Rashell Habib is head of digital news and strategy with 10 News First at Paramount Australia and was previously deputy news editor of Network 10. A former News Corp journalist, she was at News Local for several years before becoming social media editor for news.com.au.
Whether it was watching Lee Lin Chin, Sandra Sully or Jana Wendt on the news or reading the brilliant pieces by Kate McClymont, it’s undeniable that my career has been influenced by the women that have come before me and who surround me.
Without realising it, these women and many others, by simply being the best at what they do and not allowing gender to define their careers, were core mentors.
Making my way through the media landscape as a female journalist was not an easy one, but it was made easier by women who instinctively took me under their wings and mentored me, not only in the craft of journalism but how to survive and thrive in an industry where, at the time, women were not seen as the most vital piece of a newsroom.
I remember vividly when I first met Sarrah Le Marquand, now editor-in-chief of Stellar, at News Corp, dressed in bright pink, the epitome of femininity and the most educated, brilliant woman in the room. She taught me, without realising it, that you didn’t need to change who you are to be the best at what you do. You didn’t need to play the part of a man.
Another memorable meeting and friendship was and is Lisa Muxworthy, now editor-in-chief at news.com.au Lisa is smart, kind, strong and nurturing without relinquishing the brilliance and strength of her art.
Having women to look up to, to share their stories, to lead by example, has been one of the most beneficial things that has helped me get to where I am. You cannot be the change you cannot see.
I just hope to be able to be that change that younger women in media can look to. And to not do the women who came before me the disservice of changing who I am, my core ethos, in order to placate an archaic tradition.
Having women in media telling stories that would often be overlooked, or told from a viewpoint that would not usually be included, is pivotal to speaking to audiences across the globe.
We as women in leadership positions in media are in such a privileged position to continue to change the landscape and to inspire. Our influence should never be diminished, nor should we see ourselves as mere workers, because some young girl out there is looking to us, to you, and seeing herself. That is an honour we cannot take for granted.