As part of PA Life’s Female Leaders interviews to mark the International Women’s Day this year, we talk to Carly Walker, Commercial Director at Forum Events & Media Group. Carly is part of a management team, which is almost entirely female, operating in a female heavy events industry. She leads with great emotional intelligence and business acumen, never losing sight of the commercial necessities that have made Forum to the success it is today on its 30th anniversary year…
What does the International Womenโs Day mean to you personally and professionally as a leader a female-heavy industry?
International Womenโs Day is a moment of reflection and responsibility for me. Iโm inspired by women around me every day, school leavers taking their first steps into the working world, finding their voice and confidence, and by working mums striving to balance ambition with family life. As a mum myself, I understand the importance of support, flexibility and visible role models, and I feel strongly about championing environments where women can grow, progress and feel valued at every stage of their journey. Itโs a reminder that progress comes from actively lifting one another up, not just today, but every day.
The 2026 theme from IWD.com is #GiveToGain
What does ‘giving’ look like in terms of mentoring, advocacy or sharing knowledge within the assistant profession?
Itโs giving time to mentor someone just starting out, sharing hardโearned knowledge, and advocating for the value and progression of roles that are often the backbone of a business. When thereโs support, confidence building and opportunity, especially for young women and working mums, Itโs not just helping individuals progress, but strengthening the profession.
EAs take on more strategic and influential roles โ and what needs to happen to ensure this shift is fully recognised and valued at leadership level?
The admin and executive support profession is evolving from operational support to strategic partnership.
With AI playing a crucial role in enabling that shift, not by replacing the role, but by freeing up time for higherโvalue thinking and impact. To ensure this evolution is recognised at leadership level, EAs must confidently demonstrate outcomes: showing how their insight, judgment and use of tools like AI directly support performance, decisionโmaking and results. Visibility, trust and measurable impact are what will truly elevate and futureโproof the profession.
What advice would you give to women wishing to climb to the top of their profession?
Keep learning, stay curious and never settle. Challenges arenโt setbacks โ theyโre opportunities to grow stronger and more confident. If you focus on becoming the best version of yourself and embrace every experience as a chance to learn, youโll naturally rise to the top of your profession.
๐ Don’t miss our Female Leader interview with Sarah Beall, MD at Forum Events & Media Group.
