With International Women’s Day just behind us — 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 Lauren Silvera, Associate Creative Director at INVNT.
In our conversation, Lauren reflects on what this year’s IWD theme means to her, drawing on her upbringing in Jamaica and her belief that action is where change lives. She traces her path into the industry from visual artist and CGI character modeler to creative strategist, and discusses how storytelling has remained the through line across formats ranging from film to experiential brand work.
She also discusses the distinction between mentorship and sponsorship as an under-addressed gap at senior levels, and the need to expand what strong leadership looks like beyond traditionally loud archetypes.
What does “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls.” mean to you professionally and personally?
This is a call to move beyond conversation and into conscious, daily action.
Professionally, it means creating environments where women are not only included, but genuinely seen – for their ideas, their leadership, and their creative power. It means building cultures where fairness isn’t reactive, but embedded. Where opportunity is not dependent on who speaks the loudest, but who brings value to the table.
Personally, it reminds me of my journey, growing up in Jamaica, raised by a single mother who modeled resilience, strength, and faith in possibility. “For ALL women and girls” means thinking globally and intersectionally. It means ensuring the next generation, whether in Sydney, Singapore, or anywhere else, feels that their voice matters and their dreams are valid.
Rights are foundational. Justice ensures access. But action, that’s where change lives.
What first drew you to your industry? Was there a defining moment?
I’ve always been a storyteller.
I began as a traditional visual artist in Jamaica before moving to Singapore to pursue film and animation. I worked as a CGI artist and 3D character modeler on a television series, creating characters that resonated with audiences on screen. That work was thrilling.
Rights are foundational. Justice ensures access. But action, that’s where change lives.
After finishing my last TV series, I felt something shift. I realised I wanted to tell more than one story. I wanted to explore multiple narratives, multiple brands, multiple challenges. I moved into creative strategy, and suddenly brands became my new characters to sculpt, shape, and build emotional resonance around.
The medium evolved from film to VR/AR/XR to experiential brand work, but storytelling has always remained the core.
Was there a role model who influenced you?
INVNT APAC’S Executive Creative Director, Sarah Bailey, has shown me what it looks like to lead with both excellence and balance. She creates psychological safety within our team, a space where creativity can thrive without burnout. In creative industries, passion can sometimes blur into overextension. Watching her champion both high standards, and human sustainability has shaped how I lead.
I can’t not mention my incredible mother – a single mother who worked tirelessly, encouraging me to pursue what I felt deeply called to. She taught me resilience and belief long before I understood the industry.
How has your understanding of fairness evolved as you’ve gained seniority?
Earlier in my career, fairness felt personal: Was I being recognised? Was I growing at the right pace?
True fairness is not about equal treatment in every moment, it’s about equitable access to opportunity.
Now, fairness feels systemic. It’s about ensuring structures allow others to rise, not just yourself. It’s about visibility, and creating transparent pathways for growth.
True fairness is not about equal treatment in every moment, it’s about equitable access to opportunity.
Have you experienced bias or inequity?
I feel fortunate to have worked in environments where I’ve largely been seen and celebrated for what I bring to the table.
That said, I recognise that fairness is not universal across industries or geographies. We cannot become complacent. Equity must be actively maintained, not assumed.
What systemic issues still need attention?
One area still under-addressed, namely sponsorship at senior levels. Many women are mentored, but fewer are actively sponsored into bigger rooms. There’s a difference between advice and advocacy. Justice in the workplace means decision-makers using their influence to elevate women into spaces of power and visibility.
Another area is redefining leadership archetypes. We still unconsciously reward traditionally loud leadership styles. Expanding what strong leadership looks like, whether strategic, empathetic, visionary, or collaborative, creates space for more women to thrive authentically.
Another area is redefining leadership archetypes. We still unconsciously reward traditionally loud leadership styles.
At INVNT, this shift is actively taking shape as the company expands with a leadership team that is redefining industry norms. Globally, women comprise 53% of INVNT’s team, with 50% of regional and division leads, 54% of the global Creative team, and 71% of the Innovation division, demonstrating a commitment to elevating female leadership at every level of the organisation.
This is what happens when the conversation about equity turns into action.
Is there a project related to women’s empowerment that you’re proud of?
Earlier in my film career, I worked on Supa Team 4 (now on Netflix), where all the main characters were female, including a grandmother as the lead hero. Being part of the team modeling these characters and seeing young girls watch the show and feel empowered was deeply meaningful.
Representation matters, especially when it defies age and stereotypes.
Another recent project that stands out was creatively directing a medical-based Roblox game for Ascension Foundation, where INVNT partnered with medical professionals and young people to introduce kids to careers in healthcare.
For many young girls, early exposure shapes what feels possible. Seeing women portrayed as leaders in medicine, not in supporting roles, but as decision-makers, reinforces belonging.
We were intentional about representation. The mayor, who served as the primary narrative voice guiding players, was a woman. A female doctor led the hospital unit as a central hero character. We also ensured the game world reflected racial and cultural diversity, so children from different backgrounds could see themselves represented in meaningful roles.
For many young girls, early exposure shapes what feels possible. Seeing women portrayed as leaders in medicine, not in supporting roles, but as decision-makers, reinforces belonging.
What responsibility do senior leaders have beyond policy?
Policies are the baseline. Culture is the real work.
Senior leaders must model credit-sharing, transparent communication, and psychological safety. Equity is built in small daily behaviors: who you interrupt, who you amplify, who you recommend for the next opportunity.
I feel fortunate to have worked in environments where I’ve largely been seen and celebrated for what I bring to the table.
Leaders must also normalise balance. Burnout should not be a badge of honour. Sustainable excellence creates space for women, especially those balancing multiple roles, to thrive long-term.
What behaviors do you model intentionally?
Authenticity.
I believe self-worth should never be tied solely to career progression. The strongest leadership comes from knowing who you are, strengths, flaws, and all.
In storytelling, audiences connect with both power and vulnerability. The same is true in leadership.
I aim to create environments where people feel seen, celebrated, and safe to grow. We openly cheer each other on. Recognition should be abundant.
What is one change you’d like to see for the next generation of women?
I would love for young women entering the workforce to never question whether they belong in leadership spaces.
Belonging should be assumed, not earned through overperformance.
Quick Hits
A trend you’re excited about:
The democratisation of creative tools, particularly AI. Coming from VR/AR and emerging tech, I’ve always believed tools expand storytelling. When used responsibly, AI can amplify creativity and accessibility rather than replace it.
A representation of women that inspired you:
“Dream Crazier” by Nike (2019) reframed labels often used against women as badges of honor.
Michelle Yeoh’s Oscar Speech (2023) was powerful without being divisive. It centered around perseverance, longevity, and possibility for women “who look like me.” It felt graceful and inclusive.
A piece of advice that stayed with you:
“Your true passion will show if you give yourself time to grow.”
I wrote and published a children’s book in 2019 called What Can Ally Do?, a story about a young girl discovering her talents through exploration and persistence.
Though written for children, the message is universal: growth is nonlinear. Try. Fall. Adjust. Listen inward. And don’t be afraid to ask for help along the way.
Connection accelerates growth.
