Fiona Scott, Burswood Entertainment Complex
Fiona Scott
Entertainment manager
Burswood Entertainment Complex
Nine years in the role
WABN: Describe in one sentence a day at work.
FS: “A typical day at Burswood involves me liaising with promoters, negotiating and securing deals, working with my staff to research new leads on upcoming shows, meeting with internal departments, and keeping open communication with our customers.”
WABN: What is the best piece of advice you can give someone to motivate a team?
FS: “Always use eye contact and smile while including everyone in your circle when you share information. Pass on your knowledge and enthusiasm and make everyone feel a part of what you’re experiencing.”
WABN: What was the most challenging event in your career? What did you learn from it?
FS: The planning and coordinating of entertainment for my first New Year’s Eve. There was a lot of research to be done, along with many meetings and working closely with the production team. I learned to delegate carefully and to have the confidence in my own ability.
WABN: What is the main quality you are looking for in your team members?
FS: “Professionalism no matter what the show or event, loyalty, attention to detail, and to be upfront and honest.”
WABN: What’s the best measurement of your performance, and can you name a highlight in your career?
FS: “Working in this industry I’m fortunate to experience lots of ‘highs’. Working on shows like Christina Aguilera, Gwen Stefani, Elton John and Kylie…have all been unforgettable but perhaps my standout career experience was meeting Jerry Lewis. Being invited to his home and office in Las Vegas, where he showed me photos and memorabilia of presidents and movie stars, certainly was something to remember. I was warmly welcomed by his family and friends.”
WABN: How do you deal with egos in your workplace?
FS: “The only way to survive in this industry is to be real. People see right through you if you don’t have a down-to-earth approach about life and work.”
WABN: Is there an organisation/business model that you strive to achieve/reach?
FS: “Working closely with a group called Human Synergistics on Leadership Development. Their key objective is to strengthen organisations through individual effectiveness. The inventory provides me with an important opportunity to reflect on my thinking and behaviour and understand how others react to you as a person and manager. It is a great way to benchmark your own performance against others and evaluate your present level of effectiveness.”
WABN: What frustrates you the most about your sector and what would you do to change it?
FS:“There is a shortage of production crew in Perth, so I am campaigning for suitably qualified applicants from interstate to apply to work in one of the best theatres in Perth.”
WABN: What are the specific hurdles you meet on a daily basis in your sector? How do you deal with them?
FS: “Trying to find time in the office for emails and phone calls and spending time with staff. I work on the weekends if necessary and reschedule meetings to focus on urgent matters with staff.”
WABN: Who is someone you dream to work with?
FS: “Richard Branson.”
WABN: Have you read a good book on management/leadership that you can recommend? What was so good about it?
FS: “I would recommend Who Moved My Cheese. It is a realistic approach to looking at what helps individuals develop change skills that make a difference in their work and in their lives.”
WABN: Who inspired you the most throughout your career?
FS: “Tony Bartuccio [Australian dancer and choreographer] taught me to follow my dream and be prepared to start at the bottom, work hard and learn the business carefully.”