Leading the charge: Grey’s Irene Wong on her aspirations and balancing motherhood

The marketing and advertising industry is a rapidly shifting realm where emerging trends, technologies, and creative ideas come together to reshape how brands communicate with its audiences. As the landscape evolves, it’s crucial for those in agencies to stay ahead of the curve — embracing change, exploring new possibilities, and challenging the status quo.

While female leaders are steadily rising to the top, there's still much work to be done to accelerate gender equality and ensure that every voice has an opportunity to be heard. This International Women's Day, A+M celebrates the voices of women who are making waves in Malaysia's creative, media and advertising landscape, breaking barriers and paving the way for the future generation of leaders.

Hear from Irene Wong, chief executive officer, Grey Malaysia, on what she has to say: 

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A+M: How do you define leadership, and how do you believe women bring a unique perspective to leadership roles? 

Wong: My leadership in creativity is aligned with Grey’s global mantra, "Famously effective”. I value the importance of producing work that not only looks good, but also works strategically for brands— pushing for marketing solutions that are both creative and effective. It is defined by my emphasis on creativity, strategic thinking, and a deep commitment to both solving client’s business challenges with creative solutions, as well as people development.

My focus is on innovation, diversity, and adaptability— to enable the agency to thrive in a competitive and evolving industry.  

Individual leadership styles may vary, while qualities such as empathy and emotional intelligence can make women effective leaders in a variety of contexts. Having women in leadership positions also promotes diversity and inclusion, which according to some research, can lead to better business performance, innovative thinking, and a more equitable work environment.

A+M: What were some of the most significant challenges you've faced as a woman in the industry, and how did you overcome them? 

Wong: One significant challenge was having to be a mother while chasing my ambition to be a head of an agency. Only to realise that there is no balance.

Once I accepted that work and home balance is a myth, I learned to work around it and not be too hard on myself when I choose to, or need to spend more time with one over the other.

A+M: What is one bold step you are hoping to take, to 'accelerate action' in the industry? 

Wong: I am hoping to run for presidency for the Malaysia 4As (Association of Accredited Advertising Agents Malaysia). If I get elected, I hope to work together with the council members to convince and attract creative agencies that are not part of the 4As to join us. We can only be stronger if we come together to represent the industry as a bigger collective. By doing that, my aspiration is to raise the standards of the industry and attract the younger generation to join the industry. 

A+M: What advice would you give to women starting their careers in the industry who want to make a meaningful impact and stand out? 

Wong: Be curious, as curiosity challenges the status quo.

Join us this coming 21 May for #Content360, an extravaganza centered around three core thematic pillars: Challenging the norm; Conquering Media Fragmentation; and Unlocking Imagination. Immerse yourself in learning to curate content with creativity, critical thinking, and confidence with us at Content360!   

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