In recognition of International Women’s Day, Hanson Search is running an interview series throughout March showcasing female talent across the industries we work in.
In this interview, Rachel L’Estrange, Senior Consultant at Hanson Search, spoke with Kemi Akindele, Head of Corporate & Services at We. Communications, about the experiences that have shaped her leadership journey in PR. They discuss how advancing women into senior roles strengthens organisations and the importance of mentoring and supporting the next generation of female leaders in communications.
As a woman in PR, what challenges and opportunities have shaped your journey to leadership?
Becoming a mother recently added another dimension. It has sharpened my sense of what really matters, both in work and in life, and reinforced that leadership doesn’t have to look one way. There isn’t a perfect playbook, and that’s ok. Life and work are more than tick boxes.
How does advancing women into senior leadership strengthen business performance and stakeholder trust?
Organisations are operating in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment where trust is fragile and expectations are high. When leadership teams reflect a broader range of perspectives and lived experiences, they are better equipped to anticipate risk, understand audiences and make balanced decisions. That ultimately strengthens business performance and builds credibility with stakeholders. It also signals to employees and external audiences that progression is genuinely possible.
As a senior leader, how do you use your influence to drive meaningful change on gender equality?
It starts with creating opportunities. That can be as simple as ensuring women’s voices are heard in key meetings, championing talented individuals for stretch roles, or being transparent about balancing leadership with life outside work. Small actions matter, but over time they help create an environment where more women feel confident stepping forward into leadership.
If you were to name one woman in PR who influenced your leadership journey, who would that be?
It’s really hard to name one as so many women have influenced and supported me in my journey, directly and indirectly. What I will say is that I continue to be influenced every day. At We. I work with some amazing women. As part of our leadership team and within my function. They all influence me and challenge me every.
What advice would you give to the next generation of future female leaders in PR?
Stay curious and learn how businesses really work. The most effective communicators understand strategy, finance, risk and culture, as well as messaging. Don’t wait until you feel completely ready before stepping forward. Leadership often involves figuring things out as you go. Build comfort with difficult conversations. Advising leaders in moments of ambiguity is where trusted communicators earn their seat at the table. And remember that leadership isn’t about being everywhere or knowing everyone. It’s about building genuine relationships and creating space for others to succeed.
The theme for International Women’s Day 2026 is Give to Gain. When we give generously, we create more opportunities for women. What does Give to Gain mean to you in practice?
For me, Give to Gain means investing time and energy in others. That might be mentoring colleagues, sharing knowledge openly (don’t gatekeep), or simply checking in to see how someone is doing.
Sometimes it’s as simple as grabbing a coffee so someone feels seen or giving a shout-out when they’ve done great work. It’s not just the big gestures that matter, the small ones do too.
Whether you’re hiring top PR talent or considering your next career move, our team would be delighted to support you.
Rachel L’Estrange is a Senior Consultant heading up the Global Tech Desk, specialising in Communications, PR and digital roles across the tech and fintech sectors
Hanson Search is a globally recognised, award-winning talent advisory and headhunting consultancy. Our expertise lies in building successful ventures worldwide through our recruitment, interim and executive search.
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