What does it take to create a culture where women are genuinley valued in positions of leadership? Globally, only one in three businesses are owned by women, and in some regions it's much less. Traditionally, our industry is no exception and remains heavily male dominated in terms of leadership, but we do things a bit differently at ASL Global...
As we look ahead into 2022, not only are the majority of our shareholders female, but ASL is also predominantly led by female employees. With a healthy 63% representation on the Senior Leadership Team and overall staff numbers at 67% female, our business stands alone in the marketing services industry as a proudly women-owned and women-led business.
To celebrate the fantastic contribution these women make every day to our business, we spoke to a few of our most successful female leaders to see how they are changing the landscape.
Over the coming weeks, we'll be releasing a series of short interviews with these inspiring women, to share their achievements and consider what motivates them to reach their goals and keep striving for more.
Kirsten Port heads up ASL's MEA Sales Team and is based in Durban (SA). She'e been with ASL Global since the very start, back in 2005. Building up the regional sales division from scratch, Kirsten now leads a sales, sourcing & creative team working with major brand clients such as Diageo, Coca-Cola and Beiersdorf across South Africa and the wider region.
1. How do you balance work and life responsibilities?
I have improved with practise, but for a long time it was with some difficulty. Over the years I have become a lot better at delegating and managing a team, which has helped aleviate my personal workload and therefore the ‘balance’ between the two has got better. I try to keep weekends free to spend time with my family.
2. As a female leader, what has been the highlight of your career (so far)?I would say that being able to witness, and contribute to the growth of ASL over the years has been very rewarding. Being part of a wonderful team and working with some incredible people over the years who have supported and helped me in many ways, is the overall highlight of my career.
3. Is there anything specifically about working for ASL that you’ve found beneficial as a female professional?
I have been given a lot of space to grow and senior management let me do this with their support. They value my input and let me get on with it. That is what I love about ASL. They trust the decisions I make every day with my team.
4. As a female leader, what has been the most significant barrier in your career?
I would 100% say going through COVID was my biggest barrier. 2020 was the hardest year of my career. I had to 'dig deep’ to stay positive every day and focus on the idea that we would get out of this pandemic and all would be fine in the long term. Thank goodness for the support of colleagues and management, as well as my amazing family.
5. What’s a leadership lesson that you’ve learnt that’s unique to being a female leader?Over the years I have learnt to adapt to different people’s personalities and the importance of having a softer touch with your colleagues. I have realised that if you manage your team with empathy, support and understanding, you will get a lot more out of them - a characteristic that not all male leaders have (although many do, of course!).
6. What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?Work hard, smart and be tough as nails. Resilience is key, especially in a sales orientated business. If you are committed to what you do, you will go far. Something I try to instill daily with my teenaged daughter.
7. What energises you about work?
I would say the reward. Reward in the success of growth and also the reward in seeing your team progress, grow and flourish. Very fulfilling.
8. How do you unplug from work?
I watch my kids play sport, drink South Africa’s beautiful wine, a lot of outdoor braaing (BBQ), exercise, holidays with my wonderful friends & family. We have a very good life here, and of course the gorgeous weather contributes to this!
Do you want to know more about ASL's female leaders? Click here to see how we encourage diversity, equity and inclusivity, both in our own business and the communities in which we operate.
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