TELL US ABOUT YOUR DAILY HABITS THAT KEEP YOU INSPIRED AND MOTIVATED.
Working in international theatrical distribution means no two days are ever the same, and variety is one of the most rewarding and inspiring parts of the job. Typically, I start each day by checking box office results for both Paramount and competitor movies. Staying closely connected to the performance of our films and the pulse of the industry genuinely motivates me.
I live close to the studio, so I often walk to the office. That moment of fresh air helps clear my head before diving into emails and meetings.
I also make it a habit to read widely, especially trade news to stay current. But I also enjoy diving into stories about icons of the business. Right now, I’m reading Barry Diller's autobiography, which offers a fascinating history of both the industry and Paramount
LOOKING BACK AT YOUR CAREER JOURNEY, WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?
I’m most proud of building and leading a team that consistently delivers in an ever-changing theatrical landscape. A team that is not only passionate about movies but deeply committed to getting it right. They are thoughtful, agile, and bring their own unique perspective to our business. They’re not afraid to challenge the status quo, and that mindset continues to drive us forward.
On a personal note, making the leap from finance to distribution—and later relocating from London to Los Angeles—were defining moments in my career. Both moves required courage and conviction, and they’ve paid off in ways I could never have predicted.
WHAT WERE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES YOU ENCOUNTERED THROUGHOUT YOUR LEADERSHIP JOURNEY? DID YOU HAVE ANY MENTORS ALONG THE WAY?
I’ve been fortunate to have a few wonderful mentors along the way —people who helped me see the bigger picture, challenged my thinking, and reminded me to trust my instincts. Their guidance has been invaluable, and I’m never afraid to pick up the phone for a chat. Many have become close friends, and I deeply value their perspective.
One of the biggest ongoing challenges has been learning to lead through uncertainty. Adapting to industry shifts while staying calm and keep focused on the work we can control, rather than being distracted by what we cannot.
GIVEN THE DEMANDS OF YOUR ROLE, HOW DO YOU BALANCE YOUR WORK AND PERSONAL LIFE?
There’s no magic formula for work-life balance, and everyone’s situation is different and unique. I don’t have children, but that doesn’t mean I don’t empathize with the demands of modern family life.
Working in an international environment requires flexibility: early calls with Europe, late ones with Asia. You have to be mindful of others’ time zones and prepare in advance to avoid last-minute fire drills. While you can’t anticipate everything, building that trust helps ensure people rally when it matters most.
Having a strong, empowered team also makes a huge difference. Understanding workloads allows you to focus and delegate effectively and confidently, knowing the work will be done, and done well.
Personally, I recharge by going to the gym, hiking, and trying (not always successfully!) to keep my garden alive.
WITH NEARLY 20 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN THE CINEMA INDUSTRY, WHAT DO YOU THINK IS HOLDING WOMEN BACK, AND WHAT NEEDS TO CHANGE FOR BETTER REPRESENTATION AND INCLUSION?
There have been significant strides over the past two decades, but we’re still lacking visible female leadership in key decision-making roles. The biggest challenge remains representation - ensuring that women have real opportunities to lead major projects and that their voices are heard at the highest levels.
There’s never been a greater need for female-focused content. We’ve seen how powerfully audiences respond to stories like Mean Girls and Colleen Hoover’s It Ends With Us, and we’re excited to continue that momentum with our upcoming release of Regretting You. These stories resonate deeply with female audiences, and we need more women at the table to ensure that female perspectives are seen and heard.
YOU WERE A MENTOR IN THE PREVIOUS EDITION OF THE UNIC WOMEN'S CINEMA LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME. WHAT HAS THAT EXPERIENCE BEEN LIKE FOR YOU.
It’s been both a privilege and a pleasure. I found the experience incredibly fulfilling. Watching my mentee grow in confidence and tackle challenges with a fresh perspective reminded me just how powerful mentorship can be.
I’ve often been surprised by how much I’ve learned from my mentees. Hearing their stories as they navigate challenges and grow in their careers is inspiring. The working landscape looks very different from the one I entered. Expectations from both employers and employees have fundamentally shifted, and those conversations have broadened my own perspective.
The programme also fosters a strong network of women in the industry, which is crucial for long-term change. I’ve learned just as much from my mentee as she has from me, It’s a two-way exchange.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE CURRENT MENTORS AND MENTEES?
For mentors: Take the time to get to know your mentee before diving into work-related topics. Listen more than you speak. Ask the same question in multiple ways as it can unlock deeper insights. It’s tempting to jump in to give advice or offer solutions, but the real value often comes from helping the mentee understand their challenge from different angles.
For mentees: Know what you want to get out of the relationship, and don’t be afraid to ask direct questions. Take notes and follow through. It’s easy to feel inspired during the call, but then let things slip as work takes over. Only you can drive your own growth. A mentor is there to guide, not to fix.