case if that is what we mean by boys club – that it's a bunch of guys who don't want to let women into the industry," he explains. Drawing from his experience across three independent agency leadership teams over 15-20 years, Simon emphasises that "addressing the gender balance across the agency has been a priority for all three of those teams."

The reality, according to Simon, is more complex than deliberate exclusion. "The issue is actually the availability of the talent," he notes, particularly in creative roles and creative leadership positions. This suggests the problem lies deeper in the pipeline rather than at the door.

The grassroots challenge

While there's talent coming through at graduate level, Simon points to systemic issues that affect career progression. The traditional agency model – with its demanding hours and inflexible structures – can disproportionately impact those who need more flexibility, often women managing family responsibilities.

However, Simon has witnessed significant positive changes: "I've seen an incredible evolution for the better in the flexibility and the opportunities afforded to working moms and dads." He shares examples of senior creative men taking primary carer roles for a year or even 18 months, showing how attitudes are shifting. The pandemic accelerated this change, making flexible working arrangements more normalised across the industry.

Finding your place when you feel excluded

Aimee acknowledges that not everyone's experience matches Simon's positive observations. "Everyone's lived experience is different," she notes, particularly for those in regional areas, working remotely, or from diverse backgrounds including people of colour and gender diverse individuals.

Her advice is practical and empowering: "If you are finding yourself in a place where you're not included, I would encourage you to start advocating or creating those places of inclusion for yourself." This might mean seeking external communities like Creative Mornings, The Design Kids, or online networks that align with your values.

Aimee also suggests looking for professional development opportunities specifically designed for underrepresented groups, and don't be afraid to advocate for these programmes if they don't exist. "Even the little things can change how your lived experience can change as well."

The transformation opportunity

Simon sees the current industry upheaval as a chance for change. "Advertising as it has been for the last sort of 50 years is pretty much actually already no more," he observes. The industry is in "massive state of flux" and "total transformation."

This disruption creates opportunity: "If ever there was a time to reshape and rebuild an industry as we want it, it's now." For ambitious people of all genders, this moment of reinvention could be the perfect time to help shape what the industry becomes rather than accepting what it has been.

The media vs reality gap

The conversation touches on the disconnect between industry efforts and public perception. Those problematic "top creatives" lists that feature predominantly men don't necessarily reflect what's happening inside progressive agencies. As Andy notes, these lists might not have the reach or influence they once did, and there are plenty of places actively working on inclusion – you just need to know where to look.

Moving forward together

The picture that emerges isn't of a deliberate boys club, but of an industry wrestling with structural challenges while many within it genuinely want change. The solution involves both systemic shifts – better flexibility, pipeline development, and cultural change – and individual action in seeking out and creating inclusive spaces.

Whether you're feeling excluded or you're in a position to create change, the message is clear: this is a pivotal moment. The industry is transforming, attitudes are evolving, and there's space for everyone to help shape what comes next. Sometimes the club isn't as exclusive as it appears – and when it is, there's power in building your own.

‍

Voices that won't be silenced

If this conversation has sparked something in you, you'll want to explore Never Not International Women's Day – our continuous, never-ending loop of talks, stories, and calls for change from women across the creative industries. Rather than celebrating for just one day a year and then returning to business as usual, we believe it should be Never Not International Women's Day until true equality is achieved. From photographers sharing their experiences of street harassment to agency founders discussing the realities of building inclusive businesses, these voices refuse to be quiet about the changes still needed. It's raw, honest, and unapologetically real – exactly the kind of conversation the industry needs to keep having. Check out the full collection of talks and add your voice to the movement.

‍

‍