The Real Winners at Cannes: The Women (and Men) of the Girls' Lounge

The Girls’ Lounge made my trip to Cannes this year.  I got to exchange tips on public board experience with NBCU’s Chairman of Advertising Sales and Client Partnerships, Linda Yaccarino, and Alicia Hatch, CMO of Deloitte Digital.  I connected in a relaxed environment with CMOs of several companies with whom we were experiencing particular challenges.  I was blown away by the authenticity, vulnerability and action orientation of leaders ranging from Halle Berry to IPG’s Michael Roth to Lara Balaz, the Head of NA Marketing for Visa, and inspired to bring new diversity efforts and leaders back to Google.  I helped lead a Fast Forward coaching session with Lisa McCarthy that resulted in numerous young women approaching me in the airport to share the significant impact the experience had had on them.  I shook my head in amazement as I watched leaders from two great brands, Marc Pritchard and Keith Weed, get on the same page –- at least on the importance of diversity and inclusion.  And as a bonus, I got my hair and makeup done.