My Alternative CV: Jessica Worley, Director of innovation at Tata Global Beverages, owner of Tetley Tea

Director of innovation at Tata Global Beverages, owner of Tetley Tea, on meeting Indian housewives, banana skins and Daniel Craig 

What was your first ever job? At 14, I was a waitress at the local golf club at the weekend. I had to be up very early in the morning, to serve full English breakfasts to hungry golfers before they set out to play. No weekend lie-ins for me.

What was your worst job interview? A two-day interview for a graduate position. On one of the last exercises on the second day, we were asked to walk into a room and choose a seat to complete an “in-tray” exercise. Afterwards, we were told that they weren’t actually interested in how well we did in the exercise, but rather which seat we chose to sit in as it was laid out like a law court. I didn’t get the job!

What was the first music single you bought? Thriller by Michael Jackson.

How do you describe your job to your mates? Coming up with new ways to drink tea.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job? I’ve been lucky enough to travel to a number of our markets, including last year spending two weeks in India doing consumer closeness interviews in people’s homes, learning all about the way Indian housewives prepare and consume their tea. It’s so different – boiling milk, sugar, loose tea and spices together in a pan for 30 minutes. It’s delicious.

What’s the least rewarding? Tea tasting – despite spending all my time working on ideas for new teas, I am not a huge fan of the taste of black tea. Instead, I love our fruit and herbal infusions.

What is your motto in life? Work hard, play hard.

If you were allowed one dream perk what would it be? A personal concierge service to sort out all those things that never get done on my to-do list.

Do you have any phobias? Banana skins left on the table in meeting rooms – yuck.

If you could pick a celeb to join your staff who would it be and why? Daniel Craig. Just because…

If you could change one thing in grocery what would it be? Greater exibility with innovation.

What luxury would you have on your desert island? Lip salve. I never leave home without it, and have mini pots in every handbag I own, as well as in my desk at work, and in the car. I’m addicted to the stuff.