Joint managing director, Jude’s Ice Cream, on frogs, Mary Berry and tackling an England rugby player

What was your first-ever job? I was a bartender in our local pub The Chestnut Horse, which was also our first customer.

What’s been your worst job interview? I had to tackle an England rugby player as part of my trial for London Irish (I played for them for a year). He was pretty big and I’m pretty small.

What was the first single you bought? End of the Road by Boyz II Men.

How do you describe your job to your mates? I tell them I work for the best ice cream company in the land, which happens to have been dreamt up by my dad. And I sometimes find myself telling people in the supermarket that Jude is my mum.

What is the most rewarding part of your job? Seeing people enjoying eating our ice cream! I also feel very proud every time I spot our striped tubs on the shelves of Waitrose; it reminds me how far we’ve come.

What is the least rewarding part? We used to pack our vans at midnight ready for delivering the next day. Not great for the social life! Luckily our staff team is bigger these days, so now they’re packed during the day.

What is your motto in life? Love and be loved.

If you were allowed one dream perk, what would it be? Commuting to work on horseback would be fun!

Do you have any phobias? Frogs.

If you could change one thing in grocery, what would it be? I’d love consumers to be able to meet the people that make - or grow - their food.

What luxury would you have on a desert island? Music, a barn and some friends to dance with.

What animal most reflects your personality? A monkey - I like hanging out with friends, adventures and bananas.

What’s your favourite film and why? I’m a child of the 1980s so Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. I still dream about living in one of those tree houses in the forest.

What has been the most embarrassing moment in your life? Forgetting my lines in the only school play I’ve ever been in. I played a gravedigger in Hamlet and only had about three lines.

Which celebrity would you most like to work with and why? Mary Berry. I schedule my social life around The Great British Bake Off! And she’s gorgeous.

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