My Unforgettable Journey Of Creativity & Leadership At Cannes Lions

My first visit to the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity in 2024 exceeded all expectations, surpassing every prior experience at this illustrious gathering. The festival was an exhilarating confluence of networking, learning and celebration, embodying the very essence of creativity. From yacht parties and rooftop soirées to beach events, sports activities, and inspiring moments under the sun, every facet of the week was a testament to the vibrant spirit of Cannes.

The festival was a playground for profound networking and learning, offering insights from influential thought leaders, Nobel Peace Prize laureates, and innovations from leading global companies. This year, my role at Cannes was particularly significant as I curated a session on 'Creativity & India's Equality Moonshot' with the World Woman Foundation. Reconnecting with Rupa Dash, Founder of the World Woman Foundation, after our encounter at Davos and meeting her remarkable daughter Aayati, who at just 11 years old captivated the audience with her spirited presence on stage, was a highlight. When I asked Aayati her age, she confidently replied, "Go by my attitude," leaving a lasting impression. It was a proud moment to have my seven-year-old daughter by my side and witness such defining interactions.

Moderating the panel with esteemed colleagues like Meera Sharath Chandra, Anupama Ramaswamy, Sonal Chhajerh, and Neeta Nair was profoundly inspiring. The discussion focused on how women in India’s creative sectors—digital marketing, media, and advertising—are breaking barriers to redefine their roles. Sonal Chhajerh, National Creative Director at Leo Burnett, began by highlighting the global visibility of Indian women, citing Alia Bhatt’s striking presence on a Gucci billboard at Cannes. She emphasised the importance of creating visuals that empower women, acknowledging the role of advertising agencies in shaping these narratives.

Neeta Nair provided a sobering perspective on the pace of change, noting that as late as 2016, India saw its first woman network CCO, Swati Bhattacharya. Despite progress, she observed that the number of women in top creative roles remains dishearteningly small. Anupama Ramaswamy, Joint MD at Havas India, shared insights into the slow but impactful advancements in the industry, drawing parallels with the journeys of trailblazers like Priyanka Chopra and Zoya Akhtar. Meera Sharath Chandra, CEO of Tigress Tigress, recounted the pivotal shift that allowed women to thrive in independent agencies, breaking free from stifling traditional structures.

The discussion also highlighted innovative campaigns driven by women in media, advertising, and digital sectors in India. Neeta shared how Anupama’s work with Paytm revolutionised financial independence and literacy for women. Meera discussed her pioneering campaign for Citibank credit cards, which challenged the traditional roles of women as mere add-ons to male counterparts' cards. Sonal recounted her impactful work on the Whisper campaign, addressing the issue of menstrual education and its profound effects on young girls’ futures in India. Her personal anecdote about her daughter’s first period during the COVID-19 lockdown underscored the importance of access to knowledge and education.

Anupama’s reflections on the industry’s biases against women in tech and innovation were particularly resonant. She recounted her persistence in advocating for women’s representation in advertising campaigns for traditionally male-dominated sectors, such as automobiles. Her determination to challenge stereotypes and push for greater inclusion in creative roles was inspiring.

The Amadi Tagoe yacht party provided an opportunity for serendipitous networking, where I met Julia Linehan from Digital Voice. Our shared PR background sparked the possibility of future collaborations. Engaging in sports at the Stagwell sports beach, especially pickleball hosted by Snap Inc., was another highlight. Playing on the beach, with the Olympic flame passing through Croisette, added an infectious energy to the event. It underscored the festival’s emphasis on the intersection of sports and women’s empowerment.

The Pinterest Manifest Festival on the beach was a visual delight, captivating my daughter with creative activities like block printing and customising crocs. It was a celebration of creativity in its purest form. Trying on the new Meta Ray-Ban glasses was a personal joy, and purchasing a pair in Nice added a touch of tech innovation to the festival experience.

The Equality Lounge was another focal point, where I met friends from Davos like Tianna Robinson and made new connections with inspiring women like JapNeet Kaur and Janna Salokangas. Shelley Zalis’ expert curation of these events was commendable, and the Empower Café provided a vibrant space for engaging discussions on female leadership. At the WPP beach, I had a meaningful interaction with Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Ressa and enjoyed a collaborative art session with my daughter at the “Block Brunch,” a relaxing life drawing session accompanied by live music.

The LinkedIn rooftop at Carlton Cannes and the Media Link lounge were buzzing with discussions on daring to be different, offering a feast of ideas for creators. Visiting the Amazon Port added further depth to the festival’s exploration of media and technology’s future.

Reflecting on these experiences, I am filled with anticipation for the next Cannes Lions. This year was not just about professional growth but also about setting an example for my daughter and the next generation. Witnessing the festival’s celebration of creativity and leadership was a personal “Equality Moonshot,” showcasing the endless possibilities that lie ahead when we embrace innovation and leadership. Here’s to more winning moments at next year’s Cannes Lions!

Stuti Jalan

Guest Author Founder, Women Inspiring Network