Women in Leadership
Role model managers
AS PART I OF A NEW SERIES , CMW MEETS TWO WOMEN VENUE LEADERS : JANET HAMILTON , GM CAIRNS CONVENTION CENTRE AND SYLVIE BIANCHERI , GM OF THE GRIMALDI FORUM MONACO , AND HEARS HOW THEY BLAZE A TRAIL FOR WOMEN IN THE INDUSTRY
H ow did you first move into the meetings industry and what kind of challenges did women face then ? Janet Hamilton : For the past decade , I ’ ve been managing two convention centres . Before that , I worked in major events . When I started , there was only one other female general manager of the major convention centres in Australia . Now , there are four – a positive shift . When I was working in major events I never felt disadvantaged as I climbed the ranks . You ’ re so focused on the next project or job , driven by energy and purpose .
Language is pivotal in achieving gender parity . It ’ s important to recognise the positive impact of using empowering terms for everyone . For instance , describing both men and women as ‘ strong ’ rather than ‘ pushy ’ helps foster a more inclusive environment . By being mindful of our language , we can make significant strides in how we view and support women in leadership roles .
During the Centre ’ s expansion in 2024 , I was often the only woman in construction planning meetings . You must believe in yourself and not be intimidated by a room full of men . You need to be strong , knowledgeable , and
“ My advice to young women : believe in your skills , accept criticism and advice as opportunities to improve . Seize every opportunity to learn .”
– Sylvie Biancheri
Left : Sylvie Biancheri determined .
Now that I sit on Boards , I ’ m more aware of the challenges . I want women to be chosen for their skills , not just to fill a quota . I take pride in my skills and don ’ t want to be a token . While I understand the need for quotas , I dream of a day when they are unnecessary , and everyone is judged equally .
Sylvie Biancheri : In 1995 , after an initial career in banking , I followed my husband , Franck Biancheri , who was returning to Monaco to take up a government position . I seized this opportunity to redirect my career . After a spell at Monaco ’ s Tourism and Congress Authority , where I learned about the MICE industry , I joined the Grimaldi Forum ’ s prefiguration team in 1998 as deputy manager for four years before taking over as its general manager . Thirty years ago , it was always more complicated for a woman to establish her legitimacy and skills , whatever the sector . I had already felt this in the banking sector . I also believed that only hard work , determination and solid experience , could overcome these obstacles . I am delighted to have contributed to making the Grimaldi Forum Monaco a European reference , hosting leading international events for almost 25 years .
What have been your coping skills and strategies that have enabled you to get to the top of your profession and what advice would you pass on to young women starting out on a career today ? JH : Believe in yourself . Don ’ t listen to the voice that tells you you ’ re an imposter . Embrace every opportunity to learn and seek mentors who have your best interests at heart . Raise your hand for new opportunities . Have a strategy , communicate it , and then deliver it – you ’ ll be amazed at what you can achieve with a clear vision .
Always remember to be kind and to view situations through the lenses of
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