In Conversation with Amanda Edgcumbe
In celebration of International Women’s Day this month, we are proud to share an insight into our journey as a female-founded, predominantly female-run business. To mark the occasion, we sat down with our founder, Amanda Edgcumbe, to discuss how she founded Powwow, the challenges and triumphs of leading a generationally diverse team, and how our culture has evolved over the years. Amanda’s reflections on leadership, flexibility, and collaboration highlight what makes Powwow a truly unique and supportive place to work.
Building Powwow: Not Just a Workplace
As the founder of Powwow, Amanda’s leadership philosophy has always been centred around nurturing a supportive, collaborative environment. One of her greatest joys has been watching her team develop over the years. “It’s been a privilege,” she says. “Getting to know each team member, understanding their strengths, and supporting them as they grow in their careers is the most rewarding part of my role.”
Powwow’s team culture is built on the idea of inclusivity and respect for individual differences. To help understand how everyone works best, the team has embraced tools like the 5 Voices assessment, which helps members better understand each other’s personalities and work styles. This tool, combined with our open-plan office layout, fosters a collaborative and communicative environment where everyone can contribute their best ideas.
“We don’t have glass walls between the leadership team and the rest of the company,” Amanda explains. “Our office is open and transparent, and it’s important to me that we create a space where people feel comfortable sharing their ideas and opinions.”
Intergenerational Working: Flexibility, Collaboration, and Trust
Leading a team of different ages and life stages comes with its challenges, but Amanda has always embraced the opportunity for growth and learning that comes with intergenerational collaboration. “In the creative industry, it’s so important to have a space where ideas can be exchanged freely,” she says. “Being able to bounce ideas off each other and learn by osmosis is key to our success.”
To balance flexibility with the need for in-person collaboration, Powwow has adopted a hybrid working model. The team comes into the office for 2-3 days each week, which allows for face-to-face interactions and collaboration sessions while still offering the flexibility to work remotely.
“Our office is a welcoming place where people genuinely enjoy coming in,” Amanda shares. “But it’s all about trust. We’ve always had a flexible culture, and that’s worked for us because we trust our team to manage their workloads and meet deadlines. In a deadline-driven industry like ours, it’s crucial that everyone stays on top of their work, whether they’re in the office or working from home.”
To maintain a sense of camaraderie and fun, Powwow has a regular tradition of ‘Wine Down Wednesday,’ where the team gets together after work each week. It’s a chance to socialise, relax, and strengthen the bonds between colleagues.
Looking Ahead: Legacy, Mentorship, and the Future of Powwow
As Amanda looks ahead to the next chapter of her career, she is excited to pass on the leadership baton to Powwow’s senior team, including MD Katie and senior leaders Louisa, Amy and Natalie, alongside CEO Matt. “I’ve had the pleasure of watching our senior leadership team grow and flourish in their roles,” Amanda says. “It’s been amazing to see them take ownership of their responsibilities, and I know they will continue to take Powwow to new heights.”
While Amanda is beginning to wind down her day-to-day involvement in the business, she is still committed to giving back to the wider community. Through her work with Founders for Schools, NOWIE, and Elevate, she continues to mentor young people, particularly women, who are looking to forge their own paths in the industry. “I’m passionate about helping others succeed,” she says.
Honouring Women in the MICE Industry
Amanda’s commitment to supporting women in the workplace and in the broader MICE industry was recently highlighted during International Women’s Day 2025 with MICEBOOK. The event brought together women from across the industry for insightful discussions, networking, and empowerment, which Amanda was thrilled to be a part of.
Having celebrated International Women’s Day this month, we recognise the incredible leadership Amanda has provided and her ongoing impact on Powwow and the MICE industry as a whole. Her focus on mentorship, inclusivity, and generational diversity continues to set an inspiring example for us all.