TGT Meets... Charlotte Felton - IWD Special

As part of our interviews to celebrate International Women's Day we caught up with Manchester Hospitality Network Board Member and Impossible Business Development Manager Charlotte Felton.

Name: Charlotte Felton  

Location: Manchester 

Occupation: Business Development Manager at Impossible & Theatre Impossible / Membership Director at Manchester Hospitality Network  

Which woman would you compare yourself to or aspire to be like? 

There are so many strong and powerful women to aspire to be. Karen Brady’s business attitude, been the first lady of football also gained her momentum. She has achieved so much throughout her career, you can only applaud her. I would like to think I have a little bit of Karen Brady’s attitude in business.  

Do you think it's important to have an International Women's Day? 

I believe it is important to have International Women’s Day to celebrate all the great women that fought to give women a voice, it is because of them that women like myself have the opportunities that we do today.  

Do you have family (and/or children)? How do you maintain a work/life balance? 

I am very lucky to work for an amazing company that understands that you do need a little you time from time to time. I maintain a healthy work/life balance by ensuring my time is well distributed between, work, Manchester Hospitality Network, the gym and home. I have a very understanding and supportive partner which also helps! I enjoy a city break and try to have a few a year which gives me an opportunity to recharge my batteries.  

Have you ever had to give up or miss out on anything in order to pursue your career? 

I have occasionally missed out on birthdays, gatherings, weekends, thankfully all my friends and family are very understanding. Since changing direction slightly and becoming less operational I do tend to have a little freer time which has given me an opportunity to make up to my friends and family on all the missed occasions.  

The Hospitality industry never sleeps.   

Do you ever experience any discrimination in the work place because of your gender? 

No, not at all, I am in a position where I am well respected as a woman.  

What advice / tip would you pass on to the next generation of women in Business? 

Nothing is for free, never let people walk all over you and always hold your head high. Work until you no longer have to introduce yourself.  

Do men ever feel intimidated by your success? 

I don’t feel like they do, I work with a lot of men and they embrace my strengths and my passion for success and business.  

If you could have dinner with 5 inspirational women dead or alive, who would they be? 

Dame Judi Dench – She is an absolute national treasure, she would certainly keep the conversation flowing . 

My Grandma – Because she was the person who stood by me throughout all of my life choices, never made judgement, she gave me everything I ever needed to become the person I am today. 

Karen Brady – She is a leading woman in business and would bring the locker room secrets. 

Princess Diana – So many unanswered questions, Princess Diana was just so relatable.  

Anna Wintour – Because every dinner party needs a dress code and a little bit of vogue.  

As a successful female, where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time? 

I would like to think that in 10 years’ time, that I will be a Business Development Director or running my own enterprise, as well as still being a very active board member of The Manchester Hospitality Network.