“Sit at the head of the table,” Serena Anthony from GroupM

Meet Serena Anthony, Chief People Officer at GroupM, where she’s constantly looking for better ways to enrich and retain the company’s talented team across the US and Canada. Serena believes working environments should uplift and honor our different experiences and perspectives. In her role, she develops programs and initiatives to empower employees to do outstanding work. She’s also a part-time “momager” to her twin daughters as they pursue careers in the performing arts.

Serena joined Jocelyn Hudak, Director, Content and Digital Marketing and Sophie Anderson, Associate Director, Podcast Sales Marketing for a Pass the Mic interview at Advertising Week New York. Get ready for both empowerment and empathy, and give the full conversation a listen.

Focusing on the core of who we are as human beings—that’s what makes Serena such a powerful leader and effective Chief People Officer. We’ve captured some highlights below so you can let her wisdom sink in.

Sit at the head of the table.

Highlight: “If you want to assert yourself and have a voice, sit at the head of the table… it will feel very empowering. I tell my daughters now: feel free to sit at the head of the table. Don't take a sideline. You don't have to.” - Serena Anthony

Practice positive self-talk.

Highlight: “Women are hard on themselves. I have to constantly practice positive self-talk. And I have to constantly reiterate to my kids, ‘Guys, you know, I'm doing this for you, right? You know, I can do more for you if I'm doing this. And I want to see you be leaders.’ My assurance is actually seeing how my kids are developing right now. I'm so proud of them.” - Serena Anthony

Serena puts the “people” in Chief People Officer, putting employees first to foster their growth and help them reach their potential. Are you motivated to take your seat at tables in spaces where you’ll feel empowered? Check out more Pass the Mic content.