The 70% is back for another edition featuring inspiring women of the events world. In this week’s interview, we speak to the CFO of RX Global, Michele Tiley-Hill.
How many years have you been in the events industry?
I have spent eight years in the exhibitions and trade show side of the events industry. Prior to that, I dedicated six years to live entertainment, focussing on music, theatre and sports which instilled in me the philosophy of ‘the show must go on.’
How do you balance professional growth with personal commitments, and do you think the industry is evolving in terms of work-life balance?
I have consistently worked hard no matter the industry. I thrive on the opportunity to continually learn, whether it’s through engaging with different disciplines or interacting with colleagues from diverse backgrounds. Although certain aspects of the finance function deliverables are fixed, I make a conscious effort to optimise any additional bandwidth when possible. I enjoy my job and that’s a wonderful position to be in.
To maintain balance, I plan my vacations well in advance, which helps keep my calendar relatively clear. When work does sometimes encroach on my personal time, I prioritise managing my schedule on my own terms rather than succumbing to external pressures.
The events industry has long been known for its demanding hours. Hybrid working has brought increased flexibility, as has increased focus on employee well-being. All leaders acknowledge that a well-rested and balanced individual is better placed to contribute effectively, so it’s about enabling individuals to embrace changes so they can achieve both professional excellence and personal fulfilment. Everyone is different, no one size fits all.
How do you see the events industry evolving in terms of diversity, equity, and inclusion?
In 2024, RX introduced The RX Guide to Inclusive Events a source of inspiration for every event team. This guide empowers organisers to create even more amazing and magical experiences for our customers, visitors and fans.
We take pride in helping shape a more inclusive future for the exhibitions industry and all the sectors we represent. Recently, we were honoured with the 2025 UFI Sustainable Development Award for Best Inclusion Initiative, a testament to the passion and commitment of our teams. They work tirelessly to ensure that everyone, regardless of background, feels welcomed, heard and included at our events.
Michele Tiley-Hill
What advice would you give to young women looking to enter and succeed in the events industry?
Entering the industry can be both exciting and challenging. Choose a field that genuinely interests you and be ready to constantly develop your skills while always staying open to feedback. Embrace every experience, learning from both your successes and setbacks. Build a reliable support network and be your own advocate: trust in your abilities and confidently share your ideas. Set clear achievable short- and long-term goals, and don’t hesitate to negotiate when opportunities arise. Nurture resilience and above all, remain true to yourself. Remember, your unique qualities make you incredibly valuable.
In terms of the events industry itself, I suggest getting to know Women in Exhibitions. Women In Exhibitions is a network that seeks to fulfil the mission of empowering women in the industry whilst helping to nurture the next generation of female leaders. The leadership team hosts an annual international summit which is a fantastic networking opportunity, and the UK Chapter also holds a wide range of events throughout the year.
How do you handle setbacks and failures?
In my personal life, the most significant challenges have taught me that recovery is a gradual process that benefits immensely from the support of a strong network. I’ve learned that personal and professional lives are interconnected, and simple acts of kindness in the workplace can make a significant impact.
In contrast, setbacks in my professional life occur more frequently. I view these challenges as opportunities rather than obstacles: if I’m not encountering failures, I may not be pushing hard enough or learning enough. I strive to celebrate every failure as a step toward growth and innovation.
What changes do you think are still needed to create more opportunities for women in leadership?
The practices, policies, education, training, accountability and metrics are all readily available. The frustration is that progress is slow due to deeply rooted systemic, cultural and organisational challenges.
It is also important to recognise that meaningful change often requires persistent effort, continuous learnings and structural reforms. That said, patience is not my strongest point!
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