International Women’s Day

On International Women’s Day, Vicky Hickson reflects on the one powerful woman who has been so instrumental in where she is today

We have many exceptional women working here at Festival Place, but this year our own Centre Director joins our fantastic female cohort.

Vicky Hickson joined FP last year and has more than 20 years’ experience working in retail management under her belt.

With the challenges that come with running one of the UK’s largest shopping centres, you might think that Vicky has little time for anything else, including a family.

But that couldn’t be further from the truth. To celebrate International Women’s Day, we talked to Vicky about who has inspired her and what motivates her. 

“There are many challenges facing high street retail, but I have never shied away from a challenge! In fact, I thrive on it!

“I think that has been drummed into me from a very young age by my super inspirational Mum.

“So often we hear of women feeling they have to choose between having a career or having a family. I grew up knowing I didn’t have to decide.

“My mum fostered lots of children welcoming them into our family, loving and caring for each and every one as she did for her own. As a result, I grew up with lots of brothers and sisters and mum’s focus on family life was always something that made me want a to have a family of my own.

“But it was never, be ambitious or have a family. She was supportive encouraging us all to “be brave and dream big” and always instilled the value of good manners, gratitude and self-worth.

“As a mum myself to two young boys, I live for family time and know how precious and important that time is. But I also love my job. Watching my mum over the years has taught me that by being brave, and dreaming big – I can achieve that balance.

“We have some incredibly inspiring women here at FP and I hope that in some small way I can be a role model to others coming into the retail industry.”

Vicky also credits other women she has worked with. “I’ve had some great female mentors, who showed that you can be strong, run successful businesses, but without losing their ability to care, be personable and encouraging.”

And have there been any high-profile women that Vicky has looked up to? She mentions two; Marie Curie for her scientific genius and Audrey Hepburn. “I just love the way that she challenged how women were ‘supposed’ to dress by wearing trousers at a time when women in Hollywood typically wore skirts and dresses. She was one strong woman!”