As International Women’s Day approaches on March 8th, we will shine a spotlight on women who will shape the event industry.
Helena Fitzgerald, Senior Sales and Marketing Manager at National Gallery. Shonali Devereaux, CEO of MIA. Katie Niland, commercial director for Belfry Hotel & Resort. Natalie Wyatt, managing director of the Liverpool City Regional Local Visitor Economic Partnership. Margaret Reeves, Managing Director of Reftech. Evie Holdcroft, creative director at Sandpit Creations. Joan Barratt, managing director of venue collections. Faye Dyer, CEO of ACC Liverpool Group, shares insights on overcoming challenges, embracing credibility and delving into leadership.
We often hear that the event industry is women, but many young women in this sector don’t hear or see it. How can women talk in a room full of men?
Men are seen as self-assertion and confident. Women are considered to be boss, push or greedy. This needs to change.
“We’ve been working hard to get the better of our customers,” said Katie Niland, commercial director at Belfry. It starts by ensuring that there is a fair representation of senior women in business. This question should not be on the table in 2025, but I’m here. ”
Faye Dyer, CEO of ACC Liverpool Group, said: It’s not about conflict, it’s about encouraging real dialogue that leads to real change in eliminating gender inequality. ”
A common challenge for women is the only female voice in a room full of men. You share the idea, and it is ignored – until a male colleague repeats it, and then suddenly, it is a “great idea”.
“We’re looking forward to seeing you in the future,” said Shonali Devereaux, CEO of MIA. There is no need to change the way you communicate. It should be emphasized when injustice occurs. ”
Margaret Reeves, Managing Director at Reftech, adds: Contribute to the discussion, provide good suggestions, and don’t be afraid to repeat yourself if necessary. Sometimes, in reality, persistence is important because men sound more natural in male dominated environments. ”
Helena Fitzgerald, Senior Sales and Marketing Manager at National Gallery, repeats this. “If they don’t hear you, show it. Keep yourself strong and strong in your opinion and voice.”
“We’ve been working hard to get the most out of our lives,” said Evie Holdcroft, creative director at Sandpit Creations. Advice to “just eloquent” can induce anxiety to make it impossible to put into practice. Instead, can you flip the question and see how, as an employer, you can create a work environment where women feel naturally comfortable talking? ”
Navigating difficult conversations is particularly challenging for women in male-dominated environments, whether they are seeking wage increases, promotions, or recognition. Here, industry leaders share their experiences and advice on how to influence and approach these conversations.
Neeland adds: “The women on my team have never had the problem of understanding their worth. However, for the past six months I have had to be convinced that new women in the team should consider promotion despite their demonstrable skills, proven track record and years in business. I didn’t have to have that conversation with male members of my team.”
Reeves said: It was a very “hold and silent” culture, and the gender pay gap was evident. Things have improved, and at Reftech, our staff are women and my entire management team is women. If you are looking for something to do your research and prepare yourself for something, it’s a salary increase, promotion, or a new opportunity. Build relationships, understand your values, and ask directly. ”
Holdcroft said: “I personally experienced this in a role I’ve supported for many years, where I accidentally discovered that male colleagues were equal to the same week as me and hired men were paid more. When I stood up to the directors of the company, they admitted it, but there was no reasonable justification. They set targets to achieve within the next six months and promised to increase their salary. When I completed the target early and returned to them, they made more excuses to not raise my salary.”
Despite progress, there remains a barrier to women who strive for leadership roles and are perceived as assertive as male counterparts. So, what still needs to change?
Devereaux adds: “One of the most important skills to develop is learning how to express yourself in a way that listens to people. Public speaking techniques (perturbation, tone shifting, engagement) are all the tools you can use. You don’t have to change who you are. You just need to learn how to use your voice in the most powerful way possible.”
Reeves said: “The most important thing is to make sure that women have a voice and use it. Assertion is not the most loudest thing to scream. It’s about listening when it matters. As an MD, leadership doesn’t have all the answers, so I know there’s still something to learn. That means I always want to grow.”
“We are pleased to announce that we are a part of the liverpool city area’s managing director of the local visitor economic partnership.”
“We’ve been working hard to get the most out of our business,” said Joanne Barratt, Managing Director of Venues Collection. Visibility is important. I believe that when young women see more female leaders, it is possible for women too. ”
To conclude, women offer advice to their industry peers and look back at the women who influenced them. After all, there’s not just a woman. We are strengthened by those who nurtured us, supported us, and paved the way for our success.
Fitzgerald said: “My inspiration is a portrait of the National Gallery, a self-portrait as St. Catherine of Alexandria. It’s incredibly powerful. The saint has been resilient and endured torture. In fact, as the artist himself did during his post-rape trial at the age of 17 by the painter Agostino Tassy.”
Niland said: “When choosing a workplace, look at how many women are taking on ownership and senior leadership roles. This gives you a sense of equality in their culture and leadership.” My senior leadership team is proud to be 77% of women.
Devereaux said: It’s a room expert. Building a network and hitting the ceiling can drive growth within the company or find it elsewhere. ”
Reeves said: A good mentor can challenge and defend you in unexpected ways. For me, it was my mother. He was guided by professionalism and grace, and never suffered from fools. ”
Dyer concludes: “If you can influence change, you need to challenge the status quo. Look for opportunities to improve the process and make sure the right mechanisms are truly fair and transparent. In the past, it has not always been a level playing field, but we take pride in building an organization that is flexible enough to provide equal opportunities, regardless of personal circumstances or responsibilities outside of work.”
Source link
