This year’s Loeries jury presidents are highly influential as they get to steer the jury and have the final say in those highly anticipated final announcements. Bridget Jung, heading up the digital category talks us through all things creativity related as creativity unites, especially as Jung says, “there’s no better time to be judging digital!”

Bridget Jung

She’s a seasoned creative director with more than 20 years’ experience in the industry, and feels she’s at her best when her own creativity unites others, in helping agencies and brands find the right approach to creating integrated advertising that builds solid reputations, sells products and wins awards. While she gained most of her professional experience in Europe as chief creative officer at DigitasLBi Paris, she started out as a graphic designer in Brisbane and has worked for the likes of Ogilvy, Euro RSCG and and DigitasLBi. While chief creative officer at DigitasLBi the agency was named digital agency of the year and won 21 international awards – no mean feat as she didn't speak French! Having worked with some “very talented and interesting people” on brands such as Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Nestle, Lancôme, Nissan, Renault, Peugeot, Evian, Hennessy, Pernod Ricard, La Poste, Wonderbra, and Mattel, she has since returned to her native Australia where she founded Jungle, a creative consultancy in Sydney that focuses on sports marketing. Jung is currently digital creative director at Marcel Sydney...

1. Gender equality is a hot topic in advertising at the moment. What can be done to tip the scales and help females shatter through the industry’s glass ceiling globally?

Jung: There's certainly quite a lot of discussion about this topic. In my opinion, the most important thing today is to shift gender equality from a hot topic to actionable business decisions. The advertising industry needs more female role models in senior leadership positions. It's great to see that 3/4 of the jury presidents at the Loeries are women and I'm extremely honoured to be one of them. Putting female creatives on juries and on stage is an important step in increasing visibility and voice. Another thing that is immediately actionable is for agencies to prioritise the recruitment of women in senior leadership positions. Cindy Gallop did a great talk at last year's 3% conference (embedded below), which is a must see:

2. Definitely. What’s your view of the Loeries then, as ‘an outsider’?

Jung: I've been impressed by the fresh thinking and creativity coming out of the Loeries. To be honest, I'm really looking forward to doing a deep dive on the work coming out of the region. Each awards show is different and I particularly like the positioning of The Loeries "focussed on promoting the value that creativity adds - to brands, our economy and the quality of our lives". I'm hoping to see great examples that bring this to life.

3. That’s almost guaranteed! How does South African and Middle Eastern advertising then compare on a global level? Where do we shine and where do we need to play catch-up?

Jung: Generally speaking, our industry is going through a massive transition right now, so in a way I think we are all playing catch-up. Advertisers need to think more about what they can do for and with consumers rather than just message at them. Digital has really opened up so many new opportunities, which makes it an exciting time to work in advertising.

4. It does. Leaping in and focusing on creativity then: What does it mean to you personally, especially with the word ‘creative’ as part of your daily duties?

Jung: I love working as a creative. It almost feels like cheating, as we're paid to do something that we love and are passionate about. To me, creativity as part of my daily duties means finding new and unexpected ways to engage people, whether it be through amazing storytelling, incredible craft, innovative technology or even a new service or product.

5. That’s for sure. Leave us with something we can implement right away – what’s the best way to get out of a creativity rut?

Jung: Sport. Red Wine. Art. Cocktails. But not in that order!

Colour me creatively inspired. Click here for more on Jung, remember to follow Marcel Sydney’s Twitter stream and click here to find out more about the Loeries’ 2016 jury presidents.