"I think the introduction of a women's quota is absurd - what counts is ability"
Gaby Zimmerli served as Managing Director of Ogilvy & Mather until June 2018. In our interview, she shares her views on the status of women in the Swiss advertising industry.
Werbewoche: Why aren't there more women in the executive ranks of the communications industry?
Gaby Zimmerli: I believe that the proportion of women in management positions in the communications industry is above average compared to other sectors. Personally, I have never had the feeling that I had worse opportunities than a male colleague.
How many women work in your agency and how many men?
The proportion of women at Ogilvy Switzerland is 59 percent.
Does your agency have equal pay?
Gender plays absolutely no role in salary negotiations and salary setting.
Suppose your agency introduces a women's quota. What do you think of that?
I find the introduction of a quota for women absurd. What counts is the ability, the enthusiasm for communication, the fire.
What would have to change to make it easier for women to reconcile family and career?
I don't have the experience. I think that schools have already done a lot to simplify lunchtime childcare. Private nurseries are also available. I imagine that it will be more and more challenging if both parents want to pursue a career.
If you were a man - would you be in a different position today?
No. I am firmly convinced of that.
What can men do better - in relation to your professional environment?
Better? There are always men, and women for that matter, who are better at something. I can't think of anything very specific. Except that men are perhaps a little less hesitant and less willing to compromise.
What can women do better?
Women are usually harder on themselves.
Why are there more advertisers of the year than advertisers of the year?
I don't know. Women are probably more modest.
Which professional colleague has impressed you the most in her career so far?
Shelly Lazarus as former CEO of Ogilvy. She was an outstanding advertiser and communicator. She remained humble, natural and incredibly motivating for all the years I knew her.
Have you - in relation to your professional career - ever had negative experiences that you would not have had as a man?
No, or I wouldn't know.
What advice do you have for young women who want to enter this industry and reach your position in the medium to long term?
Firstly: enjoy and be enthusiastic about what you do. Secondly: Average commitment is not enough, you need more.
Do you recommend that young women enter your industry?
Absolutely.
What do you think of the gender discussion in your industry in general?
It is shameful that such a discussion has to be held at all.
After just over 26 years at Ogilvy, including more than 18 years as Managing Director of Ogilvy & Mather Switzerland, Gaby Zimmerli handed over the management of the agency to Jonathan Schipper on June 1, 2018.
Published so far:
This article is from the "Women's Issue" of the Advertising Week (8/2018, May 4, 2018).
Editors: Ann-Kathrin Kübler, Thomas Häusermann
