Angie Christy is the managing director at 609 Experience, an experiential events agency based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. A quote from her nomination: Christy "started from scratch in a foreign market and got multinational brands as clients in less than a year."
How she spends her days: "Being an entrepreneur means starting early and ending late, with each day bringing something new. It's a constant hustle that demands discipline to keep pushing forward. We do it out of love, necessity, and because both our business and team rely on it. Although each day is unique, I prioritize important decision-making meetings in the morning. Here's a glimpse into a typical day:
7 a.m.: Rise and shine, kick-starting the day with affirmations and personal time.
8 a.m.: Preparing for the day, taking care of my skin, and indulging in self-pampering. Sometimes, I enjoy listening to podcasts during this routine.
9 a.m.: Keeping up with emails and ensuring timely follow-ups.
10 a.m.: Gathering with my team to schedule the day and stay updated on ongoing tasks.
11 a.m.: On ground for site visits or discovering new potential event locations.
2 p.m.: Lunchtime with a client, building relationships.
3:30 p.m.: Visiting the production house to ensure quality control for our ongoing events production.
5 p.m.: Collaborating with the team to work on event concepts, leading the creative process.
6 p.m.: The afternoons are usually for calls with clients and project follow-ups.
8 p.m.: Winding down at home and taking a relaxed walk with my dog
9 p.m.: Networking and PR outings in nice and upcoming venues in Dubai.
Impact she wants to have on the industry: "My aspiration is to shatter creative boundaries when it comes to translating brand guidelines into immersive experiences. I firmly believe that physical marketing is everlasting because it taps into our innate human desire for sensory-rich encounters. Through 609 Experience, I strive to lead the industry by setting trends rather than merely following them."
Career goals: "One of my career goals is to elevate 609 Experience to an international level. Currently, we serve clients in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Lebanon, and Paris, but I envision expanding our reach to encompass the entire Middle East and Europe. We have already initiated the expansion process, with the ultimate goal of transforming the agency into a thriving entity beyond my individual contributions."
Advice for her peers: "Here is some advice I would like to share with my peers, in both professional and personal aspects:
- Strive to become an expert in your industry. Stay updated on a daily basis, understanding market leaders, competitors, key personnel, and even their off-duty pursuits.
- Remember that your identity extends beyond your job, even if you are the founder of your own company. Cultivate personal passions that go beyond your professional industry.
- Networking. As an entrepreneur, being outgoing and establishing strong PR is vital.
- To be a leader, you must have walked in the shoes of each of your employees. Understand what they do, struggled with, and succeeded in."
What she does in her free time: "In my free time, I love spending quality moments with my family, enjoying the company of my parents, siblings, and nephews who always supported me throughout my career path. I come from a family of entrepreneurs, which has unconsciously trained me from a very young age. Being around them always inspires me to push and break professional boundaries. Additionally, traveling is a definite favorite of mine."
