International Women's Day

This International Women’s Day, we sat down with five women from across Olympia London to find out more about them, their careers to date, and what this year's theme of #EmbraceEquity means to them.

Julie Driscoll – Chief Executive Officer

What achievement in your career to date are you most proud of?

Becoming the CEO of Olympia London is my proudest moment. The venue is currently being re-developed to become a London destination which will regenerate the local economy and become a global magnet for premium events. I have a very clear mission: to facilitate bold entertainment and business, live and direct brought to you by an icon of London. The venue has been home to incredible shows for the last 136 years. Creating a new legacy is a powerful “why” and a once in a lifetime opportunity.

This year’s International Women’s Day theme is #EmbraceEquity, what does this mean to you?

Equity means creating an inclusive world. We can all challenge gender stereotypes, call out discrimination, draw attention to bias, and seek out inclusion. I was previously the chair of the AEO (the Association of Exhibition organisers), and whilst giving the opening remarks at the 2022 AEO awards ceremony I called out that I was only the second woman to have been awarded this role in the AEO’s 100 year history. My request was that as an industry we strive to do better. Similarly, I am the first female CEO of Olympia London in it’s 136 year history.

Which female icon are you most inspired by, and why?

Michelle Obama. She’s somebody who embraces equity at every turn and who’s view of the world and work I share. She stated "I love our daughters more than anything in the world ― more than life itself. For me, being Mom-in-Chief is, and always will be, job number one." Wise words.  I have a son and a daughter and whilst I totally and utterly adore my work, being a Mom-in-Chief will always be the number one job. My wish is for all working parents to be happy to express this; it’s key to embracing equity, to ensuring a work/life balance which supports wellbeing.

Finally, what is your personal motto/mantra?

“Cool head, warm heart, always curious”.

Vicky Jones – eForce Senior Sales Manager

How has the events industry evolved since you started?

I feel it has become more of a recognised industry to have a career in. Previously it was very temp based. I think the past couple of years since the pandemic has proved that people still need to and enjoy meeting face to face, but it has also provided new opportunities with things such as hybrid events.

Which female icon are you most inspired by, and why?

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC), New York Congresswoman. I watched a documentary on her when she started out as a Bartender before running for Congress and won. I think she is amazing, especially after seeing her emotional account of the day there were the riots at the Capitol building. She stands up for great causes and people against the awful hate and abuse she receives.

This year’s International Women’s Day theme is #EmbraceEquity, what does this mean to you?

I think embracing equity is about fairness and treating everyone with respect. It’s allowing all the genders to have equal opportunity in all job roles and positions.

Finally, what is your personal motto/mantra?

It’s Caroline Flack’s – “In a world where you can be anything, be kind.”

Sarah Farndale - Legal & Finance Assistant

How has the events industry evolved since you started?

Like many industries, the recent push for increased diversity and inclusion in events is a really positive step. Sitting on our diversity and inclusion working group, it has been really inspiring to share thoughts and ideas about how to make meaningful change.

Which female icon are you most inspired by, and why?

Sticking with the legal theme, I would have to say Erin Brockovich. An unemployed single mum who became a legal assistant and almost single-handedly brought down a California power company accused of polluting a city's water supply. It resulted in one of the biggest lawsuits of its kind– what’s not to be inspired by. Julia Roberts portrayal in the film adaptation won her a Best Actress Oscar and it’s one of my favourite movies – if you haven’t seen it, you must!

This year’s International Women’s Day theme is #EmbraceEquity, what does this mean to you?

To me, embracing equity means taking time to truly understand the different experiences of women and making decisions with the diversity of experience at the forefront of your mind.  It involves questioning the impact of decision making and seeking outcomes that benefit the many.

Finally, what is your personal motto/mantra?

Be yourself! Everyone else is already taken.

Kristina Jearrard - Cleaning Manager

How has the events industry evolved since you started?

Sustainability being introduced and heavily recognised. Social media platforms and technology becoming more prominent to ensure events are reachable. COVID and Brexit also had a massive impact, changing the way in which we deliver events.

What achievement in your career to date are you most proud of?

I introduced a paperless smart technology into our cloakrooms through a platform called Chexology. We were one of the first UK venues to introduce this. This has enabled us to run a much more efficient cloakroom system and has cut waiting times down significantly too.

This year’s International Women’s Day theme is #EmbraceEquity, what does this mean to you?

To me, embracing equity means we should all encourage and help drive success. Embrace harmony and unity in all forms.

Finally, what is your personal motto/mantra?

Never give up until I deliver.

Sarah Elton Wall – Head of Events & Conferences

How has the events industry evolved since you started?

The evolution of technology has manifest itself in the industry, changing behaviours and processes and allowing events to reach a much larger audience; but for me, the biggest leap forward has been in Sustainability. It wasn’t really in the events industry vocabulary when I started in the early 2000’s and now it’s a deciding factor in everything we do. I’m proud that Olympia London has been at the forefront of the conversation.

What achievement in your career to date are you most proud of?

I’ve been lucky enough to work on some great events in my time but the stand-out moment was building a Conference team that won Best Venue Customer Service at the 2016 EN Awards. Being part of a great (all women!) team who were working hard, growing and being recognised for their successes was a very proud moment.

This year’s International Women’s Day theme is #EmbraceEquity, what does this mean to you?

Giving everyone the means to operate on an equal playing field.

My personal experience is around being a working parent; I had doubts as to whether I could balance motherhood with a career in live events, and whilst the struggle is real, I’ve personally been lucky enough to have the support and flexibility to make it work. I recognise that this is not everyone’s story, and the scope of caring responsibilities is much wider, but I think there’s still opportunity to #EmbraceEquity for working parents from accessible and affordable childcare to flexible working and beyond.

Embracing equity is also an important and evolving conversation in our industry; we must continue to challenge ourselves to make events inclusive, representative and accessible.

Finally, what is your personal motto/mantra?

“You didn’t come this far, to only come this far” helps me to focus, double down and find a way to navigate the challenges, and a reminder that there’s always remove for improvement.