Jonathan Newman
Founder, Chi Coconut Drinks, on pitching films, milking cows and walkie talkie mishaps
What was your first-ever job? Doing magic at children’s parties, aged 12.
What’s been your worst job interview? Pitching a film to DreamWorks and having no idea what the story was for the film I was pitching.
What was the first music single you bought? Wet Wet Wet - Sweet Little Mystery.
How do you describe your job to your mates? I’m a filmmaker by trade, and fell into the world of coconuts.
What is the most rewarding part of your job? Creating something from scratch and giving birth to that creation.
What is the least rewarding part? When buyers don’t get just how wonderful our products are.
What is your motto in life? Don’t wait for the cow to back into your hands, walk into the field and milk the cow.
If you were allowed one dream perk what would it be? Sushi delivered daily to my office.
What’s your favourite movie and why? Life Is Beautiful by Roberto Benigni - an incredible balance of emotions bordering on hysterical and tremendously heartbreaking.
What’s been the most embarrassing moment in your life? As a young lad I was working on a film set in LA. One morning at 6am I was driving down the highway when I spotted another AD driving behind me. We must have been two miles from set. I motioned to her to switch on her walkie talkie and we started chatting about a colleague of ours who we hated. Moments later a voice came over the walkie talkie: “I can hear everything you’re saying but thanks very much, it was a very enlightening conversation.”
If you could pick a celebrity to join your staff who would it be and why? A successful entrepreneur like Richard Branson or Peter Jones -imagine the growth potential!
If you could change one thing in grocery what would it be? Buyers MUST returns phone calls and emails. Also, listing fees should be banned.
What luxury would you have on your desert island? A yacht. Surely I’ll need to get off the island at some point?
What animal best reflects your personality and why? My miniature schnauzer dogs. While cute and furry on the outside, they don’t give up and keep trying until they get what they want.
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