For video head to Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfkr4XPUo6o

S2 Ep10 Louise Watson; Seastar of Empower at Cannes Lions & Beyond The MelRose Show Decision Society

Welcome to the other side of that full moon and welcome to an exploratory conversation with the one and only Louise Watson of Empower Cafe! 

In this episode of The MELROSE Show, host MelRose interviews Louise Watson, Associate Director at Propeller and Co-founder of WACL Empower Cafe. They discuss the creation and impact of Empower Cafe, an initiative that provides inclusive spaces for women in the marketing and PR industry, both online and at major conferences like Cannes Lions. Louise shares her journey, the challenges of balancing a career with motherhood, and future plans for expanding Empower. The episode highlights the importance of inclusive environments and the collaborative support among women at industry events.

Some important notes for those attending Cannes Lions 2025.

The Empower Cafe is across from the Palais where the official Cannes Lions is hosted 16 June 2025 – 20 June 2025

L'Avenue Restaruant. Look for the red awning next to iHeart Radio's location.

Address is:

1-5 Square Mérimée, Cannes, 06400, France

Some important links. 

Also check out The Female Quotient lounge. In 2024 they let any females in on first few days. Get a wrist band. Go to their beauty salon first thing and first few days. Lots of freebies there. Hotel Martinez top floor.

https://www.canneslions.com/festival/festival-partners/the-female-quotient

Location: Hôtel Martinez — Suite 73173 Bd de la Croisette 06400 Cannes, France

Open: Monday: 8am-6:30 pm; Tuesday: 8am-7pm; Wednesday: 10am- 6:30 pm; Thursday: 8am-7pm

Admission: All are welcome, but must pre-register on The Female Quotient website

Other groups include Conscious Advertising Network:

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/conscious-advertising-network_canneslions2025-togetherwecan-consciousadvertising-activity-7330185475007082496-RBlz?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAACnhnVMBdIvUBkpNNo5-J4AU1N7OnGVZTik

AdWeek

https://event.adweek.com/awh_cannes_2025

And if you are a diverse attendee please connect into the whatsapp group! 

Be safe out there, ladies! 

https://web-eur.cvent.com/event/16ed6ea2-c9d2-4327-9a66-8690baab3491/summary

https://www.canneslions.com/partnerships/our-partners/wacl-empower-cafe-powered-by-propeller

https://events.propellergroup.com/

00:00 Introduction to The MELROSE Show

00:16 Guest Introduction: Louise Watson

00:32 Louise's Journey and Empower Initiatives

01:10 Conference Details and Listener Information

01:57 Interview with Louise Watson Begins

02:24 Louise's Background and Career Path

03:41 Creating Empower (Cafe) and Its Impact

05:24 Cannes Lions Experience and Empower (Cafe)

15:09 Balancing Career and Family

20:21 Navigating Maternity and Work

20:53 Supportive Community and Vulnerability

21:49 Balancing Family and Career

23:36 Exciting Programming and AI Discussions

25:31 Growth Marketing at Propeller

30:30 Empower Cafe's Impact and Future

32:22 Inclusivity and Networking at Conferences

39:34 Spiritual Equity and Kindness