For this year’s International Women’s Day, we talk to Jasmine Ramsay Gray, General Manager of Convelio UK, the international art shipping company and AWAD partner. Jasmine highlights how collaboration, connection and finding a supportive network are crucial to creating more opportunities for women.
Q: What do you love about your role?
Jasmine: One of the things I really love about my role as the General Manager at Convelio is that no day is ever the same. The challenges we face in the world of art shipping are so unique and diverse that it always keeps me on my toes – there’s a new puzzle to solve every morning.
Another aspect of my role I appreciate is the opportunity to collaborate with such a diverse range of people. From getting to know art market experts in the heart of Central London to working closely with our dedicated technician team in the warehouse, and not to forget our global teams in New York and Paris – it’s a melting pot of perspectives.
And, of course, being part of an innovative company like Convelio is a game-changer. We’re always pushing the envelope, exploring new products, and expanding our services – nothing ever stands still. It’s an exhilarating journey, and I’m delighted to be a part of it.
Q: What makes for a good collaboration?
Jasmine: At the heart of good collaboration is connection. It’s about taking the time to really get to know the people you’re working with on a personal level. Understanding their perspective, their strengths, any quirks—it’s all part of building a strong foundation.
Beyond connection, it’s about working within a defined frame. Clear roles, transparent communication, and a shared understanding of the end goal are crucial. When everyone knows where they fit into the puzzle, it’s much easier to get things done together.
Q: Which women have inspired you?
Jasmine: My grandmother has always been a great source of inspiration to me. She entered the legal profession at a time when not many women did in the middle of the twentieth century. She often told me stories when I was growing up of the sexism she encountered as she fought to build a career, finally becoming a judge, and I’m always proud to think of what she achieved.
The art world also has many inspiring women who date from a similar period as my grandmother. They had to battle challenging perspectives from the male gallerists around them who ruled the roost of the art market. Women like Peggy Guggenheim, Edith Halbert and Berthe Weill each contributed significantly to the careers of artists in their own time, as well as laying the ground for more women to enter the art market in our own time in different roles.
I am also inspired on a daily basis by the young women in the Convelio team and whom I meet in the art world more broadly. Focused and determined, their drive serves as a constant reminder of the importance of fostering the next generation of women leaders in our field.
Q: What needs to happen so that more women and under-represented groups can achieve their full potential in the art world?
Jasmine: Creating more opportunities for women and under-represented groups in the art world requires a multifaceted approach.
Finding a supportive network is crucial—connecting with like-minded individuals who can offer guidance, share experiences, and provide a support system. Mentoring is equally vital – having someone who’s been there, done that, and can guide you through the ropes. If you’re a woman, having a female mentor can often make a difference as they will understand the exact insecurities that can hold young women back.
Of course, there’s a lot that needs to happen on a more institutional level, from ensuring equal access to education alongside museums and galleries promoting diverse voices in their programming. As with all types of social change, we need to look for changes at every level to bring the next generation to their full potential.
