Women make up about 70% of the global event workforce, but their stories, leadership and influence are often underestimated.
70% is a weekly series celebrating women who shape the event industry. From rising stars to veteran leaders, each profile sheds light on the career journeys, challenges and perspectives of women working in every corner of the sector.
In the 6th edition, we will talk to Fay Sharpe Obe, founder of the Fast Forward 15 program.
Have you been in the events industry for years?
I studied hospitality at Bournemouth University. To support myself through my research, I did four jobs to cover my living expenses. My first proper role after graduation was as a graduate of the Hilton Hotel.
While working during my tenure, I was tasked with creating weekend business. I organized my first event (wedding fair) from scratch. Despite being based in Basestoke rather than the most attractive location, I brought in florists, cake makers, wedding photographers, hairstylists and bridal gown suppliers to create an attractive event. Over 1,000 people participated and secured reservations for about 20 weddings. The problem has been solved!
I gained valuable professional experience, but soon realized that my strengths lie in sales and marketing. I joined the Hilton Regional Sales Team and traveled around the country to open new properties. During this time I became the youngest sales director and was named Sales Representative of the Year, playing an important role in launching the then brand New Langham Hotel in London.
A chance encounter with a potential client made me join and invest in an agency discovering fledgling IBR venues. I became a shareholder and co-founder and helped grow my business into one of the UK’s largest full-service event institutions by acquiring several other UK-based companies.
In 2005, I led the brand of business to Gibrant. It was sold in 2007 for £15.9 million. They then re-acquired the company and eventually sold again to BCD meetings and events around 2013/14.
In addition to this, I had set up a new non-profit venture, FF15.
How do you balance the growth of professionals with personal commitment? Also, do you think the industry is evolving in terms of work-life balance?
I am the Queen of Work-Life Balance. I think my motto is to “work hard and play hard.” I take great pride in what I do. If you were to try and incorporate something, it would be the best, but I learned that it must be said that it is sufficient. I only pursue what I love and it brings great joy to me. I learned in my career as a busy working mother who was busy building things into my work. I had a walking meeting over 20 years ago to get my daily step count. Now I have the flexibility, so I do yoga three or four times a week. Walk the dog and enter nature during the meeting. I go to a retreat at least once a year to replenish myself. Recently I started a course to write a book I really like, so I’d like to write more.
Regarding the industry – Yes and no. The fact that we can work from home is a revelation. I think people need to do something good for themselves rather than getting off their phones and staring at Tiktok for two hours. It’s negative and draws your energy.
How do you think the events industry is evolving in terms of diversity, equity and inclusion?
There were some really good initiatives and we moved forward. We should celebrate it, but we can’t stand anything. Initiatives like Fast Forward 15 encourage women of all backgrounds, ethnicities and ages to be part of the community. You need more than that. community.
What advice would you give to young women looking to join the event industry and succeed?
Learn to be resilient, say yes on the opportunity, be someone who is constantly trying new things, push yourself out of your comfort zone and build confidence. Make friends and influence people!
How do you handle set errors and failures?
Failure is part of the journey and you need to fail to succeed. For me, I am not the woman I am today without a lot of knockbacks. But the important thing is to learn every time. Don’t be afraid to admit that you made a mistake. If you’re honest, people will forgive you, and it’s fine.
What changes do you think are still needed to create more opportunities for leadership women?
We just need to keep asking. If you don’t ask, you won’t get.
Has there been a woman who inspired you on your journey? Are there any role models?
Maybe ten years ago, we would have said that David Beckham or Anita Roddick, Jamie Oliver and Michelle Obama were role models for us (men and women).
Apart from my mother, who is no longer with us, I sometimes have a hard time quoting role models that I can respect. So here is my view: Why can’t those role models become us?
We are people who go to work, take care of our families, do charity, help others, and run mentoring programs. That’s us – normal people. It’s our story that inspires others, not influencers who look perfect on Instagram, Beyoncé, or other celebrities.
It’s us.
We must stand up and be counted. We can write our own stories and do whatever we want. We need to trust ourselves and continue to strive. Life is blank paper. What you are doing determines what your story is.
If I had to choose someone, it would have been the Queen or Princess Kate. That selflessness.
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