Rachel Pendered is Founder and Co-CEO of award-winning creative comms agency Media Zoo headquartered in London.
Rachel is a successful entrepreneur, who founded her business, Media Zoo in 2003. She has built and scaled her company from a small start-up production business to an award-winning global agency that is a Sunday Times Fast Track 100 Company.
I have worked in content and TV for years. When I set up Media Zoo – a creative communications hub – I saw it as an opportunity to build something from scratch that I could put my heart and soul into. Now 20 years on, I am so proud of what I have achieved. The recent investment in Media Zoo means that I can continue to grow the business as CEO – driving forward exciting strategic opportunities such as offices in new territories and key acquisitions which will strengthen the company from within.
Yes and no! I knew from an early age that I lean towards entrepreneurship. Being my own boss was really important to me and has shaped the decisions I have made over the years.
I wish the education community would do more than simply talk about entrepreneurship. Schools should teach younger generations the soft and hard skills to run a business, not just the simple facts on how to tackle traditional old fashioned careers. I believe planning and organisation are vital for success, combined with always having a really clear vision of what I want to achieve. Visualising your goals is a very powerful way to making things happen.
More than I can count! Media Zoo has weathered a few storms overs the years. The recent pandemic was a real challenge, but we dug in deep and have come out stronger and better from it. We pivoted, adapted and tried out new services for our clients which proved incredibly successful. We are now more able to face the future. The whole team was incredible during this time and proved that strong collaboration, support and communication are the driving force behind our achievements at Media Zoo.
When Media Zoo won both The Grand Prix at Cannes and The Grand at the New York Film and TV Festivals in the same year I had a major moment. I had to pinch myself that we had done something that no other UK agency has ever achieved. At a female founder and working with a female director on ‘Saving Mr Renton’ it felt we could achieve anything and we are still reaching for the stars for our clients.
Tenacity! It’s an under rated skill.
I have been fortunate enough to experience both. Being a mentor can be incredibly rewarding, a chance to give back, a chance to help someone and see them develop. But equally I have been lucky enough to work with some amazing women over the years who have been there to offer advice, explain how to expand and grow through investment, and also to know how to be brave, to be bold and to have a vision.
At Media Zoo we regularly practice Shine Theory by celebrating our great talent and always ensuring that credit is given where it’s due.
Media Zoo has worked for many years with The Daily Mile – an in-school children’s health and fitness initiative. We’ve helped the charity grow from one school in Scotland to over 3 million kids taking part all over the world. If I could change one thing it would be to do something similar to support an in-schools female entrepreneurship programme, raising the profile of great role models and helping the next generation of entrepreneurs to have the confidence to achieve their ambitions. As a female founder and entrepreneur I want to play my part in helping to build on the success of Alison Rose’s ‘Rose Review’ and champion great role models whenever I can.
I would tell my younger self to have courage. To worry less about what others think and stay focused on your own vision of success. Whatever that may be.
We are excited to launch into new territories this year. We plan to open two new offices in the next 12 months, this should generate opportunities internally for the Zoo Crew. Our purpose at The Zoo is to use our creativity as a force for good, and in the current climate with all of its challenges, we look forward to working with our clients to achieve more good in the world.
June
18jun10:0016:00Legal Essentials: Supporting Women at Work
18/06/2025 10:00 - 16:00(GMT+00:00)
Did you know that tribunal claims related to menopause, menstruation, fertility treatment and pregnancy loss are rising fast? Many employers don’t realise that these issues can
Many employers don’t realise that these issues can legally qualify as a disability under the Equality Act.
Yet most of these claims are avoidable with the right training, policies and action.
That’s why I’ve partnered with employment lawyer Hannah Strawbridge to deliver a full-day, live online course designed specifically for HR, DEI, and managers.
You will be able to:
Understand your legal obligations around women’s health issues
Recognise when they may be classed as a disability under the Equality Act
Take practical steps to reduce legal and reputational risk
Learn how to avoid tribunal claims
Handle health-related conversations and workplace adjustments with confidence
Create a legally compliant Women’s Health Action Plan
Whether you’re reviewing your current policies or building a strategy from scratch, this course will give you the legal clarity and practical support you need.
DATE: Wednesday 18th June
TIME: 10.00am – 4.00pm
PLACE: Zoom
19jun18:0021:00Discover How You Can Make a Difference at our eCubed Volunteer Social
19/06/2025 18:00 - 21:00(GMT+00:00)
Arch One
83 Rivington St, Shoreditch EC2A 3EY (the old Cargo)
Whatever your interests or skills, there’s a place for you on our passionate volunteer team. Together, we run inspiring
Join us for a relaxed evening of drinks, nibbles, and conversation with the eCubed team. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at what we do, how we do it, and the charities we champion.
Curious about getting involved? This is the perfect chance to throw yourself into the eCubed experience and see if it’s the right fit for you. All you need is a can-do attitude and a passion for creating positive change—everything else is a bonus.
Day : Thursday 19th June, 2025
Time: 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Location : Arch One, 83 Rivington St, Shoreditch EC2A 3EY (the old Cargo)
Simply register below, let us know any guests you’d like us to bring. We can’t wait to meet you. You’re guaranteed to meet some awesome people and hopefully be inspired to get involved or even share some new ideas – no pressure, no obligation.
26junAll DayThe Brilliance Summit 2025
26/06/2025 All Day(GMT+01:00)
De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms
The Edinburgh Suite, 61-65 Great Queen St, London WC2B 5DA
We’re proud to announce our partnership with The Brilliance Summit, an electrifying one-day event for women in leadership
This isn’t just a summit—it’s a movement.
“At The Brilliance Summit, women show up, speak up, and level up. They shake off limitations, own their presence, and lean into their next level.”
Taking place in London on Thursday, 26th June this transformative event is curated for ambitious women who lead, whether that’s in the boardroom, the business world, or within themselves.
Here’s why this matters:
We’ve seen the power of what happens when women are given space to show up fully—and this is that space.
As partners, we’re excited to offer our community a discounted ticket.
Use code WeAreTheCity2025 at checkout to access your exclusive rate.
Grab your ticket now at www.thebrilliancesummit.com
Let this be the moment you stop waiting and start owning your brilliance.
26jun08:0017:00WeAreTech Festival | Hybrid Conference
26/06/2025 08:00 - 17:00(GMT+01:00)
etc.venues, St Paul's,
200 Aldersgate St, Barbican, London, EC1A 4HD
As a hybrid event dedicated to empowering women in technology, our festival continues to break barriers and redefine industry norms. This year promises an even more exhilarating experience as we bring together women from diverse backgrounds and experiences to share knowledge, inspire one another, and create new opportunities for growth and advancement in the tech industry.
The WeAreTech Festival is a beacon of inspiration for women in the tech industry, urging them to confidently stride forward in their careers. Our goal is simple yet profound: to inspire and motivate every attendee to take bold steps towards their professional aspirations.
Throughout the day, you’ll have unparalleled access to the wisdom and insights of senior leaders in the tech field. Engage with thought-provoking discussions through our panels, where you can contribute your perspectives and glean invaluable knowledge from industry experts.
But that’s not all. The afternoon sessions are designed to put you in the driver’s seat of your learning journey. Tailor your experience to your needs and interests, shaping your path towards growth and success in the tech world.
And let’s not forget the added perks of speed networking and mentoring. Connect with like-minded individuals, forge meaningful relationships, and gain invaluable guidance from seasoned professionals who are eager to support your journey.
At the WeAreTech Festival, we believe in empowering women to embrace their potential and seize every opportunity that comes their way. Join us, and let’s embark on this transformative journey together.