Tell us about your daily habits that keep you inspired and motivated.
Practicing Qi Gong, a type of moving mediation, and currently listening to some Lo-Fi music sets me up with a positive approach and energy for the day.
Looking back at your career journey, what are you the most proud of?
I’ve loved working with many international markets, particularly the emerging ones, and see them grow in importance at the global box office. I’m proud when my teams rise to the challenge of trying something new. I was very excited this year to be working closely with our local team in Portugal and partners at NOS, to create a technically ground-breaking press event to support Top Gun: Maverick and becoming the first studio to stage a live hologram press conference with Director Joe Kosinski addressing press in Lisbon at a cinema live from London.
It’s been a privilege to work on so many iconic films, the constant care and passion I bring to my work is important to me. It’s wonderful to be a part of the team bringing incredible record-breaking results for Top Gun: Maverick; or at the start of Marvel’s ambition to grow their universe with Iron Man, as well as many other studio titles.
Another important highlight was building and setting strategic plans from the launch of Paramount’s Diversity & Inclusion initiatives in London as Chair for Parenthood and Co-Chairing Women+.
What biggest challenges did you encounter throughout your leadership journey?
When I first started, there was only a handful of women in theatrical studio distribution and some international markets that I supervised were not used to working with a woman. It was very important for me to find a common ground, a way to work collaboratively to gain their acceptance and respect. It’s great to see many strong, successful women in distribution and exhibition and more openness and recognition of women in our industry.
What are the key insights you know now that you wished you knew at the beginning of your career?
If I could go back, I would get on to a mentoring programme, lean in to real life experiences.
Having a demanding role, how do you balance your work and personal life?
I'm still working on finding my ''yin and yang' balance; there’s a lot of juggling as a mum, different time zones, international travel and there’s a lot behind the scenes during a film’s opening weekend. Like many in this industry we’re very connected, so we need to set aside time for family, friends and oneself. In the last few years, I have enjoyed practising Tai Chi, it's guiding me to find internal calmness and who knew I would end up learning martial application aspects.
Did you have any mentors in your career?
There weren’t formal mentoring programmes when I first started – however, I have been extremely privileged to work with some incredible and generous men and women during my time at Paramount and UIP. The senior leaders and my peers have been / are inspirational and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to grow. I appreciate the collaborative and supportive spirit working with many individuals throughout my career and in turn, try reciprocating with that same spirit.
You were a mentor in the fifth edition of the UNIC Women's Cinema Leadership Programme. How was the experience for you?
Thank you for the opportunity to be part of the well-organised Mentoring programme. I thoroughly enjoyed my time as a Mentor, it was unique and challenging as my Mentee and I had to adapt through the pandemic. Unsurprisingly, it was challenging in the early months to keep in touch. As we progressed during the year, we were able to have regular check-ins, brainstorm some strategic ideas, and it was great to see these ideas progress and new opportunities come up for my mentee. I was so pleased to see her confidence shine through and she was positively beaming on our last calls.
What advice do you have for current mentors and mentees?
Be open-minded, listen, be generous with your guidance. I am sure it will be a mutually beneficial opportunity to connect and help.