Episode 7 · Leadership & Resilience
Breaking Barriers: Carla Scaroni on Leadership, Resilience & the Future of Shopping Centres
with Carla Scaroni — Centre Manager, Templars Square Shopping Centre (Oxford)
Paul Clifford sits down with Carla Scaroni, Centre Manager at Templars Square Shopping Centre in Oxford, to explore her career journey, resilience, and what it takes to lead a thriving community shopping destination. As the first female leader at her shopping centre, Carla reflects on breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated industry, the impact of informal mentors who offer honest perspective and encouragement, and why community belonging and human connection sit at the very heart of the future of UK town and shopping centres.
Key Takeaways
- How navigating a diverse, non-linear career path and turning setbacks into growth builds resilient retail leadership
- Breaking barriers as the first female leader at Templars Square Shopping Centre in a traditionally male-dominated sector
- The power of informal mentors, honest perspective, and encouragement in shaping leadership confidence
- Why genuine connection, experience, and community belonging must sit at the heart of future UK town and shopping centres