This is a story about Karen Edwards and Jenny Davies, and how one community bought them together to learn from each other, forge a lasting relationship and support each other in the crazy world we call events!
So, why did you decided to get involved with the NOWIE Level Mentoring Programme?
Karen: The lovely Cat Kevern asked me to get involved (so I couldn’t really say no!). It was the first year of the Mentoring Programme and she thought my experience as a freelancer and a mother would be good to share with the mentees. And also, Cat knows I like talking about my world, sharing knowledge and information and generally encouraging everyone to be their best self.
Jenny: After almost 10 years in the events industry, I felt like I was at a bit of a junction. I wanted to take the next leap in my career, but sometimes lacked the confidence and self-belief. I had seen and been following NOWIE on socials, and idea of supporting and developing women in the events industry appealed to me. I also loved that it wasn’t just for those at the start of their career – but those of us stuck in the middle too. So I applied!
Now, the tricky one! What did you get out of NOWIE Level Up Mentoring Programme?
Karen: I learnt that mentoring is about learning from each other. It is about sharing experiences (good and bad) and working out what the learnings are, or what can be done differently next time. It doesn’t matter how long you have been in the events industry, there is always something to learn (my Excel skills have got infinitely better since meeting Jenny). I gained an ally in the events industry, someone who I can trust on an event, someone who I can share ideas and problems with, and someone who I can welcome into my world.
Jenny: The big one for me was gaining confidence in myself. I realised that Karen is a complete whirlwind and workaholic when it comes to her events and her brand… you can’t keep up! This for me was a positive influence. It showed me that been being busy doesn’t mean been stressed, and that you can find what you love and enjoy the pressure! I also gained a friend who I can ask questions to, have a chat with and who will be around to help and support me.
Everyone wants to know, since you finished the Mentoring Programme in 2023, what have you both been up to?
Karen: Well, I have been busy working on a variety of freelance projects (national and international!) And most exciting, Jenny and I have worked together on a couple of projects. We are like ying and yang on site! Jenny is a safe, steady control centre – keeping information up to date, liaising with suppliers and team members, I am more of an out on site person making sure everything is going according to plan and troubleshooting as required. One of the things I learnt from Jenny, which still makes me smile, is ‘Karen, you can only have one conversation at a time!’. I think this is Jenny’s way of telling me to focus on one thing, and not do too many things at the same time. And don’t be afraid to tell someone to wait a moment, whilst you finish what you are doing. Surely everyone wants your full attention?
Jenny: I left the Scouts Association at the start of 2024 and I am now working for St Cross College, Oxford, as Conference & Events Manager. With the Scouts, I had done a lot of international events (including the World Jamboree), and wanted a role closer to home (more regular hours and less travel). I’ve also finally managed to get the opportunity to step up as a Manager, which is definitely due to Karen’s confidence in me and learning how to champion myself.
I have also embraced networking, which has been a learning curve. I have been going to a couple of local face to face networking mornings, as well as online communities. I’m growing to enjoy it more than before but it’s still a journey.
I’ve worked on a couple of events with Karen as well which has been amazing. She’s also roped me into her podcast, the Events Insight Podcast. Initially this was a way for me to use more social media and chat to lots of industry professionals. Now it is a way to enhance my network and profile, and also work with some great events professionals.
In short, NOWIE has been, and continues to be a fantastic experience. As a mentor you have been in the industry longer than your mentee, and have worked on more events, but you still don’t know everything. This relationship brings knowledge and confidence to both parties.
If you want to find out more, visit https://www.nowie.org/become-a-mentor.
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