Early Life: A Global Upbringing
Growing up as a Shell expatriate’s child, Laura Buckwell experienced a life that spanned continents, living in Malaysia, Nigeria, and the Netherlands. Each relocation introduced her to new cultures and environments, but one constant remained—the emphasis on public speaking and stage presence in her schools. Her earliest memory of being on stage at around four years old didn’t go as planned; she froze, unable to utter a word. However, with time, practice, and encouragement, Laura transformed this initial setback into a profound love for engaging with audiences.
Pursuing a Passion for Television
By the age of 15, Laura had set her sights on a career in television. After completing her university education, she moved to London and secured her first role in the industry as a runner for presenters on major entertainment shows at the BBC. This position allowed her to shadow industry experts, providing invaluable insights and experience that would shape her future career. Her journey then took her to Sydney and Tokyo, where she continued to climb the ranks in television production. A reporting opportunity with a local TV network in Dubai followed, and within six months, Laura advanced to the role of news anchor. This position opened doors to the world of live events, leading her to moderate and emcee global summits, conferences, and award ceremonies for nearly a decade. Her expertise also led to a role with international broadcaster Euronews, where she contributed to sharing the Emirates’ stories on the global stage.
Professional Milestone: Hosting COP28
One of Laura’s most significant professional achievements was being invited to emcee at COP28, the 28th annual United Nations climate summit. There, she had the honor of welcoming world leaders to the stage. COP28 was a historic event, being the first summit held in the Middle East, bringing together governments to discuss critical strategies to address climate change. Playing a role in such a globally significant event stands as a career milestone that Laura holds in high regard.
Challenges and Early Career Struggles
Laura’s entry into the television industry was not without challenges. Working as a runner on big-budget entertainment shows at the BBC after university provided an incredible learning experience, allowing her to observe industry leaders up close. However, the role came with intense hours, often six days a week, and the high-pressure environment of live shows left no room for mistakes—a daunting prospect for someone new to the industry. Additionally, the uncertainty of short-term contracts, typically lasting just three to six months, meant she had to continually prove herself while navigating the complexities of a new field. These demanding early experiences taught Laura resilience, adaptability, and the importance of maintaining focus under pressure.
Current Endeavors and Future Aspirations
Laura continues to secure high-profile international industry events as an event emcee and moderator. Notably, she recently interviewed the National Leader of Turkmenistan for Euronews, marking his first-ever interview with Western media. These engagements align with her long-term goals within the events industry and broadcast journalism, reflecting her commitment to facilitating meaningful dialogues on global platforms.
Philosophy on Patience and Embracing Failure
Throughout her career, Laura has learned the invaluable lessons of patience and the necessity of embracing failure. She believes that failure is not a setback but a crucial component of learning and improvement. Each challenge, misstep, or unexpected turn has led to new opportunities and a deeper understanding of her work. Embracing the process, rather than rushing outcomes, has been key in building resilience and achieving long-term success.
Legacy and Industry Impact
Laura aspires to be remembered as someone who brought energy, insight, and authenticity to the stage—whether in television, at major global events, or through storytelling that shaped important conversations. Her goal has always been to make complex topics accessible, engage audiences in meaningful dialogue, and create moments that resonate long after the event concludes. She also hopes her work has elevated the role of moderators and emcees in the industry, demonstrating that they are not just facilitators but essential drivers of impactful discussions. Ultimately, Laura aims to have contributed to shaping an industry where thoughtful, dynamic, and engaging storytelling is at the heart of every great event.
Advice to Aspiring Professionals
Reflecting on her journey, Laura advises aspiring professionals not to fear starting at the bottom to fully understand the industry and work their way up. She emphasizes that shadowing mentors is one of the best ways to learn, as immediate proficiency is unrealistic without foundational experience. The path may feel long at times, but focusing on one’s passion and the steps required to achieve it is crucial. She advocates for hard work, continuous learning, expanding one’s network, and maintaining gratitude regardless of the size of the opportunity. After all, one never knows who is in the audience, who they will meet, or what smaller events and roles can lead to in the future. Do follow her on Instagram.
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