One of the challenges we face as an industry, is empty chairs. There are far too few women occupying those chairs and far too many leaving them.

This community was formed for the purpose of creating access to industry leaders and a sense of connectedness and consciousness.

This will be about creating a safe space for women to meet face-to-face, to gather guidance, to navigate the tough parts of our industry, to share experiences and knowledge, and ultimately to learn from, and be inspired by each other.

We want to focus on our futures, and to encourage each other to fill those chairs, to be visible, present and unashamedly extraordinary.

THE WOMEN BEHIND OPEN CHAIR

I’m an Independent Creative Leader, a lover of words and ideas and a Chief Aunty to Young Creatives. I’ve spent the last 20 years navigating the advertising industry – from the boys’ locker room of my first agency to the hallowed judging rooms of Cannes Lions.


I’m the Founder of Open Chair and believe very much in creating consciousness and connection for young women in the industry, so that more women can take up those empty chairs in leadership.


When I’m not making ads, I do Capoeira – a 400-year-old Afro-Brazilian Martial Arts (often mistaken by my colleagues to be an innocuous dance form).

I am the Co-founder and executive Producer of Darling Films, one of the first Female-owned production companies in SA, renowned for our commitment to creative excellence, the nurturing of young talent and building solid relationships with our clients.
I am Co-owner and Executive Producer of Darling Films, with Lorraine Smit – a 100% women-owned production house which is rated as one of the top production houses in South Africa. I am a producer who absolutely believes in creative excellence and is passionate about great work. I am proud to be on the exco of the Creative Circle – and super proud to be a mom of 2 amazing kids (and also a mom to an amazing company of people as they all call us the moms).

I’m CCO at VML South Africa. I got my first job as an apprentice copywriter, much to my surprise, since I somehow never thought anyone would actually offer me a job. Since then I’ve had adventures, opportunities, ups and downs (on the whole, more ups though) and got to meet a whole lot of smart, funny, inventive, generous people and travel to many beautiful, obscure, crazy places.

 

The best part of this job is the human alchemy and the most rewarding part is getting to be part of someone’s growth and career success.

I’m Nkgabiseng Motau, Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer at Think Creative Africa. As a leader in one of Africa’s growing advertising agencies, I’m deeply passionate about storytelling that shapes culture and drives meaningful change. Beyond the office, I’m committed to elevating voices and nurturing creative talent, especially women, in an industry that’s continuously evolving.

Roanna Williams is Chief Creative Officer and Co-Founder of Boundless, a new independent creative agency with a bold ambition to make the world’s most loved ideas™️.

 

She describes herself as a creative activist, a visual storyteller and boundary-pusher, titles earned over 25 years of shaking up the advertising world.

 

As the first female Chairperson of South Africa’s Creative Circle, she’s championed diversity, mentorship and braver voices in an industry that sometimes takes itself a little too seriously.

 

Roanna’s proudest moments are less about trophies and more about impact. She’s the kind of creative who melts down decades of awards to honour an entire team or hijacks the Durban July to stop animal cruelty. Equal parts grit and generosity, she’s known for her humour, heart and fearless drive to make work that matters, and to make the industry a better place while doing it.

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