International Women’s Day is just around the corner, but a single day is hardly enough to recognize the impact of women shaping industries, communities, and culture worldwide.
As part of our continuing series, we’re spotlighting voices from across the industry, sharing their journeys, experiences, and perspectives on leadership, mentorship, and inclusion.
This time, Sharon Lewis, Executive Director of Accounts at INVNT Innovation – the division’s first hire in 2021. Recognized as ‘Asia’s Women Super Achievers’ in 2024 by the World Women Leadership Congress & CMO Asia and among Eventex’s ‘Top 50 Most Influential in Events’ in 2023 and 2024, Sharon is a digital marketing expert with over two decades of global experience across APAC, EMEA, and the UK.
Over the course of our conversation, Sharon reflects on this year’s IWD theme, the ongoing work to foster a more diverse and equitable industry, the important role mentorship plays, and more.
The theme for International Women’s Day 2025 is “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.” What does that mean to you professionally and personally?
Regardless of where you were born, what you look like, and what you do “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment” is more than just a theme – it’s a global call to action.
Throughout my career, I’ve witnessed firsthand across APAC, North America and EMEA the transformative power of representation, inclusion, and opportunity. As a leader in the digital and brand experience industry, where innovation thrives on diverse perspectives, I strive to foster environments where women are empowered to lead, innovate, get out of their comfort zone and ‘challenge everything’.
Mentoring young professionals and championing diversity in our industry is not just a passion – it’s a responsibility. Having a 7-year-old daughter makes this mission even more personal, fuelling my determination to shape a future where gender is never a barrier to success.
I strive to foster environments where women are empowered to lead, innovate, get out of their comfort zone and ‘challenge everything’.”
This theme is a reminder of the incredible women who have paved the way and the responsibility we all share to create a world where every girl and woman has the right to dream, achieve, and thrive. True empowerment comes not just from breaking barriers but from building bridges so that more can cross.
What first drew you to the industry? Was there a defining moment or experience that shaped your path?
I have always been drawn to creative technology – constantly taking the unknown path, challenging traditional thinking where every day my role is different, but with a laser focus on the future… it’s where I thrive.
Growing up surrounded by strong, trailblazing women – my mother and grandmother – female rights, equality, and empowerment weren’t just an idea; they were a way of life. I never saw it as a ‘thing’ until my mid-20s, when, as a young leader managing a large team, I was confronted with the reality of gender bias.
Growing up surrounded by strong, trailblazing women – my mother and grandmother – female rights, equality, and empowerment weren’t just an idea; they were a way of life.”
Regardless of whether they had good intentions, two highly respected male leaders from different industries told me, “You’re paid really well for your age” (when I questioned why my 2IC, who was an older male, was basically on the same wage as me) and “You won’t go back to work after having kids”.
That was the moment I realised: female rights, equality and empowerment aren’t just inherited – it must be actively fought for, challenged, and reinforced at every level.
Is there a person or persons who inspired you professionally on your career journey?
My mother has been, and continues to be, my greatest inspiration. A visionary female leader in the APAC region, she has shattered every barrier in her path – proving that resilience and determination can redefine industries. But she hasn’t just broken glass ceilings; she’s built bridges, uplifting and empowering women at every stage of their journey.
My mother has been, and continues to be, my greatest inspiration. A visionary female leader in the APAC region, she has shattered every barrier in her path.”
She embodies the very essence of female empowerment and the ideal mentor – fiercely strong, endlessly positive, and deeply humble. She leads with kindness, razor-sharp intelligence, and an extraordinary balance of EQ and IQ. Her work ethic is unmatched, her respect unwavering, and her instincts always spot on. I am beyond fortunate to call her my mum.
What’s a key lesson you’ve learned in your career that has shaped how you work today?
You can achieve anything you aspire to in life. You just need to believe in your ability and set your mind to it.
How has mentorship played a role in your career – both as someone receiving guidance and as a mentor to others? What have been your most meaningful takeaways from these relationships?
Mentorship has always played a really strong role in my career and absolutely shaped who I am today.
Receiving guidance has been crucial in how I have learnt to deal with specific situations and personalities, the paths that I have chosen as well as helping me to think laterally – instead of emotionally fuelled responses. They have taught me how to think for the business and myself, the importance of healthy debates, to trust my intuition and the significance of challenging the ways things are normally done.
Receiving guidance has been crucial in how I have learnt to deal with specific situations and personalities, the paths that I have chosen as well as helping me to think laterally”
Through mentoring others not only does this keep me humble but I can see positive changes in their approach to work, how they handle certain situations and having more confidence to diplomatically challenge different situations/their thinking.
How can organizations effectively champion diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), especially in the face of current challenges? What specific strategies have you found effective?
As a standard rule for key meetings, pitches or events – from gender, age, race, and everything in between; always sense check whether there is a good balance of diversity. I find myself doing this ALL the time, and the important thing is that I call it out. Because if no one says anything, nothing will change.
I’m incredibly proud to work for INVNT who champion IMPACT at all levels globally. Some company statistics at the time of writing this:
- Global – 50% of regional & division leads are female identifying
- APAC – 66% of Senior Leadership are female identifying
- Global Creative Division – 54% are female identifying
- Global Innovation Division – 71% are female identifying
An inclusive culture is something that we work really hard to maintain at INVNT, and have a global IMPACT committee that spearheads our initiatives – some of which include:
- Comprehensive parental leave for primary and secondary parents
- Flexible return to work arrangements for returning parents – be it part-time, reduced hours, etc
- Quarterly wellness day
- 5th week of bonus leave
On a personal level, I have never worked for an agency that actively aims to alleviate the stress of “work/life balance” that comes so naturally to working parents. The ongoing initiatives and support at all levels throughout the agency are unrivalled.
Is there a project or initiative you’ve worked on that you’re particularly proud of? What made it meaningful to you?
We recently partnered with one of the world’s leading airlines to revolutionise their employee experience using emerging technology. From asset digital twins to Virtual Reality training, Augmented Reality experiences, creating virtual worlds and gamified learning; this was one of the most ambitious projects of its kind globally.
I’m incredibly proud that the INVNT Innovation executive team leading this initiative was 60% female-identifying, with our diverse project team representing a wide range of ages, races, and genders. This project broke barriers, shattered stereotypes, and proved that innovation thrives on diversity – because exceptional talent knows no boundaries.
Quick Hits:
A trend you are excited about:
I am ALWAYS excited about emerging technology, and how it can solve real world problems. Spatial computing, digital twins and immersive films are specifically exciting for me in the year ahead. As Sarah Bailey states, “We’re not just responding to trends – we’re shaping them.”
Favorite creative campaign that has most inspired you: This is an oldy, but a goody.
A great strategy that recognises a real world problem, partnered with a brilliant creative idea powered by technology.
A quote that guides you:
I have two that I live by:
“You have to believe in yourself when no one else does” – Serena Williams
“Failure is a great teacher and, if you are open to it, every mistake has a lesson to offer.” – Oprah Winfrey
