In celebration of International Women’s Day, we’re shining a light on the inspiring women shaping the live entertainment industry. Today, we sit down with Charlotte Hawkins, Ticketing Manager at Co-op Live, who has spent over a decade making an impact in the music and events world.
From starting as a box office casual to playing a key role in launching the UK’s largest indoor music venue, Charlotte’s journey is one of hard work, resilience, and a love for the industry. She shares the challenges she’s faced, the advice she has for young women looking to break into the industry, and the unforgettable moments that make it all worthwhile.
Let’s dive into Charlotte’s story:
How did you get started in live entertainment?
“I started in the music industry at AO Arena (Formerly Manchester Arena) as a box office casual in 2013, working the ticket office windows. Back then, fans still had to queue for ticket sales.”
Can you share a memorable moment in your career that has had a significant impact on you?
“I’ve had countless memorable moments in my career, but the one that stands out was walking into Co-op Live for the first time to a sold-out Elbow concert. Everyone was dancing and singing – it was a magical moment after all the hard work and (dare I say) bumpy start to opening the venue. It remains my most memorable of my career so far.”
What advice would you give to young women who want to enter the entertainment industry?
“To any young woman out there thinking about or just starting in the music industry, remember that every day is a learning day. Take it all in and seize every opportunity that comes your way. No matter how stressful things get, just remember that feeling when you walk into a sold-out concert and hear thousands of fans singing along to their favourite artist, knowing you played a part in making that happen.”
In your opinion, what are the key qualities that make a great leader in live entertainment?
“A great leader is someone who is understanding, listens, and isn’t afraid to keep learning and growing with their team. You do need to be kind to everyone, from your casual staff members to those in senior roles.”
Who has been your biggest mentor in your career and what were some of the most valuable lessons you learned from them?
“My current manager Sean Nicholson has been a major part of my journey from the start, having now worked with him for 12 years starting at Manchester Arena and now both of us moving over to Co-op Live. He continues to push me to do more and believe in myself, and I am continually learning and taking on new challenges.”
Is there a particular female figure that inspires you?
“I wouldn’t say I have a specific female mentor. I look up to all the amazing, beautiful women I work with across the industry on a daily basis. I learn something from each and every one of them, and they continue to inspire me to keep pushing and working hard.”
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve had in your careers and how did you overcome them?
“After working within the music industry coming up to 12 years, I’ve faced many difficult challenges. From working at AO Arena for 10 years, there were definitely some very hard and challenging times. Then, moving over to Co-op Live, a brand-new music venue (being colleague number 32) in a start-up venue of 23,500 capacity, posed its own unique challenges. I was able to get through this with my team and my genuine love for my job. Having a great team around you to be there with you during the highs and the lows has helped me overcome any obstacles that are in my way.”
How do you measure success, and what are some of your proudest achievements?
“One of my proudest achievements by far is being part of the Co-op Live journey. My advice to anybody who gets the opportunity, is to be a part of a startup venue. It wasn’t always easy but if offered a very unique opportunity to gain valuable and unique insights into the industry, venues and policies.“
If you were to give your younger self some advice, what would it be?
“Just enjoy every moment. Do not be afraid – you’ve got this! You can do anything you set your mind to. Don’t let anyone tell you that you’re not good enough. You do not always need to go to college or get a degree to do your dream job. I was a young mum with no formal education after high school, then I started my journey within the music industry, worked my way up from being a casual ticket agent to a ticketing manager in the UK’s largest indoor music venue. Now, my son attends concerts at Co-op Live and knows that his cool mum was part of making that happen.”
How would you like to contribute to the evolution of the live entertainment industry, and what impact do you hope to leave behind as your legacy?
“In my early days within the industry, it’s cliché but it was a very male dominant industry, especially in the management and senior roles, over the last few years I have seen a shift and I now deal with so many more females in senior management roles, all of whom continue to inspire me to keep pushing the boundaries of what I also think is possible. I hope to inspire the younger generation of woman to go for what they believe in.“
