Cannes Lions 2025 Empower Cafe
S2 Episode 10: Louise Watson; Seastar of Empower Cafe, Empowering women at Cannes Lions & Beyond
Welcome to the other side of that full moon (Full Moon was on June 11 in Sagittarius Strawberry Moon 7:43 a.m. ET - Next major moon is June 25 - New Moon in Cancer 10:31 a.m. ET.
Welcome to an exploratory conversation with the one and only Louise Watson of Empower Cafe, WACL, and Propeller.
To watch the video content go to Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfkr4XPUo6o
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.
I had THE best time at Cannes Lions 2024 largely thanks to the Empower Cafe and Louise, and her husband. ;) If you go to the festival of creativity, this is a must join community if you are a woman.
Some important notes for those attending Cannes Lions 2025:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/empower-community-network/posts/?feedView=all
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
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/
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-6:30pm; Tuesday: 8am-7pm; Wednesday: 10am- 6:30pm; Thursday: 8am-7pm
Admission: All are welcome, but must pre-register on The Female Quotient website
https://events.thefemalequotient.com/canneslions25
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!
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