Her Story
About Helen
I started off as a truck driver driving semi-trucks from age 16. I obtained a Transport Manager CPC certificate and worked in logistics for over 20 years before transitioning to events. My first games role was as venue transport manager for the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. Then I worked on the 2022 Men's World Cup in Qatar, Special Olympics Summer Games in Germany, and Winter Games in Italy. This led to my current position as head of arrivals and departures for LA28, which I've held for 9 months. I transferred my logistics skills to managing people movements and now oversee planning for arrivals and departures across 9 US airports for the Olympics.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Helen
01What do you attribute your success to?
Hard work, taking risks, transferring skills from logistics to events, making myself seen and known, and not expecting anything for free. I learned these lessons through my career journey from truck driver to management to events.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Be prepared to work hard as the rewards are phenomenal but it's demanding with long hours and stress. Network because many jobs are word of mouth. You don't need a degree, just work hard and be ready for the post-games adjustment when the temporary family and work ends.
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