About the Episode
In this episode of Corralling the Chaos, Angela Alea, President & CRO of LASSO, sits down with Anca Trifan, CEO and Founder of Tree-Fan Events, to discuss the unique challenges women face in the events industry and explore practical solutions. Anca shares her inspiring journey from hands-on technical roles to founding her own company, emphasizing the importance of advocating for oneself and embracing leadership opportunities. The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of events, the need for work-life integration, and strategies for attracting younger generations into the industry. Tune in to discover actionable insights on personal growth, mentorship, and creating inclusive work environments.
Meet Your Speakers
– Angela Alea: President & CRO of LASSO, Host of Corralling the Chaos
– Anca Trifan: CEO & Founder of Tree-Fan Events
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Takeaways
Takeaway 1: Women in the events industry need to take up space and advocate for themselves.
Anca Trifan shared her journey from coiling cables to running her own event company, Trifan Events. She emphasized the importance of women advocating for themselves and taking up space in a male-dominated industry like events. Trifan advised not to wait until one is 100% ready or knowledgeable before stepping up into leadership positions.
“Take up space and advocate for yourself. Don’t be afraid to step into leadership roles and showcase your expertise, even if you’re not 100% there and ready,” Trifan said. She also pointed out the contrast between women wanting to know all details before stepping up, versus men who might know only 40% yet are willing to figure things out along the way.
Trifan also emphasized the importance of continuous learning and curiosity. “Keep growing, keep learning, stay curious, and allow other women that come behind you to also lead the way and give space for them as well,” she advised.
Takeaway 2: The events industry must adapt to attract younger generations.
Trifan highlighted the challenges the events industry faces in attracting younger generations. She suggested that the industry needs to change its ways, adopt new leadership styles, and create inclusive environments to make it attractive to new entrants. She mentioned the importance of mentorship programs, open dialogue, and fostering communities where women can have a voice and feel welcomed.
“I think we’re going to have to make some choices to change our ways as an industry, to embrace new leadership styles,” Trifan said. She also emphasized the need for agencies and event companies to be intentional about their hiring practices, providing growth opportunities, and allowing women to take on lead roles.
Takeaway 3: The importance of work-life integration in the events industry.
Trifan spoke candidly about her struggles with finding work-life balance in the demanding world of events. She believes in the concept of work-life integration rather than balance and advised new entrants in the industry to learn to set boundaries and manage their time efficiently to ensure they don’t sacrifice one aspect of their life for the other.
“I was on a ladder, like, kid, you’re not hanging a light when my water broke,” Trifan shared, highlighting the intense demands of the industry. She also stressed the need for companies in the industry to provide more supportive environments for women, especially those wanting to start a family.
Trifan also emphasized the role of personal branding in the industry. “Personal branding is important as well. Being known for the things that you do, not how you look and the skill set that you have,” she said.
Insights Surfaced
– The events industry is constantly changing and evolving, making it critical for professionals to continuously learn and adapt.
– Women in the events industry often face unique challenges, including gender bias, work-life balance issues, and a lack of representation in leadership roles.
– Work-life integration, rather than work-life balance, is a more realistic approach for event professionals.
– Mentorship and supportive communities can play a crucial role in helping women navigate the challenges of the industry.
– It’s important for women to take up space, advocate for themselves, and not be afraid to step into leadership roles.
– The industry needs to be more inclusive and create safe spaces for women to express themselves and grow.