Hi and welcome to the OWN IT podcast, where we celebrate the growing number of (women and non-binary) ad agency owners and talk about buying out of the boys’ club of advertising, one agency at a time.
I’m Christy Hiler, owner of Cornett and today I’m talking to Mira Kaddoura, the amazing and inspiring owner of Red & Co. Mira not only has the unique perspective of coming to America as an immigrant from the Arab world, but operating an agency with offices globally. We talk about the differences in how women work and are received both in and outside of the U.S.
Mira also has blazed her path to ownership through the wilderness of freelancing – a path many women follow to ownership.
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Mira learned from a young age to be grateful for everything, including difficulties. She believes that challenges, rather than successes, are where true learning and growth occur. This perspective helps her navigate life with a deeper appreciation for what she has.
Early in her career journey, Mira's father arranged meetings with female doctors. Their candid discussions about the sacrifices and demands of their profession made her realize that choosing a career involves embracing a specific lifestyle, not just a job title. This insight helped her pivot from medicine to a more creative path aligned with her desired way of living.
After leaving a long-term agency role, Mira's extensive freelancing experience across numerous agencies highlighted what she truly enjoyed and disliked about the industry. This period of diverse exposure was crucial for understanding her professional values and preferences, ultimately guiding her towards inadvertently starting her own agency, Red & Co., built on principles of justice, kindness, and equity.
Mira emphasizes that one's finite energy and time should be intentionally directed towards things that are uplifting and inspiring. What you consume, who you converse with, and what you focus on daily significantly impacts your personal and professional development. This "as you worship, so you become" philosophy isn't religious but highlights the transformative power of mindful engagement with the world.
While recognizing that the advertising industry was not initially built for women, Mira encourages aspiring owners to create their own agencies and operating systems. This allows them to set rules aligned with their values, fostering a more equitable and inspiring environment. She believes that birthing new systems is crucial for bringing about meaningful industry-wide change, though acknowledges the challenge of existing gatekeepers.
