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In the heart of Lausanne, Switzerland, Tanya Hart epitomizes the spirit of high-performance leadership. As the Head of Event Operations for Volleyball World, the commercial entity of the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB), Hart orchestrates a demanding schedule of 37 international volleyball tournaments annually across 25 countries. This role, which the Canadian woman has held for the past three years, requires managing both indoor and beach volleyball events with an internal dynamic team of eight and external team of over 30.
Volleyball World, a key player in the management of professional volleyball globally, is poised for significant expansion. By 2025, the number of tournaments is set to double, reflecting the sport's rapid growth, particularly in Asia. This fast-paced environment aligns seamlessly with Hart's energetic and determined approach.
Hart’s journey to her current role is marked by a vibrant career in live event management. After studying theatre production, she ventured into the world of show-business, organizing live entertainment events before taking on major projects with Just For Laughs, City of Toronto and Live Nation. A pivotal moment came when she was called to produce the Panamania cultural hub for the Pan-Am Games 2015. The success of this colossal task, including 26 days of programming from 11am to 11pm on three stages culminating in a nightly pyrotechnic display, was a turning point, demonstrating her capability to handle large-scale live events on an international scale.
In an industry traditionally dominated by men, Hart faced significant challenges over her 30 year career. She navigated a competitive landscape, where securing a role often meant outperforming male counterparts and competing with other women for limited positions. However, over the past decade, Hart has witnessed a positive shift. More women are now collaborating rather than competing, leading to increased opportunities and a more inclusive work environment.
Colleagues describe Hart as a firm but fair leader. Her role demands rigorous oversight, yet she remains attentive to her team's input, valuing their opinions in decision-making processes. Her balanced approach ensures that while operations are tightly run, team members feel heard and respected.
Looking ahead, Hart is enthusiastic about her future in Switzerland. She appreciates the country’s commitment to life / work balance, health, and its stunning natural surroundings. Switzerland’s pragmatic efficiency, particularly in public transport and health services, impresses her greatly. "They've nailed efficiency!" she remarks, acknowledging how this quality supports her intricate event planning.
