Senior commercial manager, Proper Cornish, on car crash interviews, Champagne and mouthwatering NPD

What was your first-ever job? I was a part-time grill chef at Falstaff Bar & Grill, which is now a Harvester.

What’s been your worst job interview? I once borrowed a friend’s nice new car to drive to an interview and look the part, but when I parked I didn’t put the handbrake on properly. As I walked towards the building, the car rolled across a busy road straight into a garage forecourt! Luckily no one was hurt, but the car was totalled. I couldn’t focus at all during the interview - I didn’t get a second one!

What was the first music single you bought? Adam and the Ants - Stand & Deliver.

How do you describe your job to your mates? I get to try some seriously tasty Cornish pasties and all sorts of other pastry products. We work in a competitive industry, but the flipside is that there’s always some mouthwatering NPD to try.

What is the most rewarding part of your job? Winning a large contract.

What is the least rewarding part? Losing a large contract.

What is your motto in life? You get one shot at it so enjoy it the best you can and be the most successful you can be with what you have got.

If you were allowed one dream perk what would it be? Corporate hospitality at Tottenham Hotspur Football Club.

Do you have any phobias? Snakes - I can’t stand them.

If you could change one thing in grocery what would it be? There’s too much red tape.

What luxury would you have on a desert island? Champagne - and maybe a proper Cornish pasty too.

What animal most reflects your personality? A dog - I’m loyal with a good nose for hunting out sales opportunities.

What’s your favourite film and why? Cocktail - I’ve always wanted to be like Tom Cruise!

What has been the most embarrassing moment in your life? At a friend’s barbecue I had a drink in one hand and cigarette in my mouth and accidentally I walked straight into sliding patio doors that were shut. It was a bit painful, but I did give up smoking.

Which celebrity would you most like to work with and why? Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant. I think they are comic geniuses.

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