This International Women’s Day we turn the spotlight on Cinzia Marshe, the head of marketing at Church House Westminster, a major London conference venue.
Now, with over a decade of experience as a marketer, she says what led her to the events industry initially was the creative, social, and experience-based approach of the role. “I prefer the down to earth nature of the events industry rather than working in a structured corporate organisation.” Landing her first role in events in 2019, she instantly loved it. “I just thought, it feels like the place for me,” she said, adding that it is an industry that is people focused internally and externally.
Cinzia believes that the events industry is a female dominated industry that accepts women of all life stages, including motherhood. To be in an industry that doesn’t see motherhood as a hinderance and gives the space for the balance of professional work and a personal life is important to her. “I’m really blessed, it’s a shame to say, because it should be the standard across the board,” she said, and acknowledged that there are differences between men and women, as are the different aspects of our health, and there are things that can be raised and talked about because the industry is open enough to have these conversations.
The future is looking bright for Cinzia and her team with its recent release of their Christmas and summer packages. The latter being especially exciting as the venue is gearing up to launch a new outdoor space for clients. This will allow an extra space for hosting memorable events especially with summer around the corner. “We are pushing the marketing around it, emails, social media, and exhibitions,” she added. In terms of her career path, Cinzia is focused on modernising the brand. “Bringing the brand up to where the venue is, doing a reputational refresh, is what I’m really focusing on.”
On her leadership approach, Cinzia said she sees herself as a relational leader, supporting and developing her employees both professionally and personally. She believes this to be her responsibility, saying: “When you show people that you view them as a whole person and you understand that there are different facets to their life that affect them in work, that helps working relationships and benefits everything and everyone around them, including the team and the clients.”
Any young woman entering the events industry would feel inspired and encouraged by Cinzia Marshe. Her three pieces of advice to young women resonated clearly: “1. If you think you can’t do it, you probably should go ahead and just do it. 2. Don’t let your youth undermine your own ability or your mind. 3. Apply for the job if you don’t think you meet the requirement because men will.”
