Rak Patel, Head of Sales, EMEA, Spotify (soon to be Chief Commercial Officer at Channel 4) and Ryan Reynolds, actor
Rak Patel is a dear friend to me and many senior women in the industry, who admire his talent, kindness and enthusiasm – and commitment to create a fairer, more inclusive industry. He’s a passionate advocate for women in leadership via being a long-time supporter of WACL, championing its mission to elevate women in the industry. His advocacy isn’t performative, it’s proactive and impactful. Throughout his career, Rak has consistently invested time and energy into mentoring and empowering the women he works with. His leadership creates an environment where women are not only heard but also encouraged to thrive and lead. He actively supports female leaders beyond his own teams, offering advice, opening doors, and cheering them on. He understands that equity is about action, and he always steps up to ensure women have the opportunities they deserve. Rak doesn’t just speak about diversity and inclusion – he demonstrates it. He fosters a sense of belonging for everyone, ensuring workplaces are spaces where women feel valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. He uses his influence and platform to amplify the voices of women, giving credit where it’s due and creating opportunities for their growth. His leadership style is rooted in kindness, generosity, and unwavering support. He also is someone who rarely uses gendered language – and actually goes someway to highlight the strengths of others – not focussing on whether they are a woman or a man. Rak’s dedication to driving change for women serves as an example to others, reminding us all that true leadership is about lifting others as you rise.
Actor and entrepreneur Ryan Reynolds consistently highlights women’s contributions, often celebrating the women in his life, including his wife, Blake Lively (true couple goals!). He uses his platform to champion women’s voices, frequently hiring female directors and writers for his projects and supporting female-led initiatives. His humour and humility make him relatable while emphasising that supporting women should be a natural part of leadership.
