Jenna Nicole
Marketing Director, AbsoluteLabs
📍Newbury, UK
What qualities do you think leaders need to have in today’s world?
I believe effective leadership is about navigating challenges while spotting opportunities others might miss, all while staying anchored to a clear vision of the end goal. Leadership is never a one-person effort. The strongest leaders harness the strengths around them, bring people with them on the journey, and recognise that the most meaningful success is shared success.
Working in marketing, where the landscape evolves constantly, I’ve seen how important it is to balance strategic thinking with emotional intelligence. Stay humble, build trust, communicate with clarity and empower diverse teams to challenge ideas and drive innovation. Modern leadership is less about hierarchy and control, and more about agility, innovative thinking, and self-belief.
If you had to describe your leadership style in one word, what would it be and why?
Collaborative.
How does your company’s Pledge 1% program help shape the kind of workplace culture you believe in?
We have a great culture already, but as we grow, we need to foster that same spirit of collaboration and purpose while continuing to give back to the communities and organisations we’re part of.
This year marks the 7th year of Pledge 1%’s #WomenWhoLead campaign. How can companies champion and support female leadership?
Companies can champion and support female leadership by creating environments where women are encouraged to step forward, lead, and shape decision-making at every level. That means building clear pathways for progression, supporting mentorship and sponsorship, and fostering cultures where diverse perspectives are genuinely valued and heard.
Research shows that companies with gender-diverse executive teams are around 25% more likely to outperform financially, demonstrating that supporting female leadership isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s also good for business.
If you could write a note to your younger self on her first day of work, what would it say?
Believe in yourself more than you think you should. Don’t doubt your place in the room, you’ve earned it. Ask questions without worrying about being an inconvenience; curiosity is how you learn and grow. Back your ideas, speak up with confidence, and remember that strength often comes from trusting your own instincts.
