Hosted by International Group Counsel Selina Emeny and VP of International Human Resources Brian Newman, the panel included Chief Human Resources Officer Nadia Rawlinson, Managing Director of Ticketmaster Australasia Maria O’Connor, Vice Head Promoter of MOJO Holland Kim Bloem, Head Promoter of Live Nation Sweden Anna Sjölund and Senior Vice President, Marketing – Live Nation International Jackie Wilgar.
The panel discussion addressed themes of confidence in the workplace, personal stories of being the “only woman in the room” and overcoming experiences of exclusion.
Jackie shared the importance of contributing value to any situation, “…early in my career I took an approach very quickly on some specific things that were the key to my ability to stay in the room and grow with the position I had. I decided very quickly that I was going to listen… that’s a cultural diversity thing as well as a valuable skill and I decided I was going to add value both as someone who could bring more to a situation and as a way of contributing expertise.”
Nadia added to this commenting that “ …from the adding value perspective – not just for women but for everyone – that’s how mentors find you. A lot of people are mistaken by trying to seek mentors out… but providing value or contributing in some way by proactively taking action is noticed by people and mentors will find you.”
The conversation also addressed the nuances of being recognised as a “female promoter”. Anna commented that she’s “incredibly proud of the fact we see more female promoters coming up in the industry… but when I speak on panels, I don’t want my opinion to be asked just because I’m a woman… we have a responsibility to make people aware that we need more female promoters and it’s the area of our business we’re in desperate need to take care of.”
Kim added that her single goal is to do her job and do it “…absolutely perfectly. I want to be extremely good at what I do. Man or woman.”
Maria shared the importance of forums like WE Nation where people can feel supported. She said that “…this is a forum for diversity – it doesn’t matter what sex, race or religion you are, this a forum to talk – I get bemused that females are diverse because we’re 51% of the population. But any forum is a good forum! People need a place to share their problems and if we’re helping just one person, it’s worth it.”
Stay tuned for a video of the conversation next week.
Story by Genevieve O’Neil
