Though International Women’s Day is behind us, we continue to spotlight voices from across industries as part of our IWD Voices series, with leaders sharing their journeys, experiences, insights, and the lessons that have shaped them.
Next up, we speak with Laura McLuckie, a Scottish-born Radio Broadcaster at Busan English Broadcasting, in South Korea.
Laura reflects on what the IWD 2026 theme means to her as a media professional, and how she views the responsibility of those with a platform to advocate honestly and do no harm. She also addresses the difference between fairness and equity, and how her understanding of attending to both has evolved through her work with students.
She also discusses the performative nature of some women’s empowerment efforts and what genuine progress requires, and shares the workplace shift she hopes the next generation of women will benefit from.
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?
As a media professional, the theme feels more relevant than ever. The industry I work in is powerful and all-encompassing; it can be used to amplify the rights (justice & action) of women and girls, but it can just as easily – and profoundly – undermine them.
That makes responsibility and accountability critical. Of course, I can’t control other narratives, but I can use my voice and my platform (however small) to uphold the values I believe in. That means communicating honestly and authentically about the issues that are important to me, and encouraging others to do the same.
I think media professionals should hold themselves to something stronger than a journalistic code of ethics – and I strongly include platforms in this – to tell the truth as you know it and do no harm.
I’m fortunate to live and work in a community where women are largely seen, heard and respected, but the media environment itself still doesn’t do enough to protect women and girls (or boys), so for me, “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls.”, means using your platform to advocate when you can.
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?
As cliché as it sounds, I was born to perform. There’s a photo of me at about two years old holding a wooden spoon, singing along to Dick van Dyke in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
At around four years old, I remember going to sing in the “old folks home” with my grandfather on the organ, later getting involved in dance class, theatre school, and school productions.
I went from Falkirk Children’s Theatre Group on to formally study acting and performance, joined a couple of bands as lead vocalist, did my undergrad in mass media and communication – majoring in film – before starting my career in radio promotion with Beat 106 in Glasgow. From there, I worked with filmmakers, commercial productions, and eventually moved into broadcasting, hosting, and international MC work.
The defining moment came when I was around 13 years old. I played Gloria in my school’s production of ‘Return to the Forbidden Planet.’
Last year I directed a documentary and a short 3D film, and I’m in the middle of other media projects as well as struggling to finish my PhD dissertation; an eye tracking study on the cultivation effects of cross-cultural media – that’s a working title, don’t hold your breath.
The defining moment came when I was around 13 years old. I played Gloria in my school’s production of “Return to the Forbidden Planet.” After one of the songs, the audience started chanting my character’s name. I was hooked. It dawned on me that I can use my voice and my energy to create real emotional change in a room full of people. (I promise I only wield it for good) The stage has always beckoned me, whether the World Esports Summit or my grandmothers livingroom carpet.
As for role models, there wasn’t just one. I was influenced by many people; teachers, mentors, colleagues, radio hosts I’d never met. One unlikely influence was the Scottish talk radio host Scotty McClue, whom I listened to nightly from the age of about 10. He was hilariously mean, cheeky, unhinged – definitely something that shapes my own broadcasting style to this day.
How has your understanding of fairness changed as you’ve gained experience and seniority?
My understanding of fairness hasn’t changed, but my understanding of attending to it has. Life isn’t fair, but never give up striving for it. The struggle to protect fairness and equity is a noble and necessary one. I recently did a psychological ‘purpose finding’ exercise after reading Simon Squibb’s book What’s Your Dream. Apparently, I’m a mashup of the Artist-Guide-Advocate purpose archetype, motivated by justice and protecting others, helping them grow and using my talents to do it. It seemed suspiciously appeasing, but it makes sense.
Reflecting on this question, I recalled numerous occasions of resisting unfairness – as I get older, I’ve witnessed that those who experience unfairness are often the ones who have little power to change it. In my own work, particularly with students, I try to emphasize the difference between fairness and equity. Giving everyone the same opportunity doesn’t always lead to fair outcomes. But it’s nuanced and complex and that’s exactly why it’s worth striving for.
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?
One genuine improvement is awareness. Conversations about women’s lived experiences in the workplace are happening far more openly now. But awareness alone isn’t progress. I’ve also seen a lot more pushback since the rise of ‘Manosphere’ culture, but there are women and men out there fighting the good fight.
One genuine improvement is awareness. Conversations about women’s lived experiences in the workplace are happening far more openly now. But awareness alone isn’t progress.
To quote Peter Griffin, you know what really grinds my gears?… is the unironic performativity of women’s empowerment by good-intentioned allies. I’ve attended “women’s empowerment” events where the speakers were all women but the host asking the questions was a man, asking them that classic cliche women-only question: how do you balance work and family? Something men are rarely – if ever – asked about.
At the same event, women shared their opinions and experiences, and were immediately corrected or explained to by men in positions of authority. That kind of performative progress completely misses the point.
Real progress requires action and genuine listening, on loop. Empowerment also looks different depending on culture, geography, and personal circumstances, and that needs to be taken into consideration more than it currently seems to be.
Shout-out to my homeland, Scotland, the first country in the world to protect, in law, the right to access free period products for anyone who needs them.
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?
Much of my work in this area has been collaborative rather than individual. Over the years I’ve worked with many incredible women across different initiatives. One that stands out was participating in a production of The Vagina Monologues in Busan; it was so powerful, I would love to revisit that show.
I also regularly support residential childcare and family facilities through volunteering, fundraising, and awareness campaigns, and as the Busan Representative of the BCCK, I’ve been heavily involved with the Empower initiative through the British Chamber of Commerce Korea, helping expand conversations around women’s leadership here in Busan.
What makes these experiences meaningful is the community. Working alongside strong women (and by stong women I mean all women) who understand the challenges of their fields creates a sense of solidarity.
What responsibility do senior leaders have in shaping more equitable workplaces, beyond statements or policies?
The most important responsibility is listening without judgment. Too often, policies meant to support employees are designed by people who are far removed from the realities of those employees’ daily lives. Leadership should not mean making decisions in isolation but inviting the people affected by those decisions into the conversation and hearing what it is they actually need. No box ticking, no investor-first attitudes – senior leaders need to craft a culture that understands that work and life aren’t separate.
Effective leadership recognizes that people bring their whole lives into the workplace, and if the workplace is a good place to be, the awful term work-life balance will be defunct, which would make me happy.
If someone is struggling at work, it inevitably affects every other part of their life. Effective leadership recognizes that people bring their whole lives into the workplace, and if the workplace is a good place to be, the awful term work-life balance will be defunct, which would make me happy.
As a young woman leader, I’m happy to step uninvited into spaces that may have historically excluded women and make a little noise. Being Scottish and angry probably helps. I’m not afraid to pull up a chair at the table if one isn’t offered, or call out BS when I see it.
What is one change you would like to see in workplaces for the next generation of women?
I would like to see workplaces move beyond performative conversations and toward genuinely inclusive systems, where people are treated with fairness and equity, and where human experiences are accepted as such. And no more questions about work/family balance.
The next generation of women shouldn’t have to constantly justify their presence at the table or feel the need to overachieve to burnout just to be taken as seriously as their half-baked male counterparts.
The next generation of women shouldn’t have to constantly justify their presence at the table or feel the need to overachieve to burnout just to be taken as seriously as their half-baked male counterparts. Women and men should be working together to make the world, whether at the office, home, or online, a better place to raise our daughters and sons. And women need to be supporting women, period.
Quick Hits
A trend you are excited about, or not excited about
I’m excited to see more women leading in media, technology, and creative industries. Representation matters; it reshapes expectations for the next generation.
Also, Dubai Chewy Cookies
A creative campaign or representation of women that inspired you or made you feel seen (please share a link to a video or image)
Assume That I Can (WDD2024)
I felt a resounding burst of joy when I watched this. I go back to it regularly it makes me emotional every time.
A piece of advice that stayed with you longer than expected
“It’s not hard, it’s unfamiliar.” — My research professor
“All news is someone’s news.” — My Media Professor, on unbiased reporting.
