#IWD2025: Why Publicis' Sony Nichani is a big believer of resilience and empathy in leadership

In an industry built on storytelling and creativity, women have long been at the forefront of shaping narratives that move audiences and redefine culture. Yet, behind their success lies a journey of resilience, leadership, and breaking barriers.

As we celebrate International Women's Day 2025, we highlight the voices of women who have carved their paths in Indonesia's agency landscape, challenging norms and inspiring future generations. Check out what Sony Nichani, the CEO of Publicis Groupe Indonesia, has to say.

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE: What inspired you to pursue a career in this industry, and what has kept you motivated along the way?

Nichani: From a young age, I've always been fascinated by the art of storytelling. There's something incredibly powerful about a well-crafted message that can evoke emotions, inspire action, and bring people together. Advertising, to me, is the perfect blend of creativity and strategy—two elements that I deeply enjoy. Growing up, I remember seeing campaigns that not only promoted products but also advocated for social causes and influenced cultural trends. I was particularly inspired by the impact that advertising can have on shaping perceptions and driving change.

The constant innovation and the opportunity to work with talented and creative minds to craft compelling narratives and partner clients navigate challenges is something that I find incredibly fulfilling.

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE: Can you share a pivotal moment in your career that shaped your approach to leadership or creativity?

Nichani: In a previous role, we faced a significant setback when we lost our largest client. This loss necessitated a critical pivot and required us to recalibrate our offerings and reposition our strategy. It was a humbling experience that highlighted the need for agility and adaptability in a constantly evolving industry.

Navigating this difficult period also deepened my understanding of the importance of maintaining a positive outlook and leading with empathy.

While this experience was challenging, it proved to be an invaluable learning opportunity. It instilled in me the significance of resilience and empathy, values that have since become fundamental to my leadership style.

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE: What challenges have you faced as a woman in the industry, and how have you navigated them?

Nichani: The advertising industry has been relatively progressive, but I've faced some challenges, especially early in my career. There were biases about the types of accounts women could handle and the hours we could work. Additionally, there was a lack of female representation and mentorship in senior roles while we were starting out. Finding female leaders to look up to was challenging, and this underrepresentation sometimes made it difficult to find guidance and support in navigating the industry.

Thankfully, much has changed. Today, there's a strong network of female leaders and better representation in management teams. At Publicis, over 60% of leadership positions are held by women, reflecting significant progress in gender diversity and inclusion.

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE: What's one piece of advice you'd give your younger self when starting out?

Nichani: Embrace your unique perspective and voice with confidence. Your creativity and individuality are your greatest assets in advertising. Don't be afraid to challenge the status quo and bring your authentic self to the table. Celebrate your successes and don't be too hard on yourself when things don't go as planned.

Resilience is key. Setbacks and obstacles are opportunities to learn and grow. Surround yourself with supportive mentors and peers, and seek out opportunities to collaborate and network with other talented women in the industry.

As these women continue to lead, mentor, and shape the future of the industry, their stories serve as a powerful reminder: success is not about fitting into predefined moulds—it's about redefining them entirely.

Join us this coming 23 - 24 April for #Content360, a two-day extravaganza centered around three core thematic pillars: Challenging The Norm; Technology For Transformation; and Unlocking Imagination. Immerse yourself in learning to curate content with creativity, critical thinking, and confidence with us at Content360!

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