WHAT DAILY HABITS KEEP YOU INSPIRED AND MOTIVATED?
I like to start the day with a cup of tea, a walk with my dog, and the news. I am an avid podcast listener — from the BBC Global News to Le masque et la plume, and of course The Town. Staying curious about the world around me, and about our wonderful sector — from new releases and box office numbers to business news — keeps me energised.
LOOKING BACK ON YOUR CAREER JOURNEY, WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?
The people. Over the past 25 years, I have worked on many projects, but what stays with me most are the individuals I have crossed paths with. Seeing them thrive — in this sector or beyond it — is what makes me proudest.
WHAT HAVE BEEN THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES IN YOUR LEADERSHIP JOURNEY, AND DID YOU HAVE MENTORS ALONG THE WAY?
I am a glass-half-full person, so I tend to see challenges as opportunities. When I was 27, through a series of circumstances, I was made head of office. From one day to the next, I went from managing no one to managing a team of 20. I made sure my superiors’ expectations were realistic, and I treated it as an enormous learning experience. They say sink or swim — and I swam!
I have learned something from everyone I have worked with. The most inspiring people, to me, are generous with their time — but also know how to say no.
GIVEN THE DEMANDS OF YOUR ROLE, HOW DO YOU BALANCE WORK AND PERSONAL LIFE?
By setting clear boundaries. I am very open with my team that I have a full life, and I encourage them to do the same. I also try to challenge stereotypes: I am never late on a deadline, which makes it much easier to say “no” when no is the right answer. And I love what I do — there is nothing better than taking the kids to watch the Minions :-)
WITH OVER 10 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY, WHAT DO YOU THINK IS HOLDING WOMEN BACK — AND WHAT NEEDS TO IMPROVE FOR REPRESENTATION AND INCLUSION?
We need to become better at not waiting for others to tell us that “we can do it.” Women are too often made to feel they need to change something about themselves to find a place or fit in. But smart businesses understand that diversity and representation are good for the bottom line. The place is there. We can do it.
YOU WERE A MENTOR IN THE PREVIOUS EDITION OF THE UNIC WOMEN’S CINEMA LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME. WHAT DID YOU TAKE AWAY FROM THAT EXPERIENCE?
Mentorship is a two-way street: both people have a lot to gain. My mentee, Ellin, reminded me to slow down, to give others time to express themselves, and to let people find their own paths.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF?
Go watch that movie!