We work with amazing women at Quirk, and so in celebration of women's month this August, we are featuring four of our most senior female QuirkStar leaders, each an inspiration to us. We asked them to share some of their wisdom, experience and career advice.

Here’s what they had to say:

Janine Carpenter, HR Director - Agency Group

Do you feel as though there are any key contributing factors to your career success in an industry typically dominated by men? If so, what?

When I joined 9 years ago, I had an amazing opportunity to grow with Quirk. I have seen the industry evolve from a male dominated eMarketing space (remember those days :)) to place where woman are truly celebrated in digital marketing. 

The agency landscape keeps no hours, as you know. How do you juggle your work and family life? Is it possible to maintain a balance?

You create your own balance. Being a mom means you juggle everything - it is not a big deal, you just do it :) 

In light of National Women’s Day, who has influenced you the most in your career, either personal or industry-wise?

My daughter Sade, who drives me to be better. Sharon Keith, who inspired me to live my purpose. And every passionate educator in South Africa, who is driving change - that's what inspires me.

Are there any key tips that you could share with young women aspiring to be in your position one day?

Work hard, love what you do and don't wait for an opportunity, create it.

Kate Cox, Deputy Managing Director - Quirk London

Do you feel as though there are any key contributing factors to your career success in an industry typically dominated by men? If so, what?

Whilst the senior echelons are still male dominated, my belief is that this is (albeit slowly) starting to change. I actually think that women are very well suited to this industry. After all, it's largely about communication - both internally within the agency, with clients, and ultimately with consumers. And communication is something that us women are equally good - if not sometimes better than - our male counterparts. Success in this business comes from building strong, trusting relationships with colleagues and clients alike. I've learnt that if you try to always be honest, straight-talking and hard working then people will appreciate that integrity and good things will come your way. Finally, if you genuinely give a $%*& about your agency, your team, your client and their business and you're prepared to live and breath it, then chances are you're onto a winner.

The agency landscape keeps no hours, as you know. How do you juggle your work and family life? Is it possible to maintain a balance?

I think it is possible, although I'm not quite sure that I've quite cracked it yet! There is always a lot of debate around what the optimum hours are to achieve great things in the office and maintain a healthy work-life balance. At the end of the day, it's up to each one of us - male or female - to set our boundaries. I've found that communicating them clearly to colleagues and clients helps, as people do tend to respect times that you overtly ring-fence as being off-line. I am also a big believer in using up annual leave - it's so important to have time-out to relax and recharge so you can return to work re-energised. 

In light of National Women’s Day, who has influenced you the most in your career, either personal or industry-wise?

My grandmother is 93 years old and to this day is an incredibly intelligent, caring and stoical woman. She was a medical doctor by profession - a rare achievement if you were female and born in England in 1919. But she disregarded the gender prejudices of the day, with a determination to achieve what she had set her mind to. She worked throughout the 2nd World War, giving birth to her first child whilst my grandfather was away in Asia for several years with the Navy. She has since travelled the world and brought up a family of five children along the way. To me, she is inspirational and living proof that life is what you make of it.

Are there any key tips that you could share with young women aspiring to be in your position one day?

• Work hard and be nice to people. 
• Don't be put off by temporary set-backs - try to stand back and see the bigger picture. 
• If you're not happy in what you're doing, or something isn't working out, have the courage to admit it to yourself and change something - this isn't a failure but in actual fact a step on the road to success. 

Nicole Dickens, Managing Director - Quirk Jozi

Do you feel as though there are any key contributing factors to your career success in an industry typically dominated by men? If so, what?

Dominated by men? Really? Our Johannesburg EXCO consists of 5 Women and 1 Gent!  I have learnt to be assertive yet empathetic and have learnt not to take things personally. I love what I do and love working with people. So it's the people I am surrounded by that have made me successful.

The agency landscape keeps no hours, as you know. How do you juggle your work and family life? Is it possible to maintain a balance?

It's not easy! I have two children, a husband and am a fitness fanatic, so it is a struggle to keep the balance but it is not impossible. I am up really early and make sure that I fit in a long workout - this fuels me and clears my mind. I make sure I have 'white space' every week where I can read a book or the paper with a good cuppa! I am also very fortunate to have an amazing support system both at home and at work. I have learnt to let go of my 'fear' of asking for help when I need it! It makes all the difference. 

In light of National Women’s Day, who has influenced you the most in your career, either personal or industry-wise?

I have had the privilege of working with some incredible leaders, both men and women. If I had to name the women, it would be Fiona Hitchock, current partner at Sunshine Gun and Noelene Bruton, Director at Tsogo Sun. Both never lost their soul along their successful career path and I respect that. Both have families and both are phenomenally successful, so it is from them I learnt early on in my career that anything is possible.

Are there any key tips that you could share with young women aspiring to be in your position one day?

Don't aim to be a 'ball-breaker'. You don't need to be anything other than true to yourself and true to your word. Also be kind to yourself and let things happen as they should. Be patient and respect everyone, no matter what their position. Lastly, find passion in everything you do! 

Kathryn Sharfman, Chief Relationship Officer & Director - Agency Group 

Do you feel as though there are any key contributing factors to your career success in an industry typically dominated by men? If so, what?

The majority of girls at my school left at 16 with few qualifications and even fewer career prospects. I felt a university qualification was my passport to travel and do amazing things. Education was my way out and up in the world and has, in fact, done amazing things for me. Two female managers early on (before I went digital in 1999) were also strong role models in an incredibly male dominated corporate environment. They demonstrated what was possible by just being yourself and gave me the confidence to give myself ambitious goals.  

The agency landscape keeps no hours, as you know. How do you juggle your work and family life? Is it possible to maintain a balance?

The work/life balance is a myth. Throw it out of the window as it isn't attainable most of the time. Striving for it just makes life more stressful. Rather, try to do what you love always. That, for me, includes spending valuable time with my loved ones as well as doing work that I love. If you don't love your work, change it. Life's too short not to feel fulfilled in what you do.

In light of National Women’s Day, who has influenced you the most in your career, either personal or industry-wise?

My mother was a very strong role model. As a working mother juggling all the wonderful things that make life worth the ride, I am fortunate to have a very supportive 21st century husband to make it easier. Only now do I fully appreciate the challenges my own mother faced as a single working mother, and I greatly respect how she kept it all together.

Are there any key tips that you could share with young women aspiring to be in your position one day?

Try not to be intimidated by other people, especially the super-confident ones. Appearances can be deceptive. People can appear very able but sometimes there's no substance to back that up. Try to learn as much about yourself as possible, get to know your strengths and weaknesses. Ask people for feedback on how you are doing and what you can do to improve yourself. You'll be amazed at how helpful people can be if you just ask for feedback.