I got into the event industry because events seemed a natural progression - putting on an event is putting on a show and it allows me to utilise all of my skills. I wanted to be able to work in some kind of media where I could combine my production and organisational strengths with my music and television background. I started my career as a performer, travelling the world for five years and later I worked in BBC Production on educational programmes for TV and radio.
I have worked here for more than 15 years. Originally, I arrived in New York to work for BBC Worldwide in 1994. I came with two suitcases and never went back.
I was attracted to this particular role because I like to organise, I am very social, I enjoy taking care of my clients and I have the opportunity to mentor students interested in international business and event production.
Not many people know that I was a professional backing singer and dancer in quite a well-known band in the UK, The Revillos. We’ve got multiple DVDs and videos and loyal fans on YouTube. Having toured for five years, we visited the US several times and I was determined to come back to live in New York.
The best event I've been involved was... it was one of my first events for the United Nations, A Celebration of Leadership, with guest speaker Nelson Mandela and a 187-piece Venezuelan youth orchestra. I was very nervous and I had a lot to learn.
If I could do it all over again I would have dedicated more time towards marketing the company in a way that would make my clients more aware of the wide variety of events I am capable of producing. As an entrepreneur I was advised when I started my company that I couldn’t be all things to all people. So, I concentrated more on the non-profit, social responsibility type of work, which I love, but as a result, some people have forgotten that I’m also a producer. Now that I’ve launched J Marshall Productions, I hope to expand and diversify my client list and combine my love of both the arts and social justice.
The one thing I can't stand is disrespect in the workplace. This industry is all about teamwork; each person plays a role in bringing everything together. With each event, you work with a wide variety of individuals and it is important to the success of the event that we work well together.
Outside of work I spend my time reading, catching up on the news, going to Bafta screenings, and attending networking events. I am always being reminded by my J Marshall Events team and friends that I should take more time for myself. I probably work too much.
If money were no object I would like to do more philanthropic work and take more of an active role in protecting children’s rights.
If I could switch places with anyone else in the industry it would be David Stark, I think his work is amazing. I’m a big admirer of his art and I wouldn’t mind being as successful as him.
If I ruled the event industry I would be the go-to person for all high-level international events involving visiting dignitaries.
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