TELL US ABOUT YOUR DAILY HABITS THAT KEEP YOU INSPIRED AND MOTIVATED
Staying active is a key habit that helps keep me motivated and energised – I practice Pilates regularly and ensure to make time for walks, even if it’s just a quick 10-minute brisk walk to clear my head and enjoy the outdoors!
Connection is another key priority. Working mostly remotely, I make sure to engage with colleagues daily through quick Teams chats or calls. I also make sure to stay connected with family and friends by carving out time to chat and get together. These personal and professional interactions are a constant source of positivity and inspiration.
It is also important for me to dedicate time each day to learning something new, whether it’s reading industry news or looking beyond my own field to explore trends in other industries. This sparks fresh ideas and encourages out-of-the-box thinking.
Finally, an evening activity that I have started with my kids is to take a few minutes together to reflect on our day, sharing what went well, what we’re proud of and what we want to focus on the next day. This simple ritual reinforces progress, builds self-confidence, and helps us all stay motivated with a clear, positive mindset.
LOOKING BACK AT YOUR CAREER JOURNEY, WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?
What I’m most proud of is having had the opportunity to learn across all areas of this fascinating theatrical industry. Coming from a retail background, I wasn’t initially aware of all the incredible work that happens behind the big screen! Through my experiences over the years, and programmes like the UNIC Women's Cinema Leadership Programme, I’ve met amazing people across the globe and gained insights that have shaped how I work and lead.
I have had the privilege of collaborating with diverse teams and building strong relationships, many of which have turned into lasting friendships. Those connections give real meaning to what I do. Some of my most rewarding moments have been about supporting and growing with the people around me – whether mentoring, sharing knowledge, helping someone through a challenge, or contributing to a positive team culture. I’ve learned that success and motivation come from working together as a team, and I’m grateful to continue to share that journey with such talented people!
WHAT WERE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES YOU ENCOUNTERED THROUGHOUT YOUR LEADERSHIP JOURNEY? DID YOU HAVE ANY MENTORS ALONG THE WAY?
One of the biggest challenges I faced was building confidence and finding my voice. Having a personality that is more introverted and being more comfortable listening and observing, speaking up, especially in rooms with senior leaders, was very intimidating at first. Over time, I learned that confidence grows through preparation, experience, and trusting yourself & your perspective.
I’ve been fortunate to have incredible mentors along the way, many of them strong women both within and outside the cinema industry. They encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone, reminded me that my ideas have value, and modelled what authentic leadership looks like. Their guidance not only helped me overcome those early challenges but also shaped the way I mentor others today.
GIVEN THE DEMANDS OF YOUR ROLE, HOW DO YOU BALANCE YOUR WORK AND PERSONAL LIFE?
Balancing work and personal life is always a challenge, especially as a mom of two girls – 14 and 10 – with a very busy social schedule!! Despite the demands of my role and my commitment to supporting my team, I make it a priority to be present for my daughters. Whether it’s cheering them on at soccer games or gymnastics meets, being fully present for those moments are key for me.
I also make sure to carve out time for myself to disconnect. Over the years, I’ve learned that taking time to pause and recharge is both important for me personally and also makes me a better leader. When I come back refreshed, I’m more focused and effective. This is something I try to model for my team as well, encouraging them to prioritise a strong work-life balance so we can all bring our best selves to work.
YOU WERE A MENTOR IN THE PREVIOUS EDITION OF THE UNIC WOMEN'S CINEMA LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME. WHAT HAS THAT EXPERIENCE BEEN LIKE FOR YOU?
Being a mentor in the UNIC Women’s Cinema Leadership Programme was an incredibly rewarding experience. I’m grateful to have worked with my mentee, Benedikte Schuitema, a strong and inspiring woman whose determination and passion for the industry truly impressed me. Our discussions were not just about sharing my experience, they were a mutual exchange of learnings and knowledge, supporting one another through different challenges. I’m thankful for what I learned from her. We’ve built a lasting friendship and look forward to continuing to support each other as marketing professionals in the cinema industry.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF?
If I could give my younger self advice, I would say: trust yourself and your perspective – your voice matters, so don’t be afraid to speak up even when it feels uncomfortable. In addition, advocate for yourself and your accomplishments by ensuring your contributions are recognised and valued. And lastly, always continue learning – stay curious, adaptable, and open to growth, because investing in your development will keep you resilient and ready for new opportunities. Ultimately, believe in your ability and embrace every experience as a chance to learn and lead.