149. Becoming the Role Model You Never Had, with Christine Smith

In this episode, Katy is joined by award-winning creative director Christine Smith to explore the topic of role models and their critical importance, particularly for women in the creative industries.

Christine shares her personal journey of navigating a male-dominated field, describing how she spent her early career without any female figures to look up to. This gradual realisation shaped her mission to become the kind of role model she never had, especially for the next generation of fearless female creatives in Denmark and beyond.

The conversation delves into identity, reinvention, and the freedom that comes with creating your own path. Christine talks openly about how moving to London allowed her to explore who she truly wanted to be, both professionally and personally. From changing her appearance to challenging industry norms, she embraced a bold transformation that reflected her creative spirit. Fashion became a key medium of self-expression, one that eventually played a powerful role in a pivotal moment at Cannes Lions 2022, where Christine took a stand for body positivity by wearing a striking outfit that challenged the industry's standards.

Katy and Christine also tackle the ongoing challenges around diversity and inclusion in the creative world, particularly in Denmark, where the landscape remains overwhelmingly white and male. Christine stresses the importance of visibility and representation, arguing that seeing people who look like you doing what you aspire to do is essential for building confidence and ambition. She notes that while some progress is being made, there’s still a long way to go—especially when it comes to leadership and ownership in the industry.

Mental health is another vital topic discussed in the episode. Christine opens up about her personal experiences with anxiety and burnout, and the difficult—but—empowering decision to take time off and begin medication. She reflects on how stigma around mental health still affects leaders, particularly women, and emphasises the need to normalise these conversations. Her honesty is both refreshing and inspiring, reminding listeners that strength comes not from hiding our struggles but from facing them and taking responsibility for our well-being.

The episode ends with advice for younger creatives who may be struggling to find role models of their own. Christine suggests looking beyond the industry to find people who share your values and energy, and using that inspiration to shape a creative identity that feels authentic and empowering.

Packed with candid insights, empowering moments, and a healthy dose of humour, this conversation celebrates courage, reinvention, and the power of lifting others as you rise.

This season is proudly sponsored by the School of Communication Arts.