woman. Leading the paths of other women in the event industry.
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 12th edition, we talk to Leah Markham, manager of sales and events at Westminster, the church’s house.
Have you been in the events industry for years?
I have been in the events industry for over 15 years. Naturally, I am proud to have been in Westminster, a great church house for 14 years, as a people-centered venue. Here, we led a team of event coordinators, from event managers to sales and event managers, leading the planning of high-profile conferences, international events, AGMs, several-day exhibitions and special events.
Whether you manage your event lifecycle or help to help develop initiatives to attract new businesses and grow your sales team, two days aren’t the same, to name just a few, but they’re definitely an adventure.
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?
It’s a continuous journey, especially as a mother of three young children! The need for long hours, weekend work and quick response to client queries means that the industry is unpredictable and is meant to achieve work-life balance.
I had to learn to set solid boundaries. My family time is valuable and unnegotiable for me, so I will make sure to openly and honestly communicate with my clients about my availability, utilize technology for remote meetings, and delegate tasks when possible. All of these have helped me prioritize my home and work life.
I believe that the industry is gradually evolving and recognizes the importance of work-life balance. This has been particularly pronounced since the pandemic. Throughout the industry, I have seen great growth in flexible work arrangements and mental health support. Both are very important to the well-being of our employees.
How do you think the events industry is evolving in terms of diversity, equity and inclusion?
It feels like we are heading in the right direction. The event industry is beginning to open up and is beginning to become more inclusive. There is more awareness about ensuring everyone is welcome, from guests to speakers to teams working behind the scenes. Little by little, things are changing, and events are becoming more diverse and accessible. This will make them all better and hope that such progress will continue to flourish.
What advice would you give to young women looking to join the event industry and succeed?
My advice? Be confident and don’t make anyone feel small. You belong to the room just like anyone else. The world of events is busy, noisy and sometimes a bit chaotic, but that’s where you shine! Speak up, seize opportunities, and build good relationships. The industry is based on people’s connections. And having a solid network will take you far.
One last thing. Don’t rush to the ground trying to do it all. It’s easy to get caught up in long and busy days. So, you take care of yourself, set boundaries (required) and know that success doesn’t mean saying yes to everything.
You have this and the industry needs your energy and fresh ideas.
How do you handle set errors and failures?
To be honest, I make it feel the first thing – rant a bit, eat chocolate from the treat table in my office and do whatever I need to get it out of my system. I then try to remind myself that the retreat is not the end of it, but a part of the ride, and look at it from a positive angle. Essentially, I deal with the obstacles by facing them, learning from them, then cracking. Because that’s your growth.
What changes do you think are still needed to create more opportunities for leadership women?
It’s exciting to see how far things have come, but there is still a great deal of possibilities opening up more opportunities for women. I really believe that flexible work is a game changer. Something like improved parental leave for parents or real support to balance work and family life can often help to take away some of the pressure from women who juggle both.
I also think there is more mentoring and development programs designed to help women grow into confident leadership roles. It’s not just about having the opportunity, it’s about knowing that you belong there and being ready to own it. I experience this firsthand at that moment. I am studying the Team Leader course as part of my development and it is a really great experience and helps me build my skills and discover the possibilities of my leadership journey.
Finally, we need to break away from the old school ideas of what leaders should look and hear. Leadership can look different to everyone, and its diversity is a strength.
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