DDB Honours International Women’s Day by Recreating Iconic Phyllis Robinson Speech

In honour of International Women’s Day, DDB has recreated the legendary Phyllis Robinson’s most iconic speech using the voices of women from around the world. Dubbed the first lady of Madison Avenue’s creative revolution, Phyllis, the agency’s first female copywriter, was a foundation employee of Doyle Dane Bernbach back in 1949.

Phyllis Robinson was a pioneer known for her rebellious creative spirit that was instrumental in creating many of the major ad campaigns of that time.

Narrating Phyllis’ 1959 4A’s speech are the voices of incredible female leaders from around the world, from New York, London, Colombia and right here in Australia and New Zealand, showing just how relevant her words continue to be today.

Says Priya Patel, managing director, DDB Sydney: “Phyllis broke every rule and opened doors for women who followed. She promoted an atmosphere of creative freedom, where people had the opportunity to take chances, where every idea and opinion was welcome, even when they were nothing like their own. Her legacy lives on in Australia and around the world.”

The video is supported with a social series running for the entire week on DDB’s LinkedIn and Instagram featuring the voices of DDB staff across Sydney and Melbourne sharing what International Women’s Day means to them.