Hi! I’m Olivia, a 24 year-old marketer and business founder from Liverpool. I founded Girls in Marketing as a community initiative in summer of 2019 whilst working full-time in an SEO role. I wanted to meet like-minded women in the industry so I created Girls in Marketing as a way to do just that!
Since freelancing during my time at university and working full-time after graduating, I found it difficult to network with others in a casual and fun way – as black tie events and champagne flutes aren’t really my thing at all!
In May 2020, I left my full-time SEO job and took on a few new freelance SEO clients to give me the time to concentrate on building a successful business strategy to grow and scale Girls in Marketing. I’m so proud to say that Girls in Marketing has now become a 6-figure thriving female-led start-up.
We want to empower, support and guide women in the marketing industry. Through up-to-date resources, community events and programmes we’re quickly creating a digital marketing revolution.
Definitely not! I’ve always wanted to own a business but I didn’t ever plan it, especially not at such a young age. When I was in University I discovered my love for marketing and released that is what I wanted to do, but that’s as far as my planning has ever gone.
I think one of the main challenges has been believing in myself, and my ability to build a successful career/business. As a woman, I find I’m very self-critical and often find I’m held back by my own thoughts. There haven’t been any physical challenges I could name, but an ongoing battle with believing in my own ability is definitely something I’d highlight.
I’ve had so many incredible experiences and pinch-me moments since starting Girls in Marketing so it’s really difficult to pick just one! I’d probably have to say that the experience that has stood out most to me so far was when we delivered our first-ever in-person event in Manchester in partnership with Adobe Express. We spent months planning and dreaming of the day and when it came around, it was beyond our wildest expectations! When I started Girls in Marketing, I wanted to do small meet-ups and doing an event for nearly 100 women in the industry really blew my mind.
Passion for what I do, and determination to make things happen. We’ve done many projects in the past that haven’t worked out how we thought they would, we’d learn from these projects and make sure to improve whenever we planned anything else going forward. As a person, I’m very switched-on and just love to get my hands dirty with projects and strategies.
Since August 2020 we have grown to a team of 4 incredible women! Team growth isn’t a huge priority for us as we’re mainly focused on community impact over anything else.
It’s amazing to be a part of something with such a passionate and driven female team, working on building something special and that’s not something that everyone can say in business.
I think that mentoring is an amazing way to gain experience in marketing, or any industry for that matter, and can be an incredibly worthwhile experience for both mentors and mentees.
I’ve not personally been involved in a formal mentoring programme but I have definitely worked with a lot of inspirational people throughout my career so far who have been the equivalent of mentors to me, providing invaluable support and guidance.
We also ran a mentoring programme through Girls in Marketing in 2021 where we paired mentees with mentors in the marketing industry. The experience was really empowering for everyone involved and we received incredible feedback from both the mentors and the mentees who benefited a lot from it.
One of the main reasons that I’m an advocate of mentoring is that it’s an accessible way for people to gain support. There are so many amazing people working in the marketing industry with so much valuable advice and experience to share. It’s really inspiring when people give up their time to share their learnings and wisdom with others.
This is such a great question! A personal focus of mine and something that I think would make a huge difference to the pace at which we move towards achieving Gender Equality is removing the existing barriers for women getting into leadership roles. Women need to feel more empowered to challenge the gender stereotypes that they face by understanding, and therefore being able to speak up for, their own worth in male-dominated industries.
I’d say to remember that it gets better. There will be times in life when you will struggle but the highs will be so much better than any lows you experience. Keep your head held high and keep pushing forward.
My next challenge is continuing to grow the Girls in Marketing team. I’m hoping to scale our lovely team sustainably, and only make hires when I know is best. I’m hoping to achieve greatness through community impact and by driving positive change.
May
15may10:0011:00Legal Essentials | Supporting Women at Work
15/05/2025 10:00 - 11:00(GMT+01:00)
89% of working women say their health issues negatively affect their work, but only 1 in 3 feel supported by their employer. It’s no longer
It’s no longer enough to raise awareness, organisations must take legally informed, practical action to support women’s health in the workplace.
Join me and Hannah Strawbridge, Employment Lawyer, for this session where we’ll uncover the top legal risks employers face and how to avoid them when it comes to menopause, menstrual health, fertility, pregnancy, and more.
You’ll gain:
A clear understanding of the legal risks around women’s health
Insight into the practical steps you can take
Discover how you can to turn awareness into action
Date: Thursday 15th May 2025
Time: 10:00 – 10.45am
15may16:0016:45Empowering Pupil Wellbeing | Free Primary Stars Webinar & Resources
15/05/2025 16:00 - 16:45(GMT+00:00)
Join us on Thursday 15 May 2025 for a free, live webinar designed to help teachers confidently support pupil self-esteem, emotional wellbeing, and mental resilience. Hosted
Hosted during Mental Health Awareness Week, this session features expert insights from the Mental Health Foundation, Dr Claire-Marie Roberts (Performance Director at Coventry City FC and Chartered Psychologist) and Ruth Elborn (Education Mental Health Practitioner and former teacher).
You’ll discover:
16mayAll DayEmpower Female Founders Conference
16/05/2025 All Day(GMT+01:00)
Kraken Technology Centre
Pariser Building, 168AA, Sackville St, Manchester M1 7JR, M1 7JR
Empower Female Founders is a unique event designed by female founders for female founders,
Equipping them with the tools needed to overcome challenges and achieve success in their entrepreneurial journeys.By providing a supportive community and sharing experiences, Empower Female Founders aims to empower women to redefine their potential, amplify their impact, and thrive in their sector.
In May 2025 we will welcome 100 female founders to this one of a kind event in Manchester.
Empower Female Founders is far from your traditional conference set up. We’ve spoken to our community of Female Founders and we know what’s needed is practical action, answers to the important questions and to gain knowledge from those who have been there and done it.
The day will be built around fast-paced workshop sessions and collaboration providing the opportunity not just to learn but to connect with female founders sharing the same journey.
Our focus is on building confidence, developing a growth mindset, and providing a supportive community that empowers women to overcome challenges and achieve success.
The day will be built around panels featuring Female Founders sharing what’ it’s really like to be a Female Founder, an opportunity to ask fellow Female Founders for their advice as industry experts, celebrating and reframing the narrative around success and ambition.
There will also be an Action learning workshop on Growth Mindset led by Empower Co Founder Beckie Taylor and a fast-paced knowledge share sessions providing the opportunity not just to learn but to connect with female founders sharing the same journey.
09:00 Registration and Networking
09:30 Welcome from Beckie Taylor, Co-Founder, Empower
09:45 Panel : What it’s REALLY like to be a Female Founder
10:30 Action Learning – Female Founder Mindset
11:30 Coffee and Networking
11:45 Panel : Ask The Experts
12:30 Morning Close
12:30 Lunch & Networking
13:30 Welcome Back, Beckie Taylor, Co-Founder, Empower
13:35 Knowledge Share Session
15:15 Coffee and Networking
15:30 Panel – Celebrating Success and Ambition
16:15 Thanks and closing remarks
16:30 Cocktails and Mocktails
18:30 Close
19may18:0020:30The Future of Fairness in Leadership and Business | WBS
19/05/2025 18:00 - 20:30(GMT+01:00)
WBS at the Shard
London, SE1 9SG
This is your chance to engage in powerful dialogue and spark meaningful change in your professional sphere. After the panel discussion, network with peers from across industries
After the panel discussion, network with peers from across industries over drinks and canapés, against the vibrant backdrop of London.
This event is held annually in collaboration with our partners We are the City, Women Engineering Society, Forte, City Women Network and 30% Chair; We are delighted to welcome a distinguished line-up of keynote speakers:
Dr Dawn Eubanks – Associate Professor of Behavioural Science & EI and Panel Chair
Rukasana Bhaijee – Global Head of DEI at the Financial Times. A DEI leader with over 13 years of experience across media, technology, professional services, and higher education. Formerly led DEI for Google’s EMEA tech division and consulted at EY, Rukasana brings deep expertise in strategy, race equity, and inclusive culture change.
Geraldine Gallacher – CEO of the Executive Coaching Consultancy, author of Coaching Women: Changing the System, Not the Person, and City Women Network Board member.
Mark Swain – WBS Client Director & Executive Coach, and Fellow of The Learning and Performance Institute. With over 20 years experience in leadership development Mark has developed a framework supporting Women in Strategy.
Ben Evans – New Business Director, AtkinsRéalis, ED&I Advocate and Warwick MBA Alumnus (2013)
Together, they’ll share their invaluable insights, strategies, and real-world experiences in fostering fairness and driving success in today’s dynamic and changing corporate landscape.
Key Topics Include:
Whether you’re a mid-career professional, an established leader, or an entrepreneur passionate about shaping the future of fairness, this event will leave you inspired and equipped to make a lasting impact.
Free
21may12:0013:00Master the Art of Incredible Interviews | WeAreTheCity & City CV
21/05/2025 12:00 - 13:00(GMT+01:00)
WeAreTheCity & City CV are thrilled to present a
Do interviews leave you feeling uneasy, underprepared or unsure of how to showcase your best self? Are you stuck in a loop of missed opportunities, wondering how to stand out and seal the deal? You’re not the only one. On average, people apply for 27 roles before they land just one interview.
But don’t worry – you’re in the right place. Whether it’s been years since your last interview, you’re chasing a promotion or new role, or simply trying to stay sharp, this free one-hour masterclass will give you the edge to win your next role. Your interview isn’t just a conversation – it’s a marketing pitch where you’re the product. Discover how to demonstrate your value, convince employers you’re the best investment they can make, and leave them thinking, “We’d be foolish not to hire you.”
In this jam-packed session, Victoria McLean, Founder & CEO of City CV, guides you through the art of wowing interviewers. With a proven track record of helping people at all career levels secure their dream roles, Victoria brings decades of expertise, countless success stories and award-winning career strategies to the table.
What you’ll learn:
Looking for more career support? Explore our Career Resources page. Ready to take the next step? Browse the latest opportunities on our Job Board and find your perfect role today!
23may10:0012:00Online* Pelvic Floor Recovery Workshop FREE | Karen Ellis - Postnatal Recovery Expert
23/05/2025 10:00 - 12:00(GMT+01:00)
With former Midwife, Karen Ellis. *Available on replay. Exactly how to rebuild strength in your pelvic floor after pregnancy. All the information you should have got from
All the information you should have got from your midwife about how to recover your pelvic floor PROPERLY after having a baby and how to exercise SAFELY so you can smile with excitement and enjoy the moment when your toddler takes your hand and pulls you towards the bouncy castle instead of the feeling of dread taking over as you decline their invitation.
You are a mum who;
And so you can have dry knickers!
Free