csrreporters 
Women in the global events and hospitality sector are being called to embrace collaboration, authenticity, and self-investment to create lasting influence, according to Chizoba Atsu, Founder and Managing Director of Elle’s Icebox. Through her nearly two decades of experience in Nigeria’s cocktail and mobile bar industry, Atsu is now championing a feminist alliance for young women entrepreneurs, aimed at transforming leadership in the sector.
In her article “Redefining Leadership: How Women Can Build Power and Lasting Connections in the Events Industry,” Atsu likens leadership to conducting an orchestra, where vendors, clients, guests, logistics, and design must work together harmoniously. She emphasizes that leadership is measured not by status, but by presence, trust, and consistency, and that mastery of one’s craft is the foundation for influence.
Atsu’s feminist alliance encourages women to invest in themselves, grow continuously, and embrace their unique perspectives as leaders. “Confidence creates space for influence, and mastery develops confidence,” she notes, highlighting the importance of mentorship, relationship-building, and nurturing communities that amplify collective power.
She also stresses that leadership in the events industry is inherently collaborative: treating vendors as partners, fostering trust with clients, and creating networks that uplift others. Through these connections, the alliance seeks to equip young women entrepreneurs with the skills, confidence, and relationships they need to succeed, while inspiring a culture of mutual support and shared growth.
For Atsu, being a woman in leadership is about more than securing a seat at the table. It is about building new tables, bridging gaps, and proving that leaders can be both firm and compassionate, creative and grounded. By empowering women to harness their collective power, she believes the alliance can revolutionize entire sectors, helping the next generation of entrepreneurs thrive while reshaping the industry’s future