NDA has partnered with the Women in Trading group for an interview series finding out more about the group’s members and its mission. Next up is Amy Brown, Senior Commercial and Agency Partner, Hearst UK.
Amy’s media career spans 22 years. Her first role in 2003 was as a Classified Sales Executive at Hearst. She previously worked at Northern and Shell and a number of media agencies.
What makes you proudest about Women in Trading and why?
The fact we have actually done it. We first started to explore the idea nearly two years ago when we realised there were very few women at the table.
We were all used to doing our deals with men, and we had some great relationships and experiences with them, but we felt that the industry was missing a trick. We realised that with all our heads together we could really support women in trading roles and help younger women consider trading as a career path.
How did you first move into a trading career?
I was really inspired by some of the traders that surrounded me in my earlier career, learning contract negotiations on the job with people like Chris Amor and Al Brydon.
Both of them gave me a chance and trained me well and I want to pass that onto future generations of women in media. I’ve been running deals for nearly twenty years now!
What is the most exciting aspect of the sector?
That kick you get when the deal that you have been working on for six months comes through on Docusign. A signed deal is the ultimate sign of success and true partnership. When a new partner lands and you see the deal in action across the year you know you have had a real impact on business – on both sides.
What are the biggest challenges to be overcome in trading?
I have enjoyed the challenge of the changing nature of deals. No longer are they just one sided and value based but they encompass many elements of partnership including ESG.
This is an area that Hearst UK is deeply committed to, and I work closely with our ESG and Legal teams to ensure we’re able to provide all the relevant information that our partners need.
What support structures and organisations are most important and effective to you as a woman trading?
When I was younger I looked to my male bosses to ally and advocate for me. I worked hard, proved myself and was supported. I didn’t have any female bosses until I landed at Hearst and the support I received there from Jane Wolfson got me to the next stage in my career.
She gave me the opportunity to learn and develop new skills, gaining responsibility as I went. It is really important who you work for.
How can companies better help their female workforce in trading roles?
Be considerate, be flexible and provide opportunity. Think about any training that could be offered and remember that not all traders need to be the loudest person in the room.
A great strategic trader could be hiding in plain sight.
