The creative production industry thrives on innovation, collaboration, and most importantly on relationships. Alison Rattary-Clarke and Laice Jackson, the newly appointed Joint Managing Directors of Fall Off The Wall (FOTW), believe women bring unique strengths that are particularly suited to the creative production industry and exemplify why women excel as leaders. This Design Life had the opportunity to discuss with Alison and Laice their perspectives on leadership, the strengths women bring to the table, and the importance of relationships in driving creative success. 

The Power of Relationships in Creative Leadership

Fall Off The Wall work towards longer partnerships to fully embed themselves in the client’s brand and become an extension of the in-house team. Sky have been working with FOTW for over 10 years with key milestones from the launch of Sky Mobile activation ads and the joys of Minions in the Sky Broadband ads. In the creative production industry, relationships are key to sustained success. Building trust, fostering collaboration, and maintaining strong client, partner and colleague connections are crucial. Laice Jackson emphasises “Being understanding and human with clients means recognising life beyond work. This helps us build stronger, more trusting relationships with clients and our team.”

Alison Rattary-Clarke adds that having understanding is vital in the creative industry. Understanding that other factors other than work, such as health, family, just life can be at play when working on a project and just being human fosters a collaborative environment where ideas can flow freely, projects can thrive, and relationships can build.” 

Qualities of Female Leaders 

Alison and Laice highlight several key strengths that women bring to leadership roles in creative production. One of these is adaptability. “The creative industry is fast-paced and ever-changing. Women are often adept at multitasking and adapting to new situations and processes which are crucial for navigating the complexities of master creative projects,” says Laice.

Another strength is the ability to foster inclusive environments. “Diversity drives creativity,” Alison asserts. “As women leaders we prioritise inclusivity, ensuring that different voices and perspectives across our team are heard.” 

Effective Team Collaboration

Creating a cohesive and collaborative team is essential for success in production. Alison and Laice understand the value of bringing people together, leveraging each person’s strengths, and creating a supportive atmosphere where everyone can contribute their best.

Both believe that agencies need to align with the development of technology to help improve production services and this means getting the team involved in new ways of working. Laice notes that mentorship and development are also key components of their leadership approach. “We believe in providing opportunities for growth and supporting a culture of continuous learning, so we build knowledgeable and more capable teams.” 

Overcoming Challenges and Celebrating Triumphs 

While women bring many strengths to leadership roles, they also face unique challenges. Alison acknowledges that biases and stereotypes still exist, but she views these challenges as opportunities for growth and change. “Overcoming obstacles and proving our capabilities not only strengthens our leadership but also paves the way for future generations of women in the industry.”

Laice reflects on the importance of resilience and perseverance. “Every challenge we face is a chance to learn and improve. Our successes are not just personal achievements but milestones for all women in creative production.”

Vision for the Future

Alison and Laice are committed to driving Fall Off The Wall to new heights while maintaining a focus on relationships and inclusivity. “Our vision is to set new standards for excellence in the industry,” says Alison. “We aim to create a company that is not only successful but also a model of equality, diversity and collaboration,” says Laice.