Tess Clarke

Commercial & marketing manager, Milton hygiene products, on Black Box, cakes and war films

What was your first-ever job? I started waitressing when I was at school to keep me in sweets, so technically that was my first job. But my first ­’official’ job was a ­marketing assistant for an IT/software company - lots of data entry and cold calling.

What’s been your worst job interview? At sixth form they wanted to employ the students to clean the college. I went with a friend and had to empty bins and clean ­toilets as a trial - it put me off cleaning for life!

What was the first music single you bought? Black Box - Ride On Time.

How do you describe your job to your mates? I’m an expert in sterilisation!

What is the most rewarding part of your job? Going to baby shows and seeing lots of pregnant ladies about to start a new chapter in their lives.

What is your motto in life? ‘You’re only given a little spark of madness. You mustn’t lose it.’

What’s your nickname? Bean.

If you were allowed one dream perk what would it be? Deliveries of fresh cakes every morning (magic ones with all the taste and no calories).

What’s your favourite movie and why? The Patriot joint first with Saving Private Ryan - I’m partial to a war film.

What’s been the most embarrassing moment in your life? Mine is too embarrassing to share in public, sorry!

Do you have any phobias? Eating fish - I had a bad prawn experience as a child, which I’ve never got over.

If you could pick a celebrity to join your staff who would it be and why? Ricky Gervais - he’s ­brilliantly funny with an infectious laugh, so as long as he was managed well he would keep spirits high.

If you could change one thing in the grocery industry what would it be? I’d love to see more information in the ­parenting aisles to raise awareness among new mums and dads of the importance of hygiene, especially in the first year of baby’s life.

What luxury would you have on your desert island? Goats cheese, my all-time favourite food!

What animal best reflects your personality and why? Dolphin - they are intelligent, playful and friendly but power through tough waters and steer themselves to where they want to go.

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