How Cannes Lions' Laura Brown and Frank Starling Are Building an Inclusive Movement in Advertising

What began as taking different life paths for both Laura Brown and Frank Starling has evolved into a shared mission: building inclusive spaces in the advertising industry.

At just 21, Laura was made redundant with no savings, before she started temping as a receptionist at Cannes Lions. What seemed like a setback became a launchpad. Today, she is Cannes Lion's Head of Advancing Equitable Access and leads its See It Be It program — which builds inclusive spaces to help elevate women and nonbinary people's careers in advertising. 

For Frank, entering the work force early with a passion for improving his community in East London forged a relentless drive to make workplaces more inclusive. Now as LION's Chief DEI Officer, he's using his platform to build belonging across the advertising and communication industries.

Together, they unpack how See It Be It advances careers, focuses on retention just as much as recruitment, and how supporting regional communities play a vital role in sustaining inclusion efforts.

The Cannes Lions festival will take place from June 16 through June 20, 2025. Founders International Network is the official media partner for Cannes Lions' See It Be It Program.

This episode was produced by Hauwa Otori with help from Osheiza Otori. Music composed by Kevin Edwards.

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