Breakthrough with Lindsay Pattison - Clarity. Resilience. Empowerment.

In this series, we ask our people to define what 'Breakthrough' means to them, both from a career standpoint and a personal note.

Our next issue features Lindsay Pattison, Global Chief People Officer, WPP.

What does ‘breakthrough’ mean to you?

A moment of clarity; often a shedding of a previous tightly held thought – often a restriction - with an idea that provides clarity of action. The word itself implies some sort of ‘battle won’, and a clearing of mist.

What’s been the most inspiring personal breakthrough in your life?

My granddaughter going from life support and a medical recommendation to turn life support off, to her battling though and continuing to grow and thrive 9 months on. She, and her parents are incredible.

What was the breakthrough moment in your career?

When I was made CEO of Maxus in the UK, I realised I was the one ‘in charge’. Being a ‘CEO’ was something anyone could in fact do. It reminded me of when I first drove solo after passing my test; I looked next to me and behind and I was liberated…! But I also knew I had to be responsible. It was exciting, freeing and made me nervous…in a good way! 

Tell us about a piece of work you were involved with that you would define as a breakthrough.

When I head the first ‘Walk the Talk’ program in the US for senior women across Maxus. The insight, sharing, and unlocks were inspirational for the 60 women in the room that week, and enabled them to breakthrough any issues and unleash their bigger game.

What breakthrough in this industry - achieved by someone else - do you really admire? What do you admire about it?

I admire how Alex Mahon at Channel 4 has really broken through the unspoken issue of the menopause; understanding and adapting the workplace for those going through this, is now more normal. One of the last taboos has been surfaced and it's helped so many women across the workforce be able to talk and cope and better manage something that affects every woman, so half our industry (and note, this is much further ahead in the UK than many other markets, so we need the rest of the world to follow suit).