Empowering Women in Marketing: A Leadership Q&A with Lexi Clarke

ActionRocket Agency Director, Lexi Clarke, recently had the honour of joining the Women in Partnerships Panel at a highly anticipated Braze event, attended by 200 industry professionals. Themed, Leading with Kindness to Succeed in Partnerships, Lexi shared her invaluable insights on the power of mentorship, the importance of uplifting women within and beyond the workplace, and the value of confidently advocating for yourself. Here, she shares more in this in-depth Q&A.

The theme of the talk was Leading with Kindness to Succeed in Partnerships. What does this mean to you?

This was a hard one – partnerships for me started early in my career. I was lucky enough to get my first job at eCircle, and that experience taught me a lot about connection, friendship, and what works (and what doesn’t) when growing a company. I say that now because the people I worked with then, I am still learning from today. A special shout-out to Michelle from Antavo, who has recently taken the time to talk through my partnership opportunities for ActionRocket and Antavo. I look forward to getting things kicked off!

What does Leading with Kindness look like in your role at ActionRocket?

It’s about ensuring kindness is woven into everything we do at ActionRocket. From kindness awards to our structured career pathways, we ensure that support and recognition are part of daily life. We also foster psychological safety, so people feel confident taking risks, sharing honest feedback (even in tricky conversations), and contributing new ideas. All of these things drive personal and collective growth.

What actionable steps can agencies and brands do to lead with kindness?

Leading with kindness starts with transparency because being clear and open in communication builds trust. That involves creating spaces for open conversations where honest feedback is encouraged. It’s also about making sure that effort is recognised, not just results, because the hard work behind the scenes matters. Prioritising mental well-being and work-life balance is another key piece since we know people perform their best when they feel supported. And finally, choosing to work with partners who share your values makes a huge difference.

The panel touched on navigating constant evolution in career paths. How do you approach continuous growth and adaptability as a leader?

By staying curious. I surround myself with people who challenge me, invest in lifelong learning, and seek inspiration from different industries and disciplines. As a reflexologist, I’m also fascinated by how our minds and bodies work, which influences my holistic leadership approach – balancing logic, intuition, and well-being to create successful teams at the agency.

Sitting on a panel like this is a significant platform. Can you share a memorable moment or standout comment from the discussion that resonated with you?

One comment that really stuck with me was about how kindness isn’t just a 'nice to have' in leadership – it’s a business advantage. When leaders build relationships based on trust and empathy, partnerships last longer, teams perform better, and creativity flourishes. It reinforced everything I believe about leading with purpose.

You spoke about empowerment and mentorship. How has mentorship shaped your journey, and what advice would you give to someone seeking a mentor?

Mentorship has been a game-changer for me. From my early days in CRM to leading an agency, I’ve learned the value of having someone challenge, support, and guide me. My advice is to find a mentor who aligns with your values, then ask thoughtful questions and be proactive in applying their insights. And don’t forget – mentorship is a two-way street. Be open to giving as much as receiving.

Is there a piece of advice or wisdom from another female leader that has stuck with you throughout your career?

"Put on your own oxygen mask first." A reminder that self-care isn’t selfish – it’s essential. You can’t lead effectively if you’re running on empty.

For women aspiring to leadership roles in marketing, what skills do you think are essential in today’s business landscape?

There are so many, but here are five essential qualities…

1. Emotional intelligence – understanding people is key.

2. Adaptability – marketing evolves fast and leaders need to pivot.

3. Strategic thinking – seeing the bigger picture, not just the next task.

4. The ability to communicate with clarity and confidence.

5. A growth mindset – never stop learning.

What’s the one piece of advice you’d give to someone just starting out in their marketing career, who’s hoping to eventually become a leader?

Say yes to opportunities that push you out of your comfort zone. Every challenge is a chance to learn something new and develop resilience.

Finally, what message do you hope readers will take away from this Q&A and the broader conversation on women in leadership?

That leadership isn’t about fitting into a mould – it’s about bringing your whole self to the table. Kindness and ambition are not mutually exclusive. Build your career with purpose, invest in relationships, and lift others as you climb. The future of leadership is human, and that’s a powerful thing.

At ActionRocket, we believe in amplifying conversations about inclusivity in the marketing industry to inspire change and celebrate the voices shaping the future of our field. Looking to partner with an agency that’s innovating in our work and our culture? Get in touch.