Jen Oon is EVP of Sales at DAX US, where she leads the evolution of digital audio advertising at one of the largest digital audio ad platforms in the United States. She has also led innovation in podcast advertising at DAX and, through her leadership, DAX has continued to scale its footprint beyond 108m listeners, strengthening the company’s presence and influence across the programmatic and podcast advertising landscape.
What are the biggest opportunities for women in your sector of the digital industry right now?
I’ve been really encouraged and inspired by the increasing number of non-profit professional associations that provide a networking community and resources aimed at supporting and empowering women in our industry. These associations present an opportunity for women in our industry to receive support and lift each other up in our respective career paths to forge connections that can benefit us both professionally and personally. You never know where these conversations and relationships can lead you – recommendation for your next job, a business lead, long-time friend, etc.
What are some of the challenges that you still see for women in the industry?
Any advice as to how to overcome those challenges? Women tend to be taken less seriously than their male counterparts in meetings. Building 1:1 connections and networking is highly valuable so that you have more personal advocates in the room when it’s time to discuss business.
What support structures and organistions are most important and effective to you as a women in the digital industry?
Sponsors and mentors are critical as the sponsors speak well behind your back in rooms that you’re not in to advocate on your behalf, while mentors provide insight from their experience that can help you navigate challenges you’re facing.
What is the biggest misconception (a) about women in the digital industry, and (b) by women in the digital industry?
On the first point, the misconception about women is that they might not know as much as their male counterparts. For the second, the misconception by women in the digital industry is that they must climb the ladder linearly because they’re afraid to risk taking a lateral move.
What one piece of advice would you offer a woman starting in the digital industry today?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions and resist the urge to pretend you know everything – it will only slow down your growth, understanding, and reduce your opportunities to connect with others. In the words of Kendrick Lamar, “Be Humble”.
