Category strategy manager, Dairy Crest, on food poisoning, spreadsheets and falling down stairs

What was your first-ever job? I was a gymnastics coach for the club I previously trained at. The pay was not a lot but it was great to be able to pass on what I’d learnt.

What’s been your worst job interview? I had food poisoning the day I came for my second interview here. I hadn’t managed to eat or drink for 24 hours, felt dizzy and looked awful. I was surprised to be offered the job!

What was the first music single you bought? Especially For You by Kylie and Jason - I was obsessed with Neighbours.

How do you describe your job to your mates? Usually something along the lines of: “I advise retailers on how to make the whole of dairy bigger and better by getting more people to buy more often and spend more on dairy products.”

What is the least rewarding part? I’m not that partial to spreadsheets, but it’s unavoidable.

What is your motto in life? What goes around comes around. Be nice.

If you were allowed one dream perk, what would it be? Free air travel.

Do you have any phobias? I know this is strange, but having grown up in a bungalow I really don’t like stairs and fall down them quite regularly. I am also petrified of spiders and hate people touching my ears.

If you could change one thing in grocery, what would it be? Poor availability. There is nothing quite as annoying as having a recipe in mind and finding that an item is not there when you need it.

What luxury would you have on a desert island? Dessert. Life isn’t complete without dessert.

What animal most reflects your personality? I’m struggling to find just one. I’m independent like a lion, nosy like a meerkat, social like a dolphin, live for the sun like a lizard and, as elephants do, I love my family above anything else.

What’s your favourite film and why? Mary Poppins because it reminds me of a very happy childhood, it’s uplifting and a bit mad.

What has been the most embarrassing moment in your life? Falling down an entire flight of stairs while on a first date. I’m not sure what hurt more - my pride or the bruises.

Which celebrity would you most like to work with and why? Claudia Winkleman. I think she’s hilarious and mad as a box of frogs!

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