What was your first-ever job? A shop assistant in a local bakery.

Give us a quick rundown on your career to date. I worked as a secretary for a number of years, up until when I joined Food Brokers, which is where I got the taste for trade marketing.

How did you get where you are today? Hard work, determination and being given a lucky break - it was a classic case of being in the right place at the right time.

Has your career followed a logical path? Yes-ish. I have had a few hiccups here and there but they made me the person I am.

What part has luck played in your career? It's how I got into trade marketing.

Have you ever worked outside the grocery industry? Yes, I once worked for Parker, the pen company, for a year. It was my first job after being made redundant from Food Brokers.

What is the best decision you have made in your career? Coming to Bendicks. It's like the mother ship has called me home.

What is the worst? I can't say or else they may sue me.

Who do you most admire in the grocery industry? A number of ex-Food Brokers colleagues, although unfortunately some are no longer in the food industry. I remember standing in front of marketing director Tim Snook in total awe, wondering if and how I could be as phenomenal as him.

Do you have a mentor? Yes, Steve Foster, my ex-boss at Food Brokers. He gave me the chance to make the move from secretary to his assistant, which started my marketing career.

What is the most important tip you have ever been given? Keep asking questions.

What is the most rewarding part of your job? Seeing our products out on the shelves and being enjoyed. It makes all the sleepless nights worthwhile.

And the least rewarding part? When the opposite happens and the long hours don't pay off.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out? Be strong and stand your ground.

Are you good at managing work/life balance? At the moment yes, but if you asked me later in the year when we're working towards the Christmas period, I'd probably say no.

Where do you hope to be in five years time? Still here, enjoying the Bendicks life and taking it to the next level.