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POLLY MCMORROW

Title CEO   
Company McCann London
Pronouns She/her

What does D&I mean to you?
It means creating an environment where everyone who wants to can be part of it, and when they are, they feel like they belong. Only by doing this can we unlock different types of creativity and innovation. As leaders, we must prioritise D&I, and champion authenticity and open communication so everyone feels comfortable sharing their unique perspectives.

What’s your passion area in diversity? 
Gender equity. For a long time our industry has underestimated and under-represented women, so I’m passionate about ensuring all genders have a seat at the table. 

What recent developments should we be celebrating in the diversity debate? 
The much-improved focus on bettering people policies, particularly supporting women. Through better understanding of nuance in experience, we are making policies such as menopause, IVF and baby loss more inclusive. 

 What is top of mind for 2024? 
The ‘messy middle’. Often, people are taking on more responsibility while also making big life choices like having children. This disproportionately impacts women and, all too often, they drop out at that point or soon after. This has to change. 

Which three words describe you best?
Fearless, transparent, genuine. 

Who should be on the next iList? 
Katie Edwards, our global business lead on Reckitt. She’s leading the charge in our client work that aims to tackle gender inequality in the healthcare industry and close the gender pain gap with Nurofen.

D&I: MY STORY

Change comes from the inside out so I’ve prioritised gender equality that’s impacting the agency and wider culture too. I’ve brought in high-profile women leaders, ensured women have the tools and support to achieve career goals, and given everyone in the agency the platform to speak.

We are growing talent with the City of London Academies Trust and unlocking career pathways with The Women’s Association. Ultimately, achieving real change is about empowering a more diverse group of people and simply getting out of their way.