When Olivia Mae Hanlon was named Prolific Rising Star of the Year at last year’s Champions Awards, the recognition marked a milestone in a journey that has seen her build Girls in Marketing into a fast-growing platform for the next generation of marketers.
With entries for this year’s Prolific North Champions Awards closing on 27 February, Olivia Mae says the win carried weight on both a personal and professional level.
“It genuinely meant a lot,” she says. “It felt like recognition not just for the visible wins, but for the behind-the-scenes work too – the risks, the long days, the constant learning, and the responsibility that comes with building something and leading people.”
For many founders and young leaders, much of the effort that fuels growth happens out of sight. The Prolific North award placed that unseen work into the spotlight, offering recognition from peers across the North’s creative and digital industries.
Hanlon says the impact extended beyond the ceremony itself. “Yes, definitely. It gave me a boost in confidence and credibility, and it led to new conversations and opportunities I might not have had access to otherwise,” she says.
In an industry where profile and perception can influence opportunity, that added credibility can open doors.
As younger professionals consider whether to put themselves forward this year, Olivia Mae urged them to take the leap.
“Because so many brilliant people count themselves out before anyone else even gets the chance to see their work, awards like this can be a powerful way to build confidence, gain visibility, and connect with an industry that can sometimes feel hard to break into!”
If you are building something, shaping culture or driving change, this is your chance to step forward and follow in Olivia Mae’s footsteps.
Entries for the Prolific North Champions Awards close on 27 February. Start your entry here.
