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Let’s not kid ourselves, it is still a world run by men. Things are much, much better but there is still a long way to go.


For this month's interview, we're delighted to have Clare Binns, Managing Director, Picturehouse Cinemas.

Clare was a mentor in one of the first editions of the UNIC Women's Cinema Leadership programme and is here sharing her experience.

 

TELL US ABOUT YOUR DAILY HABITS THAT KEEP YOU INSPIRED AND MOTIVATED.

Watching films has always been my passion. Additionally working with great people who share the same deep enthusiasm for cinema as I do plays an essential role in keeping me inspired and motivated.

LOOKING BACK AT YOUR CAREER JOURNEY, WHAT ARE YOU THE PROUDEST OF?

I am proudest of staying true to myself, balancing film and content, business and culture, and proving that audiences do want more than algorithm-driven movies.

WHAT WERE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES YOU ENCOUNTERED THROUGHOUT YOUR LEADERSHIP JOURNEY?

That is a secret, but believe me there have been many!

HAVING A DEMANDING ROLE, HOW DO YOU BALANCE YOUR WORK AND PERSONAL LIFE?

I have become better about balance, as I was not so good at it in the past. Now, I am making sure that I do other things that I enjoy, and this actually makes my work better and keeps me fresh. Going for a swim, walking, listening to music and watching films as often as possible continue to bring me immense pleasure.

FROM YOUR CAREER OF OVER 40 YEARS IN THE CINEMA INDUSTRY, WHAT DO YOU THINK IS HOLDING WOMEN BACK? WHY DO THEY STILL REMAIN UNDERREPRESENTED IN SENIOR POSITIONS IN THE CINEMA AND THEATRE SECTORS?

Let’s not kid ourselves, it is still a world run by men. Things are much, much better but there is still a long way to go.

WHAT ARE THE CURRENT CHALLENGES FOR COMPANIES WHEN IT COMES TO ENSURING AN INCLUSIVE CULTURE AND AN INCLUSIVE LEADERSHIP?

We must not give lip service to this, and mentorship plays a part in this. As women we need to support each other, and this is not a competition!

YOU WERE A MENTOR IN THE SECOND EDITION OF THE UNIC WOMEN'S CINEMA LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME. WHY DO YOU THINK MENTORING IS IMPORTANT? DID YOU HAVE MENTORS ALONG THE WAY?

I have had 'unofficial' mentors, people I have learnt from, people who have supported me and helped me, and who have given their time and advice unselfishly.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE CURRENT MENTORS AND MENTEES?

Work out between you what sort of help you want, be open and generous, turn off your phone (!), concentrate and don't be afraid to ask!


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