As well as honouring the award winners in 10 key categories, this year’s Music Week Women In Music Awards also featured the unveiling of a dozen talented execs into the Roll Of Honour.
The 12 industry game changers join more than 50 industry leaders who have previously been inducted from across the breadth of the industry, from management, PR and radio, to labels, live and HR.
The new additions to the Roll Of Honour have shared their insights on the future of biz. Here, we quiz the latest inductees on the one change they would make to benefit women in the music industry…
Jane Arthy, VP of radio, Warner Bros Records
“To keep these conversations going, and keep acting on them.”
Emma Bownes, programming director, The O2 and SSE Arena, Wembley
“I think there is more to be done to make sure that women are more fairly represented in leadership positions at the top level of the industry.”
Wozzy Brewster, founder and executive director, The Midi Music Company
“Equal pay – why do we have to ask for it? You know we’re worth it!”
Annabella Coldrick, CEO, Music Managers Forum
“God this is a tough one, I’m not sure there is one simple change any of us could make. Maybe the biggest is to explore ways as companies and colleagues to support women (and men) to stay in the industry after having children so that the gender equality that exists in the music industry amongst people in their 20s hasn’t evaporated by the time they get into their 40s - see Olga Fitzroy’s #SelfieLeave campaign.”
Morna Cook, senior director, HR, Universal Music UK
“As well as continuing to enhance family-friendly policies, the one thing which really shifts the needle is role models - women seeing other women excelling in leadership positions. Women In Music deserves some credit here!”
Liz Goodwin, MD, Glassnote Records
“To continue to make more time for other people and to help connect others. Not everyone is lucky enough to have strong role models, so we should all feel responsible for each other. Even one small word of encouragement to a colleague or peer could have a game-changing influence on them. Pay it forward whenever and wherever you can!”
Nadia Khan, artist manager; founder, Women in CTRL, CTRL Music/Dench Records
“Unconcious bias training for all executives in the industry.”
Abbie McCarthy, presenter, BBC Music Introducing; curator, Good Karma Club
“I think music conferences need to be more representative and include more women on their panels and discussions, not just a token Women In Music panel, as they defeat the point. Also, where I can, I want to encourage the next generation of female songwriters, producers and acts and I am currently plotting ways to do this.”
Harriet Moss, MD, Manners McDade
“Better maternity and paternity policies for people in the industry and freelancers will support women, particularly, throughout their career. The more society treats all people as equal, the more this will benefit industries, businesses, organisations and beyond - inclusivity really is better for everyone.”
Megan Page, coordinator, Record Store Day & National Album Day, Entertainment Retailers Association
“As it stands, there is a gender balance in execs under 35, as statistically there are more women than men entering the industry. So as long as we keep encouraging women to stay by offering them equal opportunities to rise to the top, I’m hopeful we will see parity in the next generation of the music business.”
Vanessa Reed, CEO, PRS Foundation
“Getting all kinds of employers in music to adopt a positive pledge towards change would be a good start. The Keychange effect is highlighting how much people want the industry to be different and it’s useful to have ways to express and realise a collective goal.”
Alongside the Roll Of Honour Q&As, you can also read interviews with all the Music Week Women In Music winners including Helen Marquis, Joyce Smyth and Outstanding Contribution recipient Jane Dyball.
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