International Women’s Day
OLLIE HOWITT
What has lead you to this moment in your career?
Creativity has always been ingrained in me.. My path towards Creative Associate began with a fruitful internship, before then, working as a freelance Film-maker, Director and Producer, and Photographer, after studying Film production. I’ve worked in production since the age of 16, and have had the opportunity to work on a number of high-profile events and films, including the Rugby World Cup Opening Ceremony, and the 49th National Day for the UAE.
A highlight of your working life?
The 1st January 2021, at midnight; I watched our London New Years Eve Drone Show live from the Take-Off and Landing Zone in Greenwich while the show was broadcast to millions around the world… Seeing the creative I had worked on designing come to life before my eyes was a surreal and exhilarating moment that cemented my passion for live events.
What do you consider your biggest life achievement to be?
Finding something I love and pursuing a career in it. Perseverance to be self-assured and doing what I love, and resisting pressure and expectations, is something I’ve always endeavoured to achieve.
Do you have any female or non-binary role models? If so, who?
There are so many inspirational leaders I look up to. In terms of ambition, courage and mind-over-matter, it has to be the Trad climber Hazel Findlay.
RUTH MOLTON
A highlight of your working life?
Going to Coachella for the start of the SPECTRA build, being at my first live drone show, being part of the SEE MONSTER project – it’s going to be epic!
What do you consider your biggest life achievement to be?
My boys! (and the daily juggle of all that home, school and work brings – it’s real!)
Do you have any female or non-binary role models? If so, who?
SO many – from my family, friends, and my incredible NS team – I am inspired and in awe every single day by them all!
WHEISHA BAKALI
What has lead you to this moment in your career?
“Gods Plan” best move ever!
A highlight of your working life?
Meeting and working with amazing people that have left a positive lasting energy.
What do you consider your biggest life achievement to be?
Successfully working on my career and raising two amazing and beautiful sons, single handedly.
Do you have any female or non-binary role models? If so, who?
Easy .. my beloved Yema (mother in Moroccan)
NICCY HALLIFAX
What has lead you to this moment in your career?
I studied fine art and fell into the industry but I am so glad I did. I think Culture has never been so important and its about all of us and holding conversations with each other…. If we loose culture we loose what it means to be human.
A highlight of your working life?
Nearly touching Prince when I was director of Special Events at the O2 and he did 21 nights, closely followed by a phone conversation with Usain Bolt because he had forgotten his NOC tracksuit!
What do you consider your biggest life achievement to be?
It will be bringing SEE MONSTER to life! Its an extraordinary project..
Do you have any female or non-binary role models? If so, who?
Aidan Salakhova and Hannah Wilke.
ANTONIA GAMMANS
What has lead you to this moment in your career?
I have lead events within the Arts and Fashion industry for over 10 years, although SEE MONSTER is certainly the most ambitious and large-scale of all those events. As someone who is self-employed, I was approached about this project when the commission was first awarded in March 2021.
A highlight of your working life?
Going self-employed a few years ago. While it was a challenging time to ‘go it alone’ it was hugely exciting and brought me to a new chapter in my career, with the ability to explore new partners, and live events outside of my previous industries.
What do you consider your biggest life achievement to be?
Being able to support myself financially, while working in a career that I absolutely love [is one of my biggest achievements]. I’m so proud of the close personal friendships I have built throughout my life – they, along with my family are the most important thing to me, and continue to inspire and motivate me.
Do you have any female or non-binary role models? If so, who?
This might sound clichéd, but my mother has always been my role model. Her strength and resilience is inspiring, and her infinite ability to love and be kind is aspirational. She is also incredibly talented, and has the most beautiful soul.
KATIE FLANDERS
What has lead you to this moment in your career?
A chance meeting outside a coffee shop, at a time when I was pondering alternate career options despite reaching a career peak, and hoping for a way to not keep burning out in harsh and often macho male environments.
A highlight of your working life?
Highlights include working with and meeting a large number of people around the world whom I would consider friends for life. And having George Michael sing Happy Birthday for me!
What do you consider your biggest life achievement to be?
Achieving against some fairly high odds to reach my career goals not just once, but twice, in a very male dominated sector of lighting tech and touring rigger in the touring industry. Gender and size can certainly be overcome by dedication, skill and stubbornness! Also, finally overcoming how much toll achieving those goals has taken on mental and physical health, and feeling ready to tackle new challenges again!
ABIGAIL TAVENER
What has lead you to this moment in your career?
Being afraid of change, but doing it anyway! I’ve learnt some of the biggest lessons in my career by stepping outside of my comfort zone. Farrah Storr called this ‘the discomfort zone’, which I love!
A highlight of your working life?
The first time I was quoted in the press. Or perhaps the first time my social media content went viral…at the start of 2020 I filmed a short video of a life-size silver bird sculpture. It was simple, but fun. To date the clip has been viewed more than 1.4 million times.
Do you have any female or non-binary role models? If so, who?
I have worked with so many incredible and successful women in my career. One of the most valuable things they have taught me is that you can be a strong and respected global leader, and you can still be kind.
CAMILLE HITCHEN
What has lead you to this moment in your career?
I’m very much at the start of my career and until now ‘career’ has seemed like a distant concept and something I’d shrug off when asked about my goals for it! I definitely think that luck has a large part to play, but I’m also fortunate to have a solid support system around me and the constant encouragement of those closest to me is something I will always value- no matter what I’m doing.
A highlight of your working life?
Honestly?… Getting the job I have now probably! I’ve followed NEWSUBSTANCE for a while and really appreciate the work they create. I’m incredibly excited and grateful to just be apart of the team, as well as to be given the chance to work on an amazing project such as SEE MONSTER.
What do you consider your biggest life achievement to be?
I think upon reflection, I am actually really proud of myself for completing my university course, and graduating with a First. The first couple of years were tough, and a massive learning curve for me and I think looking back now I’m able to fully acknowledge how anxiety-riddled I was! I’m proud to reflect on how much I have grown and developed, and pushed myself into experiences I didn’t think I was capable of.
Do you have any female or non-binary role models? If so, who?
My mum will always be a massive role model for me. The woman is an absolute powerhouse whilst always being the warmest, smiliest and kindest person in any room. She truly has a heart of gold and will do anything to help people where she can. I view some of my closest friends as my role models too! Im lucky to have a solid circle of friends who I am inspired by on the daily and who always manage to make me laugh- which I believe to be very important!
ELLEN HARDY
What has lead you to this moment in your career?
I felt like I wanted to get more out of University before I left, so doing an internship at NEWSUBSTANCE gave me the chance to get hands-on experience in large scale art installations, sets and events. I wanted an internship which varied a lot creatively, and I’ve been able to do loads: from drone renders and cultural research, to prop sourcing, deck building and working on social media content.
A highlight of your working life?
Working on the set of the Riot Games Worlds Show Open was a huge highlight. I enjoyed seeing the whole thing; from sourcing props at the very start to the then the final video. It was interesting to see how the whole production was broken down into small teams making such a large project seem much more manageable.
At the very start of my internship we had a workshop for Unboxed where I got to meet the whole team and it was a great way to meet really fascinating people with stories from their industries!
What do you consider your biggest life achievement to be?
Aside from working at NEWSUBSTANCE, I’m in the National Youth Theatre which gave me the opportunity to work in Research and Development at the National Theatre for their production of Pericles in 2018
Do you have any female or non-binary role models? If so, who?
Maya Angelou, the American poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist.
— Written by
NEWSUBSTANCE
— Date
March 8, 2022
