Let’s celebrate our Allies!
Do you have an ally in your organisation who amplifies your voice?
Does he champion women in the workplace?
Does he do what he can do to support you to do your job more effectively?
Perhaps he has hired a female led team?
Does he enable you to maintain a work life balance when you have challenges behind the scenes that may need some extra understanding?
You can nominate for your own reasons but an emPOWER Ally needs to be 'for you' in any way that shows up as being meaningful to you.
​
Let's celebrate our Allies! We can't wait to hear the stories and your WHY.
Please send a headshot and bio of both your Ally and the person nominating, and a story in your words as to why you are showcasing them to production@theempowerbreakfast.co.uk.
Tim Page has been nominated!
Anyone who knows Tim will know this is richly deserved. Nominated as an emPOWER Ally by his friend and Co Founder Jody Allison, Tim is known by many and loved by all. This is what Jody had to say:
‘Tim & I have worked together (with a couple of gaps) since March 2003. He ran a primarily female TV department at RKCR/Y&R for 17 years, by design, choosing the right people for the job. Tim & I went into business together in 2017, and now HeadsUp is made up of three partners, two of which are female.
Tim has always been the most kind, fair and genuinely supportive individual. He is non-judgmental, respects the importance of family and life outside work, and is quick to give praise and public applause where it’s due. He is known by many as one of the kindest men in advertising. He’s also bloody good at his job and a great example of what a great Producer looks like.
I would not want to be in business with anyone else. He really is really one of my best friends and I am honoured to call him my Business Partner.’ - Jody Allison
We CELEBRATE emPOWER Ally Tim Page!
Carr Shilling is emPOWER’s third Ally
Nominated as an emPOWER ally by his friend and Co Founder Kayt Hall and WOW does she have burning bright words of praise to share.
This is what Kayt had to say:
‘My unfailing ally is Carr Schilling, Managing Partner at Cabin Edit. He and I started a conversation about setting up Cabin Europe in the summer of 2021. We talked about what Cabin Europe might look like, we had a clear vision. I was thrilled by the idea but I had two non negotiable points: Equality and Balance.
The equality was easy because Carr backs women in the workplace not because it’s the right thing to do but because it’s who he is and how he operates. How Cabin operates. Balance was easy too. When I discussed my need for flexibility, he said something along the lines of “I trust you and I’m empowering you to do what you need. You do you. You have all my support”. And that’s how we roll together. He gets me, he gets it, he supports me, he pushes me, he guides me, he respects me, he trusts me, he believes in me. I could not ask for more and I am better at what I do as a result.
Thank you Carr for being my ally and thank you emPOWER for giving me the opportunity to nominate him.’
We CELEBRATE emPOWER Ally Carr Schilling!
PC of Yellow Boat Music joins the growing list of
emPOWER Allies
Paul Cartledge has been nominated as an emPOWER ally by his friend Rosabella Gregory and what a gorgeous story of friendship and support that she shares.
This is what Rosabella had to say:
‘I nominate Paul Cartledge of Yellow Boat Music. PC (as he is affectionately known) was introduced to me by my dear friend, Phil Jewson in 2002. Back then, I was a budding singer-songwriter and Phil and PC needed a female vocalist for a TVC. From that moment on, I gained a mentor, advocate, and life-long friend. Over two decades, we have shared many musical adventures, from the cut-throat world of Pop to my more recent commissions in Opera and Theatre. PC is meticulous and - I’d wager - has the best ears in the business. But I am nominating him because he has that rare quality: integrity.
One particular memory stands out and offers a glimpse of PC’s character. I was in my late twenties, scraping a living as a session musician, disillusioned by an industry that had regressive and reductive ideas about female composers, artists, producers. Looking back, this was a critical moment of spiritual jeopardy for me. Standing on the doorstep of my rented flat, my phone buzzed. PC was calling. I didn’t tell him what I was facing. We talked schedules and my availability. Then, calm, measured, he quietly said, “Keep going, Rosie. True talent rises to the top and you will”. I think he saved an important piece of my soul that day.
I am delighted to have the opportunity to celebrate someone who cares so deeply for the people around him’
We CELEBRATE emPOWER Ally PC!
Tom Box has been nominated!
Tom Box, Founder of Blue Zoo has been nominated by New Biz Consultant Nicky Flemming!
‘I want to nominate Tom Box at Blue Zoo Animation who I met when he had just left Uni and set up the company with classmates. Now they are nearly 400 strong with 5 BAFTA’s and 3 x Emmy awards. Tom is co-founder and joint managing director of Blue Zoo Animation. Since the early years, Tom has consistently prioritized gender diversity in hiring practices. As part of their B Corp commitment, Blue Zoo assess the balance of females to males monthly. The percentage of women in senior management has risen by 40%. Under Tom’s leadership, the senior management team actively engages with staff to drive continuous improvement. For example, when planning our new office, a company-wide survey was conducted to incorporate everyone’s input. This approach ensures that staff feel heard and valued. The company’s policies reflect a commitment to work-life balance and inclusivity:
* Flexible work arrangements, including no mandatory office attendance, allowing parents more time with their children
* An environment where female workers feel their voices are heard
* Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
* Career Pathways
* Encourage and support shared parental leave
* Pregnancy Loss Policy
* Policies to support breastfeeding mothers and menopause
* We have an employee resource group for parents and caregivers
* Established an Executive team to govern our studio’s strategy and accountability, which is majority female.
These practices have fostered a respected working environment, evidenced by the long tenure of many full-time staff members, some of whom have been with the company for 20 years. Blue Zoo has won ‘Best Places to Work in TV’ four years in a row, and placed 19th in 100 Most Loved UK Workplaces in 2023.As a working parent, I champion this approach. It brings out the best in all staff, benefiting women balancing career and family responsibilities.’
​
We CELEBRATE emPOWER Ally Tom Box
Barny Wright is not only an Ally but also the first speaker of the emPOWER Men series!
Barny Wright, Partner and MD of No.8 has been nominated by New Business and Marketing Director Mary-Ann D’cruz and EP Ollie Ireland.
They had this to say:
'We nominate Barny Wright, MD for his commitment to supporting women in the post-production industry. Recognising the gender disparities that exist in this field, Barny has actively championed initiatives that foster inclusivity and provide opportunities for women. His leadership has seen No.8 London implement hands on training for entry level staff , advocate for equitable hiring practices, and create a work environment that prioritises diversity.
Barny's dedication to empowering women in post-production not only challenges industry norms but also sets an example of how leadership can drive meaningful change.’
We CELEBRATE emPOWER Ally Barny Wright!
Well done Barny!! Not only is Barny a force for good in terms of diversity and inclusion for under represented talent, amplifying the voice for women in the industry he is also a meaningful voice when it comes to his own personal challenges navigating his journey of sobriety. On the 23rd of June this year he was 2000 days sober. A milestone. Barny is no stranger to ‘doing the work’ facing down his fears with brutal self honesty…Barny is an exceptional example for the men in his network, having learned to sit with his emotions, learned how to self care when tensions rise. He is modelling the behaviour that he wants to see. We are thrilled to take this opportunity to share that Barny is going to be the first speaker in the emPOWER Men series launching in 2025. There will be more news on this coming through soon, so watch this space and big up Barny!
We Celebrate You!