“Listen to be a film star is magnificent, but then to have a background of giving back like the three names I just mentioned just layers who they are.” Cheryl Cecchetto.

Cheryl Cecchetto has produced, designed and directed the Academy Awards® Governors Ball for 25 years, The Emmys Governors Ball for 16 years and the Australia G’Day USA events for more than a decade.

This dynamo knows the formula to create glamorous events and the best part is: she wants to share her knowledge with us.

Her company Sequoia productions has worked with the cast of ‘Glee,’ ‘Friends,’ John Travolta, Bill Gates, Nicole Kidman, Hugh Jackman and Cate Blanchett.

I caught up with Cheryl as part of her Australian tour for her autobiography ‘Passion to Create.‘

Martine Harte: Cheryl you have spent decades surrounded by Hollywood royalty is there a theme which you believe has enabled their success?

Cheryl Cecchetto: I’m often asked who are your favourite celebrities at your events? It’s not a matter of who I like, it’s what celebrities have accomplished.

Harry Belafonte, Angelina Jolie and Oprah Winfrey layer their existence. Listen to be a film star is magnificent, but then to have a background of giving back like the three names I just mentioned just layers who they are.

And that’s a theme in Los Angeles with celebrities.

So interesting. What’s your impression of Richard Branson, Nicole Kidman, Cate Blanchett?

Cheryl Ceccheto:  Extremely clever, unbelievably talented, visionary, stunning people. Many of my events included Cate Blanchett last year – she presented to Geoffrey Rush – and accepted an award herself later that evening.

Nicole Kidman was recognised at G’Day USA.

I think it’s really charming to remember that Keith Urban was also honoured at that event, so G’Day USA can take the credit for that one! (laughs)

They are always in high demand and every part of them I’m sure sometimes feels exhausted. We play our part in the event to protect their privacy.

What advice would you give women who want to flourish in a career in events? Who want a career like yours?

Cheryl Cecchetto: You must naturally be a great people person and host.

It can get very stressful so you have to really enjoy the stress and go with it.

Make sure you surround yourself with those who are task masters.

Everything is possible, it’s really an attitude of service that we were naturally raised with coming from a large Italian family.

If you’re straight out of college, find a good firm and intern for a few years and really get your masters degree on foot.

I make a point of dressing as precise and crisp as I possibly can.

Her autobiography ‘Passion to Create’ Talks about her journey from young actress: her Italian upbringing, career, celebs, fabulous recipes and golden tips to holding your own events.

You’ll be hard pressed to find a more qualified person when it comes to event tips! Many thanks Cheryl and your team.

Find it at New Holland publishers here.