In an enlightening conversation with Jen Sharpe, the visionary founder and managing director of Think HQ, we delve into the heart of what makes her leadership and the agency stand out in the realm of social change and women’s empowerment. Sharpe’s unique approach to fostering diversity, inclusion, and innovation not only shapes the culture at Think HQ but also drives impactful initiatives that resonate across communities. From overcoming personal and professional challenges to leveraging technology for social good, Jen shares insights that illuminate her journey and the transformative work of Think HQ.
Can you share an impactful campaign Think HQ led for International Women’s Day that advocated for gender equality or women’s empowerment?
Think HQ doesn’t need to lead an International Women’s Day campaign, because as a woman-owned business, all of our campaigns are women-led. While we have undertaken specific campaigns for issues such as women in construction, Trans & Gender Diverse awareness and domestic violence, we believe that our core values and the strength of what we do is around inclusive campaigns, which empower and reach women no matter their country of birth, sexuality, age or socioeconomic status.
How does your leadership style promote diversity and inclusion at Think HQ, and how does this drive purpose-led projects?
I did not grow up in the most ideal environment which saw a lack of support and resources. Rather than be defined by my earlier experiences, I have always strived towards living the life I want to live. That experience has shaped why I’m so passionate about inclusion – I am such a firm believer that a good person who wants to do good, should be able to, no matter their background. That’s why for us at Think HQ, inclusion is inextricably tied to a commitment to positive change projects, because it’s about social equality. It also makes smart business sense.
As a woman in communications, what challenges have you faced and overcome, leading to triumphs for you and Think HQ?
I certainly didn’t come from a wealthy background and had to personally bankroll Think HQ while doing mundane things like paying rent. I also had two children while establishing Think HQ, and there are certainly no maternity leave provisions for women who own and run businesses, nor are clients particularly sympathetic to those circumstances. I also have limited time for networking, because my time is mostly spent working on the business or spending time with my family.
What advice do you have for young women aiming for leadership in social change sectors?
First up, social change is hard. It’s filled with many setbacks and is always an ongoing challenge. It requires a sustained, genuine commitment over a long period of time, so don’t get fooled by flashy promises of immediate change. And be mindful of the substantial difference between marketing-led ‘purpose’ and a genuine commitment to positive behavior change.
How does Think HQ use new technologies or methodologies in campaigns for social good and women’s issues?
As a positive change agency, Think HQ is committed to a co-design model engaging the communities that our campaigns are specifically targeting. Gone are the days of two privileged creatives marching to the top of the hill to come up with solutions for problems they know nothing about. Our approach is all about working with specific community groups to understand the problem and work together to create a communications-based solution. We also have a technology team that have developed some amazing tech-based products designed to improve accessibility and inclusion. This includes an in-language Whatsapp chatbot and a community engagement tool that captures community feedback in-language (35 languages) and automatically translates into English for the user.
How do you manage the balance between professional demands and personal well-being, particularly during high-stress?
There is no work/life harmony when you run a big business, and there is also no such thing as a holiday. I’m amazed by how many unforeseen issues appear in the week leading up to a holiday, but I’ve now learnt to just accept that it’s all part of the job. I focus on the fact that I do have autonomy over what I do with my time, which is pretty cool. Although, I’m terrible at self-care – this is my year to do better!
During times of high stress, I’ll have friendly chats with my therapist, go for long walks and connect with my friendship group. My friends and family have a great way of putting things in perspective and keeping me humble.
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Jen’s journey with Think HQ is a testament to the power of resilience, innovation, and a deep-seated commitment to social change. Through her leadership, Think HQ has become a beacon for those looking to make a difference in the world, particularly in the areas of gender equality and women’s empowerment. Her advice to aspiring leaders and her approach to work-life harmony offer valuable lessons for anyone aiming to leave a positive mark on the world. As we wrapped up our conversation, it was clear that Jen’s impact extends far beyond the campaigns Think HQ leads; it’s embedded in the very fabric of how she views the world and inspires those around her to strive for a more inclusive and equitable society.
