In recognition of International Women’s Day 2025 on 8th March, IAB Europe is celebrating the incredible women who help shape our organisation and industry. This year’s theme, ‘Accelerate Action’, reflects the drive, dedication, and leadership that fuel progress within our business and beyond.
Throughout March, we’re highlighting the diverse roles, experiences, and achievements of the women at IAB Europe.
Today, we’re excited to introduce Colombe Michaud! Originally from France and now soaking up the sunshine in Egypt, Colombe is our New Products & Services Director. With over 10 years of industry experience, she’s on a mission to get fresh, innovative products or services off the ground for IAB Europe. When she’s not turning big ideas into reality, she’s unraveling the mysteries of parenthood, savouring a cappuccino, or diving into something new to learn. Here’s what she had to say!
Q. What challenges have you faced as a woman in this industry, and how did you overcome them?
As an introvert, making myself heard hasn’t always been easy. In meetings and discussions, there’s often someone louder who commands attention, sometimes with good reason but not always. Overcoming this has been about persistence - continuing to work hard, staying true to my values, and refusing to let others’ perceptions define me. In the end, dedication, resilience, and a strong belief in your own value will always pay off.
Q. How do you approach leadership, and what’s the most important lesson you’ve learned in a leadership role?
It is not easy to be a good leader, but I believe the best leaders lead by example. The best leaders I have met are those who drive people with a positive outlook creating an environment where everyone can reach their potential. One key aspect of that environment is a respectful space where everyone can contribute openly and in a transparent way. I do try to approach leadership in that way as much as I can.
Q. What advice would you give to young women aspiring to join the digital advertising ecosystem?
This industry can feel overwhelming at times, but don’t let that intimidate you. No one knows everything, and you likely know just as much as the next person. Stay curious, don’t be afraid to ask questions - even the ones that seem "silly" - and actively work to close any perceived knowledge gaps.
Q. How do you balance the demands of your professional role with personal commitments?
That’s a great question. Like many women in this industry, I dedicated much of my twenties and early thirties to my career. The workload can be demanding in terms of time and energy. Now that I have a family, my priorities have evolved, and balancing both aspects of life has become essential. Flexible working hours have been a game-changer, and I’m grateful that IAB Europe provides that flexibility, allowing me to be present in both my professional and personal life.
Q. What’s one personal passion or hobby that brings you joy outside of work?
Balancing work and family means I don’t always have as much time for hobbies as I used to, but recently, I’ve started playing the piano again. It’s something that brings me a lot of joy and helps me have some time away from screens while stimulating my brain and senses.
Q. How can we all contribute to creating more inclusive workplaces, not just on IWD but every day?
Growing up, I didn’t have many female role models in my family who pursued professional careers at a higher level. The few who did were often labeled as "too opinionated" or faced challenges, especially in their personal lives. Meanwhile, my brothers and male cousins had many successful men to look up to - people who seemed to have it all! This highlights the importance of mentorship. Having role models and mentors in the industry can make a huge difference - helping women navigate challenges that go beyond day-to-day work and supporting them in becoming strong leaders. Building structured mentorship programmes and fostering a culture of support and inclusion will ensure that women don’t feel like they have to overcome some of these challenges alone.
You can read more Q&A blogs from our 'Spotlighting the Women of IAB Europe' series here.
