At this year’s Cannes Lions Festival, a powerful conversation unfolded in The Workshop Room that aimed to reset the narrative around women, value and leadership in the creative industry. The session, titled "Own your worth: The negotiation playbook for women in creativity," was more than a panel. Led by Laura Florence, Chief Creative Officer, Rise & Run, it was a call to action, a strategic and emotional toolkit for women ready to own their value and claim their space.
The creative world thrives on bold ideas, yet too often, women are underequipped to navigate the business side of their careers. Financial literacy, negotiation tactics and leadership presence are still treated as advanced skills meant for later in one’s journey. But this workshop argued the opposite: the earlier you master these, the better your foundation for sustainable success.
At the heart of the discussion was this question: How can women bridge the gap between their value and their pay?
The answer starts with knowing your worth.
Participants were introduced to the archetypes of the “Corporate Goddesses” Demeter and Athena. Demeter is adaptable, calm and nurturing. Athena is bold, reactive and fearless. Both have a place in the workplace, but the key is learning when and how to bring forward your inner Athena, especially during high-stakes negotiations.
The session offered a blend of strategy and soul. Women reflected on their own “Mandala of Strength” with questions like: What’s your unique contribution? What would your team miss if you left? What is your reputation? These self-inquiries served as anchors for self-awareness, crucial when preparing to advocate for a raise, promotion, or new opportunity.
In Act 2, the session shifted gears to preparation. Through interactive polls and reflection, participants assessed their readiness for leadership. They learned that negotiation isn’t just about salary. It’s about understanding the full spectrum of value including flexible work, visibility and growth opportunities. The workshop introduced practical frameworks such as the BATNA (Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement) and emphasized the importance of knowing your company’s performance review cycles and pay structures.
Act 3 was all about action, and it started with nonverbal power. With 93 percent of communication being nonverbal, posture, eye contact, vocal tone and attire all became tools for presence. Attendees were reminded that your image speaks before you do and calm, intentional delivery signals preparedness and strength.
Throughout the workshop, key mantras emerged:
“Know yourself to know your value.”
“A good negotiation is a collaboration.”
“Use your voice and your body with purpose.”
By the session’s close, it wasn’t just about negotiation anymore. It was about redefining leadership, rewriting internal scripts and equipping women with the tools to advocate for themselves with clarity and confidence, skills essential for driving real progress in the creative industry.
