As summer rolls, it’s not just the sunshine and festive season, but also when thousands of graduates take their first steps into the world of work and interns begin testing the waters of potential careers.
In an industry as dynamic and demanding as events, early years can feel like a sudden learning curve, big dreams, and even bigger questions. That’s why the meeting news asked the three agency leaders to share the wisdom they wanted when they started.
What strikingly touches on all three reflections is the evolution, a shared theme. Whether you’re going up your rank from brand ambassador to CEO, opening an office after years of dreaming, or stepping outside your comfort zone to grow personally and professionally, each story highlights how important the constant evolution at the heart of a fulfilling career is. In the ever-changing events industry, it’s not about understanding everything from the start, it’s about learning, adapting and continuing to move forward.
From confident killers to career-defining moments, we want Sarah Jane Benham, Megan Anstee and Haley James to know the next generation.
Sarah – Jane Benham – CEO of Kru Live Global
What was the biggest thing you knew at the start of your career?
I hope you don’t worry about what people think. Fear of how you are perceived can drive you away from real failure. Recently, I have been trying to live by Mel Robbins’ “lett them” theory. Let them do as you can’t control other people’s opinions. As a classical person, this way of thinking stops me from wasting energy trying to keep my focus on my path and manage what others are thinking.
And with a more practical note, I really hope that I have started to contribute to my pension before!
What has been your biggest lesson in your career so far?
I know what you don’t know. Passion, hard grafting and our unrelenting focus on staff and clients can take you far, but growing your business means retreating and bringing in professionals. Focus on what you are doing best and let others do the same.
Less, bigger, better clients are really game changers. Be brave enough to say no to the wrong fit to make space for the right opportunity.
What is your biggest career highlight so far?
Becoming a CEO was a huge moment. He especially began as a brand ambassador in this field. However, you need to sell your business to BPG and help unlock the next stage of growth. It’s incredible to see how far we’re coming and where we’re heading.
If you could put together your career in a word, what would it be?
evolution. Every stage brought new challenges and new energy. This industry will keep you on your toes!
What advice would you give to someone just starting your career in the events industry?
Grafts placed between the 20s set the tone for those in their 30s and 40s. Come on, work hard, have a curious wet, and enjoy the ride.
Invest in your relationship. Junior clients and coordinators you work with quickly will grow with you in their own careers. Many people will lead agents and brands and they will remember how you felt and how you solved the challenge. Building trust from the first day.
It’s all about how you take care of your people. The way you treat your team will directly affect your revenue. Great service starts from within.
Megan Anstee – Co-Founder and Director, The Intrepid Collective
What was the biggest thing you knew at the start of your career?
That step is always a step in the right direction. Sometimes I was paralyzed with fear, scared of making the wrong choices and embarrassing myself. But take a little step and lead you on the right path (with some shaking up and down, of course).
What has been your biggest lesson in your career so far?
People like to work with hardworking and decent people. You don’t have to be the smartest and most talented in the room. But you need to show up, show consistency, commit to doing great work, and be a good person. And it’s always a plus to make it fun!
What is your biggest career highlight so far?
Yes, I have a lot! Moving to my first office this January was a huge moment. It was a game changer both culturally and manipulatively, to have a team base. It’s literally the office I dreamed of five years ago… I need to remember it more often.
If you could put together your career in a word, what would it be?
evolution.
What advice would you give to someone just starting your career in the events industry?
Just go for it! Apply for a job, take part in events, communicate with people you admire, and get the opportunity. Don’t suppress your fears. Just give it. I don’t know what will happen.
Hayley James – Director of Global Business Development, Sense Marketing
What was the biggest thing you knew at the start of your career?
Don’t be afraid of networking. I know it can feel a nasty feeling or a sense of forcedness (or I say “nasty” to our Brits), but ultimately building a real relationship can open doors you didn’t even know that there exists.
At the simplest level, you connect with everyone you meet along the way on LinkedIn. Think about who you in your network will be useful to and interesting to them and provide an introduction. Send them a message to you, “I saw this and thought of you.” Always send follow-ups. It helps you without expecting anything in return. If something comes later, it’s a bonus.
What has been your biggest lesson in your career so far?
Something great happens when you go outside your comfort zone. Do something to scare you. Even if your inner voice screams “No,” say yes to the challenge! What is the worst thing that can happen? !
What is your biggest career highlight so far?
In 2017, I moved to New York and helped start an office with three colleagues. It was a dream I had since my teenage years (thank you, friends, sex, town), and it became the best decision of my life. He taught me valuable lessons about entrepreneurship, diversity and resilience that I could not learn anywhere else. And it gave me unforgettable memories, experiences and friendships. If you have the opportunity to work abroad, take it!
If you could put together your career in a word, what would it be?
evolution.
What advice would you give to someone just starting your career in the events industry?
Grit takes you anywhere in the event industry, like life. It’s not just about talent and effort, but also about sticking to things when they become tough, showing up when others aren’t there and pushing through when they don’t want to give up.
In our world, this means falling behind to help deal with agency pitch, keeping a cool head when facing tricky on-site challenges and having a smile on your face even after 10,000 steps on an overnight rig!
It is that patience that sets people apart, especially before skills catch up.
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