Newsletter August 2020
Wellness and Work
Hello from Fay
It’s great that we finally have some certainty (I say some!) about the restart dates for the event industry. And I’m sure like me you’ve all welcomed the re-opening of restaurants, pubs and other businesses (hairdressers too – thank goodness!). Even though things can still change there is not a lot we can do about that, but there is a fine balance between health & safety and the economics of our lives. My philosophy is to look forward, not back, and make the best out of the situation. Even though it may be tough, there is always a way through you just need to keep looking for it.
There have been some exciting opportunities that our FF15 community have created for themselves. One of our previous mentees Gabby has launched a new business venture Diversity Ally…more details on this in this issue and including some of what our other mentees have been up to. It’s great to see our mentee community going for it!
It’s important that we look after ourselves, wellness and mental health should be a priority. I’ve written a little piece on top great tips on how to keep positive, have a read of it here. Lastly our Shero for this month is Helen Moon, founder of EventWell, who gives a frank and open interview about her journey.
Lots of love,
Fay x
FF15 Shero’s
Women who inspire us with their strength, ambition and fearlessness.
Continuing with our series of FF15 Shero’s, this month we would like to introduce Helen Moon.
In 2009 when working as a Business Development Manager Helen suffered from huge burn out, and it was also around this time she was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. Having to come to terms with dealing with a chronic mental health disorder she became determined to help others who may be experiencing their own mental health issues, a subject that was not previously discussed in the industry. From this, and a meeting with Fay, EventWell was born and in 2017 the first EventWell week was held. EventWell is now growing as the mental health and well-being voice of the event industry with open conversations about mental health now taking place.
#FF15 Entrepreneurs
Former 2017/18 mentee and newly appointed FF15 BAME Ambassador Gabrielle Austen-Browne, along with Ashanti Bentil-Dhue have founded Diversity Ally. They are dedicated to helping the global events industry to become diverse and inclusive in its culture, people and image. We provide robust diversity and inclusion expertise covering workplace culture, training, HR and recruitment services. You can find out about their workshops and the industry diversity pledges on their website.
Former 2019/20 mentee Megan Anstee is co-founder of The Intrepid Collective which exists to connect the world and share stories through compelling events, allowing clients to engage more effectively with their audiences, communities, customers and employees. Through their expertise and experience they advise, create and execute solutions to help clients achieve their vision. Megan has used this time to pivot and launch The Virtual Collective to connect, engage and inspire guests through bespoke live experiences whilst at home or in smaller remote groups.
Since being on lockdown 2019/20 mentee Amanda Pezzaniti has been looking at ways of keeping productive. With her love of travel and some fantastic adventures under her belt she has started a podcast called “Tipsy Travel Talk”. She and a guest tell some great travel stories over a cocktail as well as leaving the listener with some great travel advice on a region. Stories include being held at gunpoint for ransom, and how to avoid being killed by rebels! You can find the podcast available on Spotify and other streaming services.
