This week on Own It, we’re talking to Cathy Murphy and Sylvia Herrera from Venus Media. Their agency is a multicultural marketing firm that has deep experience in media strategies. They both started their careers at CBS Radio, but touched an all-star roster of brands over the years.
We talked about so much in this interview, from bourbon to television shows to building successful agencies. And, of course, we dug into the challenge of closing the gender gap in agency ownership.
You’re going to get a lot of ideas and inspiration from this episode.
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Hiring individuals from diverse backgrounds brings invaluable cultural and linguistic nuances, challenging misconceptions and preventing "Latina washing" or inauthentic marketing approaches. This diversity of thought allows brands to genuinely connect with and understand varied target audiences, driving growth.
The lack of female agency owners, particularly Latina women, is attributed to systemic issues like limited access to funding (less than 4% goes to women), absence of visible role models, and a historical lack of support networks. Unlike men who often have established networks for funding and business creation, women have traditionally lacked these infrastructures and have often been pitted against each other.
A significant joy of ownership is the ability to build a work culture that prioritizes flexibility, empathy, and employee well-being, especially for mothers. This contrasts sharply with previous corporate experiences where personal milestones were often sacrificed for work demands, demonstrating a commitment to a supportive environment.
Despite potential lack of direct experience in certain areas (like agency operations in their case), the advice is to take the leap into entrepreneurship. Ignorance can be bliss, and being comfortable with discomfort, asking questions, and continuously learning are crucial. The regret of not starting sooner often outweighs the fear of the unknown.
