Karen Cunningham Announced as the Next Guest at The emPOWER Breakfast

A conversation exploring the value of experience in creativity, the importance of empathy and the power of authentic storytelling while living life with intention... And what it takes to make it in advertising and production

The emPOWER Breakfast returns on Wednesday 3rd December for its final event of the year, hosted at Framestore and Company3. Tickets are on sale today.

This month’s guest is Karen Cunningham, an award-winning director whose career spans acting, agency life, production producer and co-founding her own company, Pink Films. Karen has become one of the UK’s most respected commercial directors, known for work that blends cinematic craft with profound emotional intelligence. Her ability to draw truthful performances, often from non-actors, has led to acclaimed campaigns for Barbie, Nivea, UNICEF, Kellogg’s and many more. Her Barbie “Imagine the Possibilities” film was named one of The Drum’s Top 100 Ads of All Time and remains a touchstone for brands seeking work with real cultural impact.

Across more than two decades, Karen has shown how longevity, curiosity and care can shape a creative practice. Her work is celebrated for its heart as much as its craft, and her perspective is particularly resonant for anyone navigating the evolving demands of directing, leadership and the responsibility that comes with telling real people’s stories.

Her appearance at The emPOWER Breakfast promises an uplifting and honest conversation about career evolution, creative purpose, and the lessons drawn from working within the blend of creative craft and real human experience and how the industry has evolved over time.

Following the conversation, attendees will also have the opportunity to meet emPOWER’s psychotherapeutic counsellor, Zoe Bell Burnay, who is offering three free 30-minute confidential Connection Sessions which will take place at Framestore and Company 3. These gentle one-to-one conversations provide a calm space to ask questions and explore what support could look like for anyone carrying something that might benefit from being shared. Slots can be booked by emailing athene@theempowerbreakfast.co.uk.

The emPOWER Breakfast, whose PR launch on International Women’s Day 2024, and the first event on the 20th March 2024, has quickly become an essential space for open dialogue within the advertising, media and communications industry. Each month brings the community together for conversations rooted in real experience, offering a chance to reflect, connect and create change within workplaces across the sector.

Tickets for the December event are now available and demand is expected to be high. Those who wish to join the mailing list for future announcements can email athene@theempowerbreakfast.co.uk.

The emPOWER Breakfast is made possible thanks to the generous support of its 2025 sponsors, including Gold partners NCA London and Cape.io; Silver+ partners Factory Studios and Siren Music; Silver partners All of Us Here, Cabin Edit, The Bourne Consultancy, NM Productions, Bespoke Voices, Lemonade Reps and Vocal Point; and Bronze partners APA London, 12 Decibels, Nomad Edit, BBH London and Yellow Boat Music.