Inspirational Woman: Uta Sempf | Founder of Women Who Dine International

2013-09-18 12.33.51Tell us a bit about yourself, background and what you do currently

My name is Uta and I am learning to perfect the ‘art of middle aged mayhem’.

I started off as a freelance translator and conference interpreter when I first came to London. I also was a Senior PA, an event organiser until finally I made continuous education in my profession. I mostly worked in Europe as well as Southeast Asia and India.

I recently launched WOMEN WHO DINE INTERNATIONAL, a supper club for the savvy woman business traveller.

Rome wasn’t built in a day but they didn’t have the technology we have today.

Why did you start your business?

I love meeting new people and I find it very stimulating making new connections in business as well as socially especially when travelling overseas. I found travelling alone, especially as a woman, very lonely. I felt awkward dining alone in the hotel restaurant, ordering room service was boring but better than being hit on by some douche bags in the restaurant or hotel bar. This was my light bulb moment for setting up WOMEN WHO DINE INTERNATIONAL.

What appealed to you about setting up your own business?

You can’t choose your relatives (although mine are great) but you can choose – most of the time – who you want to meet and work with when striking out on your own. I found the office environment stifling and a killer of any creativity. I needed to get out of the open plan office and felt the need for working with a really creative team and like-minded people. I am now working with a bunch of fantastically creative women who are great thinkers, innovators and enablers.

What has been your biggest challenge?

Rome wasn’t built in a day but they didn’t have the technology we have today. Spreading the Word, letting women know we exist and creating the trust that they are coming to a safe environment has been the biggest challenge so far. Women Who Dine International was launched in May this year and I may be too impatient but I am thinking of all these women who are in London at the moment and sitting in their hotel on their own while we are here waiting to meet them.

What’s been your greatest achievement personally?

I am terrified of flying and my greatest achievement was making several flights to Thailand and India as part of my job.

If you weren’t doing what you do, what would you be doing?

I always wanted to improve team dynamics and how to get the best out of people and tackle the problems women face in leadership roles.

I found travelling alone, especially as a woman, very lonely. I felt awkward dining alone in the hotel restaurant, ordering room service was boring

Who has been your biggest inspiration?

When it comes to standing tall, with both feet solid on the ground, having presence and courage – it has to be Didi Hopkins. Didi oozes energy and creativity, she gives me the space and confidence to achieve all that is possible. She is a woman on a mission, supportive and inspiring.

What does the future hold for you?

Once the London supper club has taken off, I am planning to set up other supper clubs in Brussels, Paris, Frankfurt, Melbourne, Hobart and India. I am currently looking to develop an App so no woman has to dine alone wherever she may be.

For more information visit:

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Facebook Women Who Dine International

LinkedIn: Women Who Dine International

 

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