TELL US ABOUT YOUR DAILY HABITS THAT KEEP YOU INSPIRED AND MOTIVATED.
Having trained as a professional ballet dancer when I was young, I like to start my day with some physical exercise, whether that’s doing cardio work, yoga or even just a brisk walk. It helps me feel more energetic and focused on the tasks of the day ahead. I also try to read as much as possible: industry news - to get a sense of the evolution of the various issues the cinema sector is facing globally and how our company can best assist our clients - tech news and current affairs. Usually, it’s a combination of all three.
LOOKING BACK AT YOUR CAREER JOURNEY, WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?
I’m most proud of the diversity of experiences I’ve had throughout my career, from distributing documentary films for IMAX theatres to heading up marketing for a leading global cinema integrator. Each role has offered new challenges and learnings that I’ve carried forward into the next, shaping both my professional growth and perspective. I’ve maintained a strong sense of curiosity and adaptability, even during times of major industry change. My enduring optimism about the future has also been a defining part of my journey and something I take great pride in.
WHAT WERE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES YOU ENCOUNTERED THROUGHOUT YOUR LEADERSHIP JOURNEY? DID YOU HAVE ANY MENTORS ALONG THE WAY?
Like many of us, one of my greatest challenges was being my own harshest critic and not recognising the true value and skills I bring to the workplace and to leading a team. Although I’ve been fortunate to have incredibly strong female role models in my personal life, my professional experience lacked that presence, with primarily male colleagues and bosses — a number of whom did serve as mentors and from whom I learned. That said, I would have loved to have worked with a female leader I could look up to and seek advice from.
GIVEN THE DEMANDS OF YOUR ROLE, HOW DO YOU BALANCE YOUR WORK AND PERSONAL LIFE?
It took some time, but two key developments have helped me achieve a better balance between work and personal life. The first was the shift brought about by the Covid lockdowns, which transformed workplace expectations and demonstrated that flexibility, such as remote work, can actually enhance productivity and engagement. The second is experience: over time, I’ve learned to manage my energy more intentionally and focus my efforts where they create the most impact, allowing me in my personal time to enjoy the things I love, like going to the cinema, the ballet, or a museum.
WITH OVER 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN THE CINEMA SECTOR, WHAT DO YOU THINK IS HOLDING WOMEN BACK, AND WHAT DO YOU THINK NEEDS TO CHANGE FOR BETTER REPRESENTATION AND INCLUSION?
A lack of confidence, salary equity and opportunities. That is why the UNIC Women’s Leadership Programme and other mentorship schemes for women are invaluable. In addition to building skills and confidence in our own abilities, they provide networking opportunities that are crucial to career development. To quote the musical “Hamilton,” we need to be in the room where it happens from the start of our careers.
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 was truly one of the most fulfilling professional experiences I’ve ever had. I had long admired the programme, but it was a dinner conversation during the 2023 UNIC Cinema Days that inspired me to join. Surrounded by WCLP mentors and mentees, I was struck by their strength as a community – confident, supportive, and genuinely welcoming. Working with and learning from my mentee, Nanna Isholm – her passion for the industry, her professional experience as an exhibitor and new ways of looking at the workplace – has been priceless. We both grew so much through the experience, and I’m deeply thankful for it.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF?
Be kinder to yourself and know that you are capable of accomplishing anything you put your mind to.