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Cannes Lions 2025: A First-Timer’s Survival Guide and What I Learned

01 July 2025

Cannes Lions 2025: A First-Timer’s Survival Guide and What I Learned

Reflections of Cannes Lions 2025 from Ziada Abeid - WiM Africa Cannes Lions Pass Winner 2025

Let me start with the truth: I had no idea this side of Cannes existed until I got a text from my friend and business partner, Joyce. It read, “You’ve got to apply.” She had seen a LinkedIn post by Women in Marketing Africa, encouraging women to apply for a Cannes Lions pass.

Then came the second message: “You’ve got to apply ooo, I’ll remind you every day.” And, like a true accountability partner, she kept her word, sending daily reminders like clockwork.

As usual, I wrapped myself in the warm, familiar blanket of impostor syndrome and procrastinated. It wasn’t until the last minute, and after 20 takes, that I finally closed my eyes, hit “send,” and just prayed for the best.

A few days later, I received an email saying I’d won the Cannes Lions Pass. I was over the moon! Huge thanks to Miss Andrea Djan-Krofa, Director and Head of Africa at Women in Marketing, for ensuring we had all the essential information and knew what to expect.

Now… nothing, absolutely nothing, prepared me for what I was about to witness.

 

Read the rest of Ziada's reflections here!

Source - ziadatravels.com



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