Cannes Lions 2020: Swati Bhattacharya is 'See It Be It' ambassador again

The organisers of the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity have announced that applications are open for 'See It Be It' 2020. 

 

Spotify has joined hands with Cannes Lions for the initiative. 'Se It Be It' is an initiative aiming to achieve equal gender representation of creative directors and leaders across the global industry. 

 

Swati Bhattacharya, chief creative officer, FCB Ulka has been appointed as the 2020 'See It Be It' ambassador and Madonna Badger, CCO and founder of Badger & Winters, is 'See It Be It' chair. Bhattacharya was appointed as last year’s ambassador too, but due to a serious personal incident, she was not able to travel and take up her position. 

 

Fifteen women from across the world will be selected to take part in the 'See It Be It' talent accelerator programme in 2020. Participants receive a VIP Cannes Lions experience which includes a pass, accommodation and travel for the Festival which takes place between 22-26 June. 

 

Danielle Lee, global VP, partner solutions, Spotify and See It Be It mentor, said, “This is Spotify’s third year partnering with See It Be It and the reason is simple. 'See It Be It’s' mission to provide a platform for creative female voices around the world seamlessly aligns with Spotify’s ethos of creating spaces for all voices to be heard. Creative and marketing should lead the way in reflecting the audiences they serve. We’re excited to lift up the 2020 class as they are sure to inspire us.”

 

Bhattacharya said, “It is an honour to be given a second chance to be the 'See It Be It' ambassador. Last year was hugely devastating, but the incredible support I received from the 'See It Be It' team was so special. They focused, not on what I was missing, but how they were missing me. This kind of support is what makes 'See It Be It' so vital to the industry. My career would not have succeeded without support and I want to share my story with others. Leadership is a beautiful dance between work, life, and love - and whatever decision you take – if you’re supported - it makes anything possible.”

 

Badger said, "Every year, the women of 'See It Be It' do an exemplary job at showing off the shift towards parity and diversity that is happening in the creative industry. As a mentor, I have listened to the inspiring, ‘against all odds’ stories and challenges of rising female leaders from all over the world. It makes me proud to see how this programme has paved the way for them and continues to challenge the gender gap between male and female creative directors.”

 

Louise Benson, VP of festivals, Cannes Lions, added, “It is incredible to watch 'See It Be It' grow into a global, committed community of women who are empowering each other to progress into leadership roles in the industry. I would like to extend my thanks to the team – Swati, Madonna and to everyone at Spotify - for their tireless support and energy to make the 2020 programme the very best it can be. We can’t wait to see the applications from women around the world.”