"I Find Myself Being a Role Model for Younger Women in Business"

Innocean Worldwide Canada's, VP of Production, Sherry Gu, explores lessons we can learn from women ahead of International Women's Day.

When I was a pre-schooler our family used to live in a school residence building where my parents worked. My mother, at that time, would occasionally put me in the last row of her music class. As far as I could remember, there was never a dull moment watching her teach.

The passion my mother had was not only for her full classroom of students but also for each song and each note she taught. I never quite understood why it mattered to her so much until one day, she said to me, “I want to create a lasting impact on their lives.” She paused and said, “It’s intangible.”

Purpose, optimism and determination had a huge impact on me at an early age, and hopefully, on all of her students. My mother set a remarkable example for her two daughters on how to embrace life, work hard and put her soul into it to make the most of it.

Throughout my career, I’ve met with so many talented women who share the same passion for what they do. Some mentored me, some challenged me, some taught me how to take a sturdy stand, and some became my lifelong friends. As the years go by, I find myself being a role model for younger women in other parts of the business.

The common lesson I have learned from all, and what I seek to pass on, is that there is immense power in doing with purpose. Whether you are like my mother pouring over the notes of a song to create a lasting impression or are in the business of helping clients by solving business problems, when we do with purpose, we can deliver extraordinary value.

When I joined Innocean Worldwide Canada in 2019, I knew immediately I’ve made the right choice. As problem solvers and storytellers, our goal is to deliver the best possible value to our clients. We do this through immersing ourselves in their brand, striving to fully understand their customers and making real connections between them to create memorable moments. When we fully commit to this journey, not just doing something to satisfy short term goals, but by being honest and purposeful in the connections we make and messages we put out in the world, the end product is joy. An intangible value that can be felt by all.

On Sunday, March 8th, International Women’s Day, we will celebrate women all over the world. It is time to ask yourselves what lessons have the great women in your life taught you, and what impact will you seek to make in the lives of those around you?

Whatever you do, I urge you, do it with passion, determination and purpose.