Women of events today

Evie joined FullCircle in 2010 as an office assistant and the only woman in a team of 5 (we are now a team of 18 with 12 women). Working her way up through the company with the support of her peers, she is now the Managing Director of FullCircle. She is passionate about the arts and has danced from the age of 2, still practising ballet in her spare time. She lives in Chelmsford with her husband of 7 years and her dog, Bear, and also enjoys reading, hiking and travelling.

This year’s IWD theme is “balance for better”. In what ways do you personally try to create a better balance in the workplace for your colleagues?

Balance in the workplace is so important; you need a range of backgrounds and ideas to ignite creativity and innovation. As a small business, we can be more open and collaborative with how we work and our processes, allowing input and suggestions from all staff at every level. Change is positive and important for growth so I aim to promote this message in all my interactions.

Which feminist ideas have you seen other businesses practising that you found admirable or would like to emulate?

Businesses that provide balance, flexible working and empower leaders of both genders to create environments that promote collaboration and respect. Open book pay or pay structures are also important to ensure everyone is paid fairly for what they do.

Also, to always remember that it’s not one size fits all; we need to be flexible and tailored with our approach for our female and male staff to give them the best balance and our company the happiest and most productive staff.

If you could change one thing about the world’s treatment of women in the workplace, what would it be?

An understanding of the value of female leaders and the benefits they bring, even if it’s part-time.

What are you looking forward to seeing in the changing face of how the world treats women in 2019?

I would like to see more of a lead from men in business, making a balanced working environment for working mums and the like is a priority.

Who is your feminist icon and why?

Sophie Amoruso, the creator of Nasty Gal Vintage. She is an incredibly strong and dynamic female leader, proving that you can be successful in business and still create positive working environments that provide balance.

Don’t just take it from us; here’s what our friends in the event industry say about the women in our workplace:

“It is inspirational to work with so many females in this industry who are aspiring to be the best they can be and ultimately run the world of events. It is also encouraging that we have females in high-level management positions to inspire the next generation of event professionals.”

Hannah Robson, Bespoke Sales and Event Director, CH&CO

“Looking online, much of what you see surrounding women in the workplace consists of glass ceilings, office cattiness and the need to work twice as hard as men to get ahead. There is still a way to go, with the gender pay gap being a clear tangible difference. However, my personal experience in the workplace sees me surrounded by bold, funny and very talented colleagues at all levels, in a variety of roles – from operations and finance to sales and HR, These people deliver day in and day out, while also inspiring and supporting each other, regardless of gender.”

Jemma Scott, Head of Sales and Events, Venue Lab