As we look back on 2024, Sarah Fleming and I are filled with gratitude and pride for the journey we’ve undertaken as Co-Presidents of Bloom North. This year has been one of growth, learning, and creating spaces where women can thrive, and we are honoured to have played a part in shaping this incredible community.

What is Bloom North?

For those unfamiliar, Bloom North is an organisation committed to championing women in the communications, media, and advertising industries. Bloom North empowers women with the strength, skills, and opportunity to be whoever they want to be, helping them create connections and networks while inspiring with real experiences and stories.

Why We Stepped Up

When Sarah and I took on the role of Co-Presidents at the start of 2024, it was with a shared vision: to create a more inclusive and empowering space for women in our industry. I was drawn to this role because of my passion for cultivating environments where women can thrive, while

Sarah saw this as an opportunity to give back on a larger scale and drive change by moving from conversation to action. We’ve driven initiatives that not only address gender inequality but also empower individuals to lead with empathy and intention, aiming to inspire even the smallest actions.

The Heart of Our Leadership

One of our core beliefs is that leadership doesn’t have to fit a traditional mould. We’ve championed the idea that empathy, vulnerability, and authenticity are not weaknesses but strengths. Through initiatives like our “Leading with Intention” workshop series, we’ve encouraged our current and next generation of female leaders to embrace authentic leadership, finding their purpose and unique style as leaders - emphasising the importance of setting boundaries, fostering collaboration, and supporting one another.

A quote that guided much of our work this year comes from Meryl Streep: “We won’t have true equity until men start speaking in the language of women.” This sentiment has underscored the importance of allyship in our mission and reinforced our drive to inspire change.

A Year of Memorable Achievements

2024 has been an extraordinary year filled with accomplishments that reflect the dedication and passion of our incredible committee members. Our events, from sold-out workshops to thought-provoking panel discussions, consistently received outstanding feedback. A standout was our collaboration panel event with the MPA, where we challenged the perception that overworking is a badge of honour. We also ran our first comedy night, which sold out and opened up a new audience to Bloom North. Meanwhile, our podcast episodes delved into themes like confidence and courage, bringing authenticity and honesty to the fore.

● The “Leading with Intention” Series: Spotting a gap in existing support, these workshops targeted women in or aspiring to leadership roles, helping them reflect on their leadership goals, build confidence, and embrace authentic leadership.

● Parenting Committee Relaunch: This year, we relaunched the Parenting Committee with a workshop on children’s mental health, providing a safe space for parents to learn and share. The feedback from attendees showed just how valuable these conversations are.

● Fundraising for the Miscarriage Association: This cause, chosen in memory of our friend and colleague Paula, united our community in a deeply meaningful way. We are delighted to have delivered our target fundraising amount.

One of our proudest achievements has been expanding our committee to include new teams, such as Wellness and Social & Networking. These additions have helped us reach even more women and diversify the ways in which we support our members.

Personal Growth in Leadership

This year has been transformative for both Sarah and me. For Sarah, the breadth of topics we’ve covered and the diverse voices we’ve amplified have been highlights, reinforcing the idea that every effort - no matter how small - has value. For me, stepping out of my comfort zone - whether presenting a podcast episode or delivering keynote speeches - has been both challenging and rewarding, providing invaluable opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Leading Bloom North has reminded us of the strength found in community. The team, composed of individuals already balancing full lives and careers, exemplifies the remarkable impact of a group united by shared purpose. We are continually inspired by their resilience and passion. Sarah and I are deeply grateful to have had the opportunity to lead, learn, and grow alongside such a remarkable group of individuals.

Looking Ahead

As our tenure as Co-Presidents comes to an end, we’re excited to pass the baton to our successors, Lucy Gugas (Head of Agency at Global) and Beth Sutherland (Programmatic Associate Director at EssenceMediacom). With their leadership, Bloom North is poised for even greater heights in 2025.

While Sarah and I will no longer hold the title of Co-Presidents, our commitment to Bloom North remains steadfast. We’re proud of the foundation we’ve built and look forward to continuing to support this vibrant community as it grows.

A Final Reflection

This year has shown us that when passionate individuals come together, anything is possible.

To the women of Bloom North - and those beyond - we encourage you to lead boldly, support each other fiercely, and never underestimate the power of your voice.

Here’s to the next chapter of Bloom North and the incredible women - and allies - who make it all possible.

Olivia Waite, Sales Director at Channel Factory

Sarah Fleming, Founder of The Right & The Left