Shannon Lennon-Smith: Marketing Manager for Magnum, UK
In the last year, we’ve been pushing the boundaries of marketing by investing in pioneering technology to deliver unmissable campaigns. For example, last summer we delivered the biggest ever 3D out of home campaign, designed to immerse consumers in the fantastic world of our latest innovations – Magnum Euphoria and Chill.
I am responsible for driving Magnum’s growth and performance. I lead the long-term brand strategy and craft impactful communications that keep Magnum at the forefront of indulgence.
Can you share your advice for someone looking to create an inclusive workplace?
Start by opening up the discussion with your team. Encourage everyone to make individual commitments and hold each other accountable. This collective action will lead to real change.
Can you share a memorable piece of advice someone once gave you?
“You have to step outside your comfort zone – that’s where real growth happens”. This has encouraged me to push boundaries and take risks, which has benefited my personal growth and the business.
Jenna Watt: Persil Brand Lead, UK
In April 2024 we launched Wonder Wash, Persil’s first detergent designed for short cycles. We pushed the boundaries with a launch plan that had Usain Bolt at the helm and delivered double-digit growth, multiple category firsts and won a number of industry awards.
As Persil Brand Lead, I manage all facets of the brand, engaging with other teams to deliver our strategic objectives, and most importantly, to delight consumers.
What is the most impactful piece of advice you have received about leadership, and how has it influenced the way you lead?
A former manager shared the important vs urgent matrix with me and I have found it to be an invaluable tool for clear and decisive leadership, keeping the team focused on what really makes a difference.
Can you share a story about a mentor or role model who has significantly influenced your professional journey? What lessons did you learn from them?
In primary school, I believed that I wasn’t any good at class work and took to creating disruption instead. But when I was 9 years old, I had a very defining moment: my teacher, Mrs Watson, pulled me aside and told me that I have so much more potential; I just needed to put the effort in.
As a result, two things I have taken with me from that moment into my professional life are:
- Don’t put yourself in a box. Try things, and you might be surprised at the results.
- That little conversation gave me confidence. A little confidence can go a long way, so it’s important to let people know when they are doing great work.
Komal Patel: Personal Care European Sports and Entertainment Partnerships Director
A few years ago, we realised that there was more opportunity in the gifting business, so as a team, we were able to implement a new strategy over the course of two-to-three years which drove phenomenal results.
I am responsible for all things partnership-related across our European Personal Care business. A lot of my role is focused on evaluating and understanding the right partnerships and how they fit into our larger strategic plans (Unilever’s Growth Action Plan 2030 (PDF 362.19 KB)). For example, for the upcoming Women’s EUROs, I am responsible for making sure materials are created, markets are engaged, we are delivering on our key performance indicators, and that we can bring people to the tournaments to enjoy them.
Why is our commitment to changing our brands in line with cultural and ED&I shifts important?
I think it's important for our brands to evolve constantly as culture is constantly evolving, and the way we consume marketing and products is constantly changing. So our marketing and brands have to remain relevant and have a seat at the table of the topical conversations and trends. That's where partnerships play such an important role because they create excitement around occasions where our brands play a key role, such as the Women’s EUROs.
What impact do female leaders have on shaping a more inclusive industry and how can sport impact young girls’ lives?
Representation matters! Having women in leadership roles is crucial in inspiring the next generation of girls. Coming from an Indian background I was encouraged to focus more on academics rather than my passions for art and sport. Back then success was often defined by academic achievement, but today, the world shows us that sports have incredible mental health benefits that positively impacts all areas of life, including having a successful career.
Christina Dunn: Foods Mini Meals Lead for Europe and the UK & Ireland
I am extremely proud of the work I led with the Europe Mini Meals team to improve our products. We really wanted to lead in our product category and so we built a Mini Meals Category Growth Strategy, updating our products, designs and communication across our Knorr portfolio.
As the Category Director of Mini Meals in Europe and the UK and Ireland, my role involves leading the strategic direction for our Mini Meals products across Europe, and I am directly accountable for our commercial performance in the UK and Ireland. My days vary a lot! I might be having priority huddles with my team, working with colleagues in R&D and Supply Chain, or meeting with a colleague on a commercial opportunity for Pot Noodle. I love that I get to work across the diversity of Europe!
This year, the UN’s theme for IWD is ‘accelerating action for gender equality’, can you share your advice for someone looking to create an inclusive workplace?
I believe action starts with simply valuing the diverse perspectives that exist around us without bias or assumptions. Whatever your role, we can all lead by example to encourage others to share their individual views, experiences or needs. By fostering this culture of respect and inclusion every day, I’m convinced our small actions can bring significant change.
What is the most impactful piece of advice you have received about leadership?
This is not something that was said to me but rather something that was afforded to me right at the start of my career – respect. I believe that leading with respect is the basis of any relationship, but critically for me, it enables productive working relationships – where we can speak frankly and deliver impact and progress together.
Chiara Posca: Dove and Vaseline Brand Lead, UK
Relaunching Vaseline UK's social channels and bringing our ‘If You Know, You Know’ campaign to life. This campaign highlighted the versatility of our Vaseline petroleum jelly, and we adopted a truly social-first approach, using new formats and content styles to bring the brand to life. Our campaign went viral on TikTok, with over 4 million organic views in 3 months!
As the Brand Lead for Vaseline and Dove Beauty in the UK, I work with other teams in the business to build the brand experience, deliver brand growth, and manage every touchpoint our consumers have with the brand in the UK, from social communities to in-store.
Can you share a memorable piece of advice or feedback someone once gave you, and how did that impact your ways of working?
A piece of advice that has always stuck with me is: "There is no perfect moment to do anything". This has impacted how I take on both small and big challenges. I’ve always seen that just starting and taking action creates momentum and opportunities. This mindset allows you to learn fast and learn from people as well.
Why is our commitment to UNstereotype our brands and marketing important?
Our brands and marketing are seen and experienced by so many people. It’s important that we use our powerful position to stand with the people we serve and make a positive impact by diversifying the way people view the world. This commitment helps improve experiences for everyone, regardless of who they are.