Biography & Personal Statement
I am Tafannum Audria, a postgraduate student in Cultural Event Management with an extensive academic background in International Marketing and business. My career, from academic accomplishment to practical involvement in a variety of jobs, has been motivated by a desire to see live cultural events impact people's lives. I feel that events are more than simply entertainment; they serve as venues for storytelling, community development, and cultural expression.
Having visited and volunteered at events such as Leicester's Diwali Festival, the Leicester Indian Summer Festival, the Light-Up festival, the Riverside Festival of Leicester, and volunteering at the Bring the Paint Leicester, I have observed personally how events promote debate, history, and inclusive communities. These experiences have fuelled my desire to conduct and create cultural events that are both dynamic and socially relevant.
My leadership abilities have been developed through positions that required initiative, sensitivity, and perseverance. As a Learning Mentor with City Year UK, I led after-school programs and co-facilitated educational interventions, which enhanced my capacity to lead with purpose and flexibility. I've managed fast-paced duties in hospitality and care environments, where I learnt to remain calm, collaborative, and client-focused under pressure.
My journey from Bangladesh to the United Kingdom has influenced my global perspective and dedication to inclusive leadership. Through schooling, volunteering, and professional growth, I continue to investigate how events may promote social change, build belonging, and celebrate diversity.
Leadership Style and Qualities
My leadership approach is rooted in adaptability, empathy, and purpose — qualities essential for the cultural events sector, where collaboration, inclusion, and innovation are key. Through both academic learning and practical experiences, I have developed a hybrid leadership style that draws from transformational, servant, and situational models.
Transformational leadership inspires and encourages followers to accomplish extraordinary outcomes by cultivating a shared vision, stimulating creativity, and supporting personal and professional development. It entails idealised influence, inspiring motivation, intellectual stimulation, and personalised consideration (Getz & Page, 2024).
Servant leadership (Abson et al, 2021) is a leadership philosophy that prioritises the needs and well-being of others, focusing on ethical behaviour, empathy, and collaboration. It challenges traditional hierarchical models and empowers followers, fostering community and personal growth. Key characteristics include listening, empathy, stewardship, foresight, and commitment to development.
Situational leadership (Abson et al, 2021) is a flexible model developed by Paul Hersey and Ken Blanchard in the 1960s, identifying four primary leadership styles: directing, coaching, supporting, and delegating. Leaders adjust their approach based on followers' competence and commitment, determining the most appropriate style for different levels of follower development and task complexity, which is highly useful in dynamic environments such as event management, promoting responsiveness, flexibility, and awareness.
As a Learning Mentor with City Year UK, I embraced the principles of transformational leadership (Abson et al, 2021; Burns, 1978; Bass, 1985). I motivated and inspired young students to reach their potential, not just by guiding them academically but also by fostering confidence and emotional resilience. Leading extracurricular clubs and supporting mental health initiatives helped me understand how vision-led leadership can bring out the best in others. These experiences have prepared me to lead creative teams, inspire stakeholders, and develop event concepts that resonate with diverse audiences with the CMI Level 3 Leadership Certification.
In roles where empathy and service were central, such as my work in care and hospitality, I adopted a servant leadership approach (Abson et al, 2021; Greenleaf, 1977). This involved prioritising the needs of others, actively listening, and creating supportive environments. I see cultural event management not only as a logistical role but as a community service, where the leader's job is to facilitate meaningful, inclusive experiences for participants and audiences alike.
My ability to adjust my leadership style based on context reflects my understanding of situational leadership (Abson et al, 2021; Hersey & Blanchard, 1969). In high-pressure environments like hotel front desks, live events, and collaborative group projects, I've learned when to take charge, when to support, and when to empower others. This flexibility is vital in the dynamic nature of live cultural events, where a leader must often shift between planning, directing, facilitating, and responding to unexpected challenges.
Collectively, these leadership styles align with my goal of becoming a culturally competent and values-driven leader in the events sector. I strive to lead with emotional intelligence, cultural sensitivity, and a clear sense of purpose — qualities that underpin inclusive and impactful event experiences.