The Short Cut:
A quick-fire chat about working life with Joanna Newark
The Short Cut is designed to bring you a snapshot of our members’ working lives. Today, we’re speaking to Joanna Newark, Senior Director, Global Head of Communications at Avon.
At the heart of the Nurture Network is the power of sharing experiences.
From breakthrough career moments to best-ever advice, how to deal with stress and the women that inspire them.
Tell us about your breakthrough career moment
There have been a few, but one that really changed things was when I was working in comms for Gap in Europe. I spotted a senior role going in the US and thought, they’re never going to consider someone who isn’t American. But I emailed the hiring manager anyway and asked, “Would you consider me?” They said yes, and suddenly I was on a plane to San Francisco.
Later, I was asked to temporarily cover a senior leadership role in New York. I thought I’d be there for a few months… and I ended up staying and taking on the role permanently.
Those opportunities came because I put my hand up, even when I wasn’t sure. I’m a big believer in growing your role while you’re in it, not waiting for someone to hand you a promotion.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever had?
To pause. I’m naturally quite reactive; I want to fix things quickly, reply to the email, cross something off the list. But I’ve learned that pausing before responding can change everything. It gives you space to think clearly and not jump in too soon. I’ve definitely taken on too much in the past by reacting too quickly.
Now, I try to reflect first, even if it’s just a walk around the block.
Have you ever felt held back as a women? How did you respond?
I haven’t, and I know that’s not everyone’s experience, so I don’t take it for granted. I’ve been lucky to work in companies like Avon that genuinely champion women.
I’ve always been quite intentional about choosing places that align with my values. Culture really matters to me.
How do you protect your mental health in moments of pressure?
Get out. Fresh air changes everything.
During COVID, I really felt the pressure of my role, and working from home blurred every boundary. I’ve learned that stepping away, for a walk, some music, and a bit of dancing in the kitchen (badly!) helps me reset.
You have to find what works for you. And you have to create your own boundaries, especially in global roles where technically someone’s always awake.
The woman who empowers me the most is…
… Angela Cretu, our former CEO. She had that rare balance, deeply caring but would also push you to go further. She gave me big opportunities and trusted me to grow into them. But she also had high expectations. That mix of support and stretch is what great leadership looks like for me.
I feel empowered when…
… someone truly listens. Not just hears you, actually listens. In a meeting, in a coaching moment, in a strategy session. And then they act on it. It’s such a powerful feeling.
The woman who everyone should know about is…
The world will be a better place when…
… equality. True equality, in leadership, in pay, in opportunity. I really believe that more women in leadership would bring more balance to the world.
Not because women are “better”, but because we bring different perspectives.
And the world feels quite combative right now. A bit more balance, a bit more empathy, would go a long way.
Do you have any hobbies to keep you busy in your spare time?
Music, travel, theatre, I love being out and about. I just got back from Romania and I’m off to Switzerland next. And I’ll always say yes to a good concert.
I saw Pitbull recently (don’t judge me!) and I’m going to see Benson Boone soon.
Where is your favourite place in the world?
My favourite place is home. I renovated it a few years ago and it just feels like me. It’s where I feel happiest.
More about Joanna Newark – Joanna is a global communications leader with 20+ years’ experience advising senior executives and shaping strategy at some of the world’s most recognisable brands. From speechwriting for C-suite leaders to producing global events across 20 countries, she brings clarity, creativity and calm to complex moments of change. A trusted voice in the room and behind the scenes, Joanna joined Nurture Network Live 2023 inaugural event at The British Library, titled Lean In Lift Up, speaking candidly on imposter syndrome alongside leaders from British Business Bank, EY, Fidelity, Startup Magazine and others. Discover more interviews here.
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