In a recent International Women's Day (IWD) feature for Branding in Asia, our very own Project Director, Charis Peters, shared her journey from the high-stakes world of theatre to the fast-paced environment of global events. More importantly, she opened up about the "subtle stuff" that still needs work in our industry to ensure every voice is heard and every talent is nurtured.

The Move from Stage to Scale

Charis’s path began in theatre and production—a background that perfectly prepared her for the storytelling and pressure of the events industry. "What drew me in was the storytelling, the pace, the collaboration, and especially being able to transform a blank space into something that moves people," Charis explains. "Events kept all of that, just with higher stakes and harder deadlines."

From Equality to Equity

A central theme of Charis’s leadership philosophy is the evolution of fairness. In the interview, she challenges the traditional notion of equality, arguing instead for equity.

"I have stopped worrying about making sure everyone has the same size slice of the pie, and started making sure everyone has what they need to deliver the 'wow' moment."

By focusing on individual needs and providing the right resources at the right time, Charis fosters an environment where respect remains high and "drama stays low."

Redefining Commitment and Sponsorship

While the industry has made great strides in transparency and policy, Charis points to the "subtle assumptions" that still linger—particularly the culture of long hours and travel being worn as badges of honor. She advocates for a more sustainable approach to career structures and a shift from mentorship to sponsorship.

"The real responsibility is sponsorship. Not mentoring, because anyone can give advice over coffee. I mean actively advocating for someone when they’re not in the room." Charis says. "The question is whether we’re deliberately opening those doors for the women coming up behind us or just assuming they will find their way in."

Action Over Words

At Opus Agency, we are proud to have leaders like Charis who are intentional with their influence. Whether it's choosing diverse suppliers, building inclusive teams, or "killing the likeability trap," we believe that "Rights. Justice. Action." only means something if the rooms we design reflect those values.

Want to read the full interview? Check out Charis’s insights on Branding in Asia.

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