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WIM Awards 2026 launch “Inspiration” interview by Nicola Kemp, Editorial Director of our media partner, Creativebrief, with Women in Marketing Founder and CEO, Ade Onilude.

Ade shares her musings on the WHY behind the 2026 global theme The Year of Age Pt11-The Re-evolution era. Humanism, the Cannes Lions re-wind experience, the importance of championing YOU. Her very personal ritual of the healing power of music featuring the “7 King” and more.

“Sometimes you have to go back to the why in order to move forward.”

Ade Onilude, Founder and CEO of Women in Marketing, is explaining why the community interest company is playing the long game with the theme for its awards.

Revealing that the theme for Women in Marketing 2026 is the Year of Age part two, Onilude explains that the many facets of the Year of Age were too deep to limit to one year.

“2026 is the re-evolution era,” she explains, adding: “We are in an era of transformation.” Transformation requires bold leadership, as Onilude shares: “A great deal of a brand’s success will rely on the unique lens of the marketing leaders shaping this era.”

In a wider industry ecosystem in which we flip from trend to trend, from AI to influencer, while treating DEI as if it is disposable, Onilude’s long-term approach provides a powerful lens to better navigate the shifting sands and uncertainty facing the industry.

2026 is the re-evolution era.
Ade Onilude, Founder and CEO of Women in Marketing CIC

Cannes perspectives

Fresh from Cannes Lions, Onilude was intentional in staying ‘under the radar’ at the festival while at the same time ensuring she did much more than scratch the surface of the festival. Instead of being distracted by broadcasting her experience in real time on social media, she instead poured her energy into curating an agenda which genuinely inspired her.

Top of her list was The Stagwell Sports Beach as she believes that sports will be a positive space for growth and creativity. A fact reflected in the deep dive discussions around sponsorships, athletes and enquiries around the landscape of sports investment.

Onilude highlighted speakers including Toni Cowan-Brown, Advisor and Editor at Large at motorsport culture publication Esses, Louise McEwen, Chief Marketing Officer at McLaren Racing and Formula 1 driver Lando Norris. “The intersection of motorsport, fandoms and personal brand is compelling,” she shared.

The big trend at Cannes was the constant thread of being human.
Ade Onilude, Founder and CEO of Women in Marketing CIC

The Omnicom Inclusion Breakfast was another key source of inspiration for Onilude, who has been attending the event for many years when it was led by IPG. The breakfast focused on the idea that the future no longer belongs to the most scalable idea. Instead, it belongs to brands that move people first, recognise cultural signals earlier, and turn that understanding into work that truly resonates.

“The big trend at Cannes was the constant thread of being human,” Onilude explained, sharing that it is the in-between moments of the festival, from meeting new people to being supported by Adtech Agency Equativ, in curating a truly personal experience.

Elevating the change makers

For decades, Onilude has tracked the impact of macroeconomic factors on women in marketing.

She points to data from The World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report, which notes that women make up roughly 41% of the global workforce but only 29% of top leadership roles, with full economic parity estimated to take over 150 years.

“Women have felt a disproportionate impact from disruption and economic uncertainty, hence the need to incorporate support consistently,” she explains, adding: “The culture of an organisation will determine implementation and support; this includes equity support.”

When technology is such a disruptor, the onus will be on you to own your personal brand both internally and externally.
Ade Onilude, Founder and CEO of Women in Marketing CIC

The power of being yourself

Onilude has long advocated for the power of putting yourself forward. In the age of AI, deciding what it is you stand for and then standing for it all the time has never been more important.

She explains: “When technology is such a disruptor, the onus will be on you to own your personal brand both internally and externally.”

It is a shift which she believes means that companies and individuals alike need to be more intentional about celebrating success and showcasing expertise. “See investing in yourself as an asset, not a liability,” she adds. Pointing to a quote she recently saw on X: ‘Becoming yourself is the longest, most sacred rebellion’.

Celebrating the changemakers

At WIM, Onilude dedicates so much time and energy to celebrating the changemakers. When women win at the awards, Onilude often supports their career for the long run.

Onilude explains: “Alessandra Di Lorenzo was awarded The Change Maker Award in 2019, she was then CEO at Lastminute.com. Our relationship has continued post the awards. Alessandra’s career has evolved in 2026 to being an author, speaker, and advisor. I’m spotlighting her work that is aligned with Women in Marketing’s ‘Global’ ethics and AI and social impact slant.” She highlights her TEDX Talk ‘Is the Internet in Charge?’ (below).

She has been so impressed with Di Lorenzo’s work that she has nominated her to speak at the inaugural WIM CEE (Central Eastern Europe) Talks summit, which will be held in Bucharest this October. Alessandra will also be a judge for this year’s Women in Marketing Global Awards.

In a market where it is all too easy to treat people as disposable, the unique power of Women in Marketing is in the authentic support and elevation it provides for women in marketing.

As Onilude explains: “Despite uncertainty, the fundamentals of leadership still apply and that includes investing in people consistently.” An approach which ensures that companies and organisations alike can play the long game in both their career and their lives.

Inspired to do more: Enter the Global Women in Marketing Awards 2026

It’s time to elevate those who are shaping and influencing the global evolving landscape of marketing The Global Women in Marketing Awards 2026 are open. It’s another anniversary year as the awards are ‘Sweet Sixteen’ Click here to find out more.

The rejuvenating power of a rabbit hole
In an unrelenting ecosystem, it is not always easy to stay curious and creative, so we asked Onilude to share how global music superstars BTS are keeping her inspired.

With a background in luxury fashion, Onilude is not a traditionalist when it comes to looking for marketing inspiration. She looks to the intersection of arts, humanities and culture to drive her curiosity.

At a time when disappearing down a social media rabbit hole is often viewed as a distraction, Onilude’s passion for K-Pop superstars BTS, or the ‘7 kings’ as she calls them, underlines how immersing yourself in music can drive your curiosity.

Onilude believes that music is a global language, with the power to heal. Last year, the Global Women in Marketing Awards included a ‘Cultural Remix List’ which honoured music artists including Raye. When it comes to BTS, she is particularly interested in the intergenerational lens and how the band have successfully eschewed the traditional corporate formula to drive success via an alternative model. “Their philosophy is much more risk-oriented, but that is where the magic happens,” she explains.

To Onilude, BTS provides a blueprint for marketing leaders for many reasons, because of the global movement they have sparked. “The seven members also celebrate their individuality and all have their unique personal brands which continue to evolve,” she adds.

A powerful reminder that building your creativity and curiosity demands a consistent commitment to evolution. While you can’t go down every rabbit hole, the right one can have a rejuvenating effect both professionally and personally.