Nicole Kidman outdid herself

WHAT’S ON DECK

• Tell Me More: A commitment to women film directors

• Troublemaker Spotlight: Meenakshi Lala, CEO of UrbanStems

• Dear FQ: My colleague treats me like her employee

• Poll the Pack: Why adaptability is in demand

TELL ME MORE

Nicole Kidman made a vow in 2017 to work with a female director every 18 months. She’s done much more, working with 27 female directors in 8 years.

Nicole Kidman isn't just making movies—she's making moves that matter for women. In 2017, she publicly committed to working with a female director every 18 months. When less than 13% of directors are women, Nicole’s commitment is more than words—it’s an acknowledgment of the need to seek out and amplify women in film. 

Recently, at the Cannes Film Festival, Nicole updated a reporter on her progress: Including projects currently in development, she’s now teamed up with 27 female directors, crushing her goal and then some. 

Why does this matter for women in Hollywood? 

• Women comprise 50% of all film school graduates, but only 24% of directors, writers, producers, editors, and cinematographers working on the top 250 grossing films are women. 

• Despite open conversation and efforts, the number of women in behind-the-scenes roles has barely moved in 25 years. 

The solution: More women in Hollywood like Nicole Kidman who commit to working with women. Other A-list actresses are leveraging their influence and following suit. 

Margot Robbie founded a production company, LuckyChap Entertainment, to prioritize female filmmakers, resulting in blockbusters like "Barbie," which grossed over $1.4 billion worldwide.

Their company motto is: “If it’s not a f**k yes, it’s a no.” And what Margot Robbie and her team are building? That’s a loud, unapologetic f**k yes for women in film—exactly the kind of bold, unapologetic commitment we need more of.

Kirsten Dunst has long prioritized working with female directors—many of whom were making their directorial debuts and are now household names. From Sofia Coppola to Leslye Headland and Jane Campion, she’s built a career championing women behind the camera. Dunst has shared that she sees it as her responsibility as an actress to help create those opportunities.

When women with power publicly commit to backing change, it happens. Nicole, Margot, Kirsten and countless others are proof. Take female directors, for example. Films with at least one woman director employ substantially more women behind the scenes, including writing teams where women are the majority. 

Bottom line: If we want to see real change, we need to make a measurable commitment to work with women in all industries. Wherever you are, use your negotiating power to champion women in leadership positions. The data is clear—when one woman breaks through, she brings others with her.

TROUBLEMAKER SPOTLIGHT

Meenakshi Lala, CEO of UrbanStems

Part classical Indian dancer. Part outdoor adventurer. Meenakshi Lala is 100% the kind of female CEO who drives change. A first-generation immigrant who arrived in New York at 21 from India, Meenakshi had a respected career in the fashion industry, with director and SVP roles at Alice + Olivia and Elie Tahari, before joining Urban Stems three years ago. While her job might be giving flowers to everyone else, we think it’s time for Meenakshi to be recognized for the work she’s done to elevate the voices and careers of women, especially women of color.  

FQ: What’s the worst career advice you’ve gotten?

ML: “Choose between your career and personal life.” 

I spent 22 years of my life in fashion retail, and a very prominent leader in the fashion retail world said to me, "You're in your early thirties now. You should take a break. Don't apply for this lead role—just make a choice of wanting to have kids and bringing up your family."

I had my daughter Anya when I was the COO of a company, and went on to be a CEO while I became a mother. So I'm glad I did not pay attention to that. I always had aspirations of having a child and growing a family, and for some reason, the world still thinks it's a choice—that women can't do both well and excel.

What’s the best piece of non-obvious career advice you’ve gotten?

Be so good that they can't ignore you. 

Many talented people get stuck because they assume that their hard work will be recognized. It’s about making sure that the right people see your work.

The reality is that strategic networking is extremely important. It's not just about meeting people—it's building relationships with those who can advocate for you, who can cheer with you, and who can cheer for you.

As a first-generation immigrant and as a woman of color coming to the United States in my twenties, I did not know anyone in this country. When I landed here, networking was how I made friends. Networking is how I created both social and professional communities.

Be visible and build relationships.

What was a “heartbeat moment” for you in your career?

My heartbeat moment was when I was told that I couldn't have a leadership role because I was going to become a mom. I walked away from that role—I had absolutely nothing lined up. I was scared. But I picked up my bag and walked away cold turkey. Sometimes it's the power in walking away that makes a difference.

My daughter's five today, and very proudly goes to school and announces that, “My mom's the boss of her work.” When you ask her what she wants to be when she grows up, she says she wants to be me. 

I believe that women can have professional careers and personal lives, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.  

Who is one person you’d love to give flowers to from your career that influenced your journey?

My daughter, Anya. I'm very thankful for her existence in my life—she motivates me, pushes me to do more, and inspires me to make a difference in the world. How do I encourage younger women and girls to break boundaries, dream big, and really go for it?

Setting an example for her is something I look forward to every single day. 

Where have you caused trouble?

I was part of an organization going through a takeover, and at a town hall meeting leadership was presenting a “modernized” go-to-market calendar. After 45 minutes of discussion, I raised my hand and said, “We’ve been talking about this for a while, but what I see looks like it’s from 1975. How is this evolving?”

Some leaders weren’t thrilled—but most of the team was. From that moment on, I was called a “Troublemaker.” And I’ve owned it. Because to me, being a troublemaker means breaking barriers, asking the hard questions, and never settling for the status quo.

Want to nominate a “Troublemaker” you admire? You can do so here.

DEAR FQ

Your burning career questions answered

Alexa Comeau of The Female Quotient weighs in:

This is always a tough and somewhat awkward situation. Maintaining positive working relationships is so important. Here's how you might navigate this:

If your colleague starts assigning work to you, start by clarifying with your manager. Is there a specific project your colleague is leading? Are you meant to be supporting? Clarifying roles can eliminate confusion before it grows.

Then, I would have a direct and kind conversation with your colleague and let them know that you don’t have the bandwidth for additional projects right now. The key here is setting clear, respectful boundaries while keeping the relationship intact and keeping the door open for future collaboration.

If they’re offering unsolicited feedback, try: “Thanks for your suggestions—I have a plan in place and will reach out if I need help.” It acknowledges their input without giving away your authority.

If the issue continues, don’t hesitate to loop in your manager. Setting boundaries isn’t rude—it’s leadership in action.

P.S. Got a burning career question? Serve it up here to Dear FQ to score advice from a powerhouse leader in our network.

POLL THE PACK

Why adaptability is in demand

With new technology being introduced at an unheard-of pace, it’s no surprise that many people attribute adaptability to their success at work. The ability to adjust quickly to changes is an essential skill that makes employees better team players and leaders. 

According to a LinkedIn report, adaptability in the workplace was the most in-demand skill in 2024. As more workplaces are transformed by AI and changing work patterns, the ability to pivot and evolve has never been more valuable. It also aligns with the changing career patterns of younger generations. It’s not common to stay at the same company for 25+ years anymore. Many people are embracing non-linear careers, making career moves to avoid burnout and accelerate growth.

The truth here: Success isn’t just about what you know—it’s about staying curious, growing constantly, and bringing others with you.

Xo,

The FQ

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