Can you share with us your background, and how you were introduced to the creative industries?

I started in event management when I was 24 and have worked in all kinds of industries, from corporate to charity since. I began as an Events Administrator for a business media company doing trade show events. I used to run events for the event industry, which was always a challenge, as they had the most critical eye and saw everything!

Events is such a dynamic field. What inspired you to pursue a career in it, and could you highlight some memorable moments or achievements along your journey?

I am an organiser, and it’s a fun thing to organise! It’s great to see people enjoying an event that you have put together. My highlights have been; organising a charity fundraiser at the Battersea Power Station, running an events industry networking event for over 1000 people at a brand new London super club, organising a Top 100 event for the bar industry, and taking a group of young people out of London for the first time on a camping trip and to the seaside.

As a female Events Manager, have you encountered any specific challenges or barriers in your career? How have you navigated through them?

Things have definitely got easier for women over the years, and I have had some amazing women to inspire me, and guide me along the way. The effects of it being a patriarchal society were definitely evident early on in a large company with only one woman on the senior leadership team… but it is great to see how this has now shifted.

Reflecting on your experiences, what advice would you give to your 16-year-old self regarding being a woman in the industry? What are some things to expect, both the difficulties and the excitements?

The hard work is worth it, but also enjoy and make the most of the downtime between events. And make sure you stop to take a look around when an event is happening… always good to look and see people enjoying it… and to think “I did that!”

Looking ahead, what projects can we anticipate from you in the next few months or year? Any exciting ventures on the horizon?

Lots more to come at Tileyard North this year… exciting events and partnerships in the pipeline – watch this space!