Can you tell us about your journey into Adtech and what led you to where you are today?
I started in Programmatic straight from University. I’d really enjoyed the marketing modules in my degree, and I remember thinking it was really interesting that you could use data and technology to reach people in a more personalised way.
My first role was at Periscopix, which later became part of Merkle. From there, I worked across a few different network agencies, most recently Hearts & Science, before moving over to the marketing consultancy side. I’ve been lucky to work across some really interesting accounts, particularly across Programmatic and YouTube, and I think that mix of agency and consultancy experience has given me a good view of the industry from a few different angles.
What challenges, if any, have you faced as an LGBT+ professional?
Overall, I’ve found agency culture to be pretty inclusive, especially in the bigger network agencies. There are often Pride groups, visible LGBT+ communities, and just generally a good mix of people. I’ve met lots of brilliant LGBT+ people through work, and for the most part I’ve felt comfortable being myself.
That said, there have still been moments that haven’t felt great. I’ve heard things like “that’s so gay” used casually, or comments that felt quite dismissive, like being told not to be “so emotional” about something. Even if comments like that aren’t always meant to be harmful, they can still make you think twice about how much of yourself you bring into work.
There have also been times where I’ve held back from talking about my personal life. When everyone’s chatting about dating or relationships, it can feel a bit different if you’re not sure how comfortable you are sharing in the same way.
Have you benefited from supportive employers, mentors or colleagues?
Yes, definitely. I’ve been lucky to work with supportive managers and colleagues throughout my career, as well as LGBT+ colleagues who have helped make being yourself feel normal rather than something you have to explain.
Sometimes that support comes through formal things like Pride networks, events or inclusive policies. But a lot of the time, it’s the smaller day to day things that matter. People asking about your life in the same way they would anyone else’s, managers creating an environment where people feel comfortable, or just being part of a team where people are respectful and open minded. Those things really do make a difference.
Have you seen the Adtech industry become more inclusive during your career? In what ways?
I do think Pride is quite visible in the agency world, and I’ve seen that reflected in media owners, tech partners and other contacts I’ve worked with too. There’s definitely more visibility now, whether that’s through internal groups, events, campaigns or just more open representation across the industry.
At the same time, I think there’s still work to do. Visibility is important, but inclusion has to show up in everyday conversations and behaviour as well. It’s not just about Pride Month, it’s about whether people feel comfortable, respected and able to be themselves all year round. I also think it’s important that the industry keeps moving forward and doesn’t become complacent or start to regress.
What advice would you give to the next generation of LGBT+ talent entering the workforce?
I’d say be as open as you want to be. You don’t owe anyone every part of yourself straight away, and it’s completely fine to take your time and get a feel for the culture around you.
If a workplace feels open and inclusive, that can give you the confidence to share more of yourself. If it doesn’t, then that’s either a sign that things need to change, or that you might eventually want to find somewhere that feels like a better fit.
The main thing is: don’t shrink yourself to fit in. You’re allowed to be who you are, and you deserve to work somewhere that respects that!
Which LGBT+ individuals do you look up to and why? (doesn't need to be Adtech)
Aside from my LGBT+ friends, who inspire me just by being themselves every day, Olly Alexander is definitely someone I look up to.
I’ve always been a fan of his music, but I’ve also found it really inspiring to see him grow as a person and use his platform to speak openly about LGBT+ experiences. His documentary Olly Alexander: Growing Up Gay is really worth watching for anyone who wants to better understand some of the things LGBT+ people can go through, especially around identity, shame, mental health and self acceptance.
What does Pride Month mean to you personally?
For me, Pride Month is both a celebration and a reminder. It’s a reminder of what’s happened in the past, and of the people who fought for the rights and visibility we have today. It also makes me think about my younger self, and how proud he would be of where I am now.
There’s still a lot of hate in the world, so I think it’s important to celebrate, to have community around you and to keep visibility alive. Some people ask why Pride is still needed, or say it’s just a massive party, but when you look at the news in the UK and around the world, you realise there’s still a lot of fear, hatred and misunderstanding out there.
The Channel 4 series Tip Toe really showed the impact of what could happen if things started moving backwards. For me, Pride is about joy, but it’s also about protection, remembrance, progress and making sure people feel able to live openly as themselves.
Will Murray, Programmatic Consultant at mediasense