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 third edition of the series, we will talk to Selina Donald, director of Sustainability at Bulb (part of the Trivandi Group), an advisory board member for ISLA and Nowie and a Fast Forward 15 mentor.
Have you been in the events industry for years?
I have been in the events industry since 2008 and am working on England’s bid to host the FIFA World Cup. That campaign didn’t go completely good at how we were planning (losed by Russia), but the experience of working on famous, fast-paced events has been life-changing and I really got a “bug.” It has been on the path to tackling major events around the world, including the London 2012 Olympics, the Rio 2016 Olympics, the Middle East and APAC.
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?
This is the right balance, and the balance I’m still learning. I have a thriving personality from fast-paced, intense projects, so it was not the best way to know when to switch off. Running a business for 10 years, I often worked late at night and weekends, but since the light bulb was bought by Trivandi, I have been learning to let go, understand myself from work, and enjoy downtime. Trivandi has a culture that puts health and wellness first from two wellness days each year. The wellness allowance is up to a wellness allowance of £30 per month. Breaking life before work and helping you realize how important it is to take care of yourself.
From an industry perspective, we have a new generation of event experts who seem to be talking more about mental health and are more aware of the importance of work/life balance that is driving the needle. I don’t think our industry will be 9-5 (do we want that?!) But health and happiness should be in front of all event organizers’ priorities.
How do you think the events industry is evolving in terms of diversity, equity and inclusion?
My point of view is that it’s still too late. Leadership positions are more likely to be met by white men than women, non-binary or other ethnic groups, let alone people with disabilities. All organizations should audit DEI and accessibility, look at the workplace, question the inclusiveness of employment and promotion practices, and think about how the arena can be leveled.
What advice would you give to young women looking to join the event industry and succeed?
The best advice someone once said to me is positive and say to every request for support, “Of course!). “People buy people in our industry” and your relationship is the most important asset to nurture.
How do you handle set errors and failures?
It’s better than before! I had a considerable part of my mistakes and the best thing you can do is take the view that “no one is dead” (I want) and someone will make it much worse. You need to learn from your mistakes. Think about why it happened and what you’re going to do in the future to ensure it doesn’t happen again. Always be honest and transparent about mistakes. It is very important to own your mistakes and make it clear to your manager how you will move on. It is one of the strongest character traits you can have.
What changes do you think are still needed to create more opportunities for leadership women?
I’m going to say it again – leveling out the arena. Women are likely to be the gift of care for children and older parents, so are we doing enough to support women in these roles and ensure that they can or will return to work? Women who “wear multiple hats” lose many talent in the industry because they don’t have access. Those who do so will work late at night and burn out. Every organization should consider how it supports its caregivers and ensure the steps needed to advance.
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