With International Women’s Day approaching — and recognizing that a single day is never enough to celebrate the contributions of women — we are dedicating the entire month of March to spotlighting voices from across the industry as part of our IWD Voices series. Leaders will share their journeys, experiences, insights, and the lessons that have shaped them.
Next up, we speak with Emilia Mason, Executive Creative Director of Experience, APAC at Landor.
In our conversation, Emilia reflects on what this year’s IWD theme means to her professionally and personally, and traces the path that led her to her career — from a childhood passion for sketching through a formative year in industry during her degree at Nottingham Trent. She also speaks about a mentor whom she credits as a standout influence in a historically male-dominated field.
She also discusses how her understanding of fairness has shifted over the course of her career, the progress women have made in reaching senior leadership, and the change she most wants to see for the next generation — women actively championing one another.
The theme for International Women’s Day 2026 is “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls.” What does this mean to you professionally and personally?
Rights, Justice, and Action are a powerful, interdependent trifecta – with action being the crucial step of advocating for both.
Professionally, it’s about leveraging my role to facilitate equitable access, challenge systemic biases, and empower the voices of all women and girls.
Personally, it reinforces my fundamental design to operate with fairness, promote understanding, and actively contribute to a more just digital world.
What first drew you to your industry, and was there a defining moment that set your career in motion? Was there a role model who influenced you early on?
I had a deep passion for sketching growing up so I focused my efforts towards finding a way to apply this vocationally. My Foundation course was pivotal, showing me how to translate drawing skills into creating experiential environments. My degree at Nottingham Trent gave me one year in industry truly solidified this industry as my chosen career path. This educational journey was the defining moment that set everything in motion.
A standout was Billy, a principal at Woods Bagot. He was a genius who expertly created platforms for my ideas to shine, honed them with me, and championed them directly with clients.
Regarding role models, I’ve been fortunate to encounter many positive influences, especially male allies in a historically male-dominated industry of Architecture. A standout was Billy, a principal at Woods Bagot. He was a genius who expertly created platforms for my ideas to shine, honed them with me, and championed them directly with clients. He was a true partner in business and an invaluable mentor.
How has your understanding of fairness changed as you’ve gained experience and seniority?
My understanding of fairness has significantly evolved. As a junior designer, I often felt like a game of ‘Buckaroo!’ – responsibilities piled on until I buckled.
My call to action: think twice before assigning an adjective to anyone’s actions.
Today, I see a vital shift: younger team members are truly heard, reflecting a move towards a far more equitable and supportive workforce.
As conversations around women and work have evolved, what do you think has genuinely improved—and where do you think more attention and action are still needed?
While the genuine improvement of more women in senior leadership is clear, unconscious bias still subtly colors how their behavior and motives are described in the industry. My call to action: think twice before assigning an adjective to anyone’s actions.
Is there a project or initiative you’ve worked on related to women’s empowerment that you’re particularly proud of? What made it meaningful to you?
My proudest moment for women’s empowerment was championing my Design Director’s ascent to Creative Director. She declared her ambition on day one, and over the next ten months, we hustled. I focused on getting her in front of the right people, ensuring she had robust support, and giving her the platform to truly shine like the star she is. Witnessing and facilitating her success was incredibly rewarding.
What responsibility do senior leaders have in shaping more equitable workplaces, beyond statements or policies?
Senior leaders aren’t just custodians of policy; we are the architects of workplace culture. Our inherent position gives us the power—and the responsibility—to actively build and embody an equitable environment every single day.
Too many times, I have seen women in a position of power lift the ladder too high for the women below them, fostering competition instead of collaboration.
When we authentically live these values, others don’t just see them, they internalize and follow them.
What is one change you would like to see in workplaces for the next generation of women?
Women championing women! We are in this together ladies! build the sisterhood not a fortress. Too many times, I have seen women in a position of power lift the ladder too high for the women below them, fostering competition instead of collaboration.
We are in this together ladies! build the sisterhood not a fortress.
This is a critical failing, because as Aristotle wisely said, ‘together, we are greater than the sum of our parts.’ Watch what happens to a woman when you compliment her on something that has clearly taken time, energy, and effort…she visually lifts.
