As a young man starting out, I’ve come to realise that breaking into the brand game isn’t just about having a sharp strategy or clever pitch. It’s about listening, staying open, and learning from the people who have been doing it well for years. 

When I first stepped into the world of marketing, I knew I wasn’t just entering a competitive industry, I knew it would be way more complex than that. I also knew it would be a more female dominated space, as I have seen more women in this profession than men, which doesn’t feel intimidating. In fact, it feels refreshing. 

Observing the Marketing Landscape 

Early in my career, I noticed something, in most places where important meetings, discussions or presentations, at the most crucial times, were held, the most empathetic voices belonged to women. It all made sense to me. 

Branding isn’t just about selling a product, it’s about building trust, tapping into emotions, and understanding people. Empathy, collaboration, and intuition, traditionally feminine traits are now common in building one’s brand in the modern world. As a male marketer, this wasn’t a space I wanted to compete in, it was a space I wanted to contribute to, while also learning from the women who were clearly leading it. 

Learning From Women in Marketing 

During this period of navigating through the marketing world, I am currently working with an amazing group of women who each brings something unique to the table. They are not just colleagues, they are collaborators, mentors, and in many ways, my first real brand teachers. They showed me that success in marketing has less to do with having the loudest voice, and more to do with knowing when to listen, when to step up, and when to step back.

It’s not about gender roles or labels. It’s about the energy you bring into a room, the clarity of your vision and the respect you show for the people building it with you. Instead of trying to dominate the conversation, I started listening more. I watch how female brand strategists lead with narrative, and how their brand matches their unapologetic nature. I learned to ask better questions, not just about what the brand wanted to say, but how the customer wanted to feel. This wasn’t just about mentorship. For me, it became a masterclass in what brand-building looks like when you lead with heart and intention. 

Navigating Identity Without Ego

As a man in a space where women were the mentors, peers, and often the decision-makers, I had to change how I saw leadership and contribution. Sometimes that meant recognising when to lead from the front and when to support from the back. It also meant being mindful of unconscious biases, especially when collaborating with female colleagues. Acknowledging that became part of my process, and ultimately, part of my growth. 

Playing the Long Game 

Breaking into the brand game isn’t about quick wins or chasing attention. It’s about showing up consistently, building trust and putting in the work to create something meaningful. Before joining Big Beard Web Solutions there was a long period of idleness in my journey but part of playing the long game is realising that things can change at any moment and when that moment comes, you should be ready to take it. 

I didn’t find my place in branding because I had all the answers. I found it because I was willing to learn, especially from people who brought a different perspective.