Devi Paulsen-Abbot — ‘be confident yet humble’.

Devi Paulsen-Abbott, 47, vice president, DMG Events and recently appointed chair of AAXO is driven to succeed but remains humble in her approach. “Regardless of where I end up, fulfilment and purpose are my missions in life.”

My 25-year career in media and events includes a tenure at Spintelligent, where I was lucky enough to be part of the executive team who concluded the acquisition of Spintelligent by Clarion Events. Five years after cofounding Hypenica, I drove the sale of its transport and built environment portfolios to dmg events where I now serve as vice president.”

Devi is currently serving as the 2022/23 chair of AAXO.

Devi is married to Jeremy and has a daughter, Oliva,12, and three fur-kids.

“As a result of the pandemic, our industry has been turned on its head and although there were many tragic casualties, the disruption has also created space for entrepreneurs in the exhibitions business globally and in Africa.”

“I am excited to see the emergence of a number of new and interesting ways in which exhibitions are going to be hosted, skillsets that will arise to fulfil these and the new businesses and offerings that will materialise as a result. As Plato said, “…necessity is the mother of invention…,” Devi said.

Where were you born and raised?

I grew up and completed high school in Durban and began my tertiary studies in Johannesburg, completing them via UNISA in Cape Town.

What has been the biggest change you’ve seen in this sector?

As cliché as it sounds, Covid has been our biggest disrupter. Not only have 2020 and 2021 been physically and financially tough, but managing the emotional toll of witnessing so many industry peers lose jobs, or their businesses has been extremely emotionally taxing.

Were you always involved in this sector?

I began in publishing and seg-wayed into events quite soon into my career

What role does your family play in your life?

To say that family is the basis of who I am

would be an understatement. My family doesn’t just consist of blood relatives but includes friendships that have become so close they have become part of my family over the years. This incredible group of people not only support and celebrate the successes but importantly, can be candid when needed, which for me is just as important.

What would you change in your life, if you could, when looking back?

I don’t think I would want to change anything, to be honest. All the time we put into our lives shapes who we are, and I am pretty comfortable with this, scars and all!

Do you have any hobbies?

Nothing unusual but I enjoy wine tasting, reading, crossword puzzles, walking trails and art.

Do you play any sports?

Not really. I enjoy running but can’t say this is my sport.

What is your favourite sport and sportsman?

Rugby, and Siya Kholisi’s grit and determination is an inspiration.

What do you do for leisure?

I love to travel. I so appreciate the amazing opportunities I have been afforded over the years, which have allowed me to visit 40 countries, (27 of these in Africa). Travelling has gifted me a number of lessons and skills. For example, being resilient, not sweating the small stuff, staying humble, the importance of planning and time management, taking risks, being curious, flexible and communicating clearly all the time.

What is your secret to success?

In chaos, there is opportunity: Most of my opportunities have come from moments where I was able to make a difference in a difficult situation and find opportunities from the challenges. Be confident, yet humble: Remain humble, and always accept that you will not always be the one who knows the most.

What has been the most embarrassing moment in the industry?

Whilst away on a trip, I was meant to meet a client at a coffee shop. I pitched to this person for a good 20 minutes before they told me that they think they are not the person I am meant to be meeting with. They were incredibly patient and polite, but I, of course, was mortified.

What is your pet hate?

If you asked my tween daughter, she would probably tell you my pet peeve is the volume of her music and the mess in her room. But my biggest pet peeves are Afro-pessimistic people; impatient drivers; when people confuse your and you’re; and wet hand-basins and kitchen sinks.

What is the most memorable place you have ever been to, and why?

Some of the most memorable places have been in Africa. It is a continent of thousands of languages and tribes steeped with culture and history. There are so many contrasts, paradoxes and challenges which is why I love it — Addis Ababa, Tunis, Marrakesh and the Masai Mara stand out as memorable for me.

What type of holiday would you avoid at all costs?

Any group type holiday that requires a rigorous schedule to be followed, so you’re unable to stay longer at sites that interest you or leave ones that don’t.

If you could be anyone for the day, who would you be and why?

I would like to go way back in time to the 1450’s and be Johan Gutenberg, to witness the first printed pages ever being produced with moveable type. Can you imagine the revolution and experience of the first book ever to be printed with movable type?

What is your favourite city?

After Cape Town, for obvious reasons, Juneau, Alaska. It is home to such an incredible array of wildlife including 280 species of birds, brown and black bears, five species of salmon, and whales (primarily humpback and orca). Loved the experience of travelling through the fjords whilst in Alaska en route to Juneau.

What is your favourite book, film, TV programme?

Gosh, this so depends on the time, weather and day! Today I would say: Book: Shantaram, by Gregory Roberts, a riveting and exciting read that presents the best and worst of Bombay, India. Film: Moonlight — a beautiful story of self-discovery and human connection. TV programme: BBC’s Line of Duty.

How do you relax?

I am a spa junkie — one of my fav pastimes is to visit a spa (especially if it’s topped off or began with a glass or two of bubbles).

What is your favourite food?

I love all the ‘an’ food: Italian, Indian, Mexican, South African, North African. etc… Basically, all foods are my favourite.

Who is your favourite movie star?

Morgan Freeman, I love his versatility.

What is the most impulsive thing you have ever done?

Deciding on the spur of the moment to paraglide off Signal hill in Cape Town, in February 2022.

Who is your role model?

My late mother — for her work ethic, adaptability, empathy and generosity.

What advice do you have for anyone starting out in this industry and hoping to follow in your footsteps?

Progress is better than perfection: The world has changed so much, and exhibitions and events are going to look a little different. This means your prescribed career ambitions may not take the exact path you had envisaged. Be open to this and know that not every job needs to address all your passions. Use every job as an opportunity to learn something new and keep an open mind.

Drive your own goals: You don’t have to beat out all your peers to win.

Champion other women: As the ‘shine theory’ suggests: when you help another woman rise, we all shine. We are lucky in South Africa to have so many fantastic and inspiring female role-models in our industry, who are incredibly supportive of one another.

What is your dream for the future?

It’s so cliché, but as you get older your priorities and success measures change. Regardless of where I end up, fulfilment and purpose are my missions in life.