Louise Coulbeck Founding partner and director, JCS Fish (BigFish Brand), on Brand New Roller Skates, Brownies and James Bond
What was your first job? A paper round (of course) but then from the age of 13 I worked on a market stall selling clothes.
What’s been your worst job interview? My only interview was for the Saturday job on the market. My boss, the owner, was incredibly shy and hated dealing with customers so couldn’t believe a 13-year-old had arrived asking for work (my mum made me go). She gave me the job.
What was the first music single you bought? I’ve Got a Brand New Pair of Roller Skates aka Brand New Key by Melanie.
What is the most rewarding part of your job? Nurturing staff to take control of their own role and seeing them grow into it (then usually doing it better than I ever could!).
What is the least rewarding part? Dealing with negativity.
What is your motto in life? “Be prepared” - my Brownies motto. I wasn’t back then and was in trouble at every meeting.
If you were allowed one dream perk, what would it be? Owning the Royal Yacht Britannia and her crew.
Do you have any phobias? Rats, heights and small spaces.
If you could change one thing in grocery, what would it be? Less packaging.
What luxury would you have on a desert island? My veggie plot.
What animal most reflects your personality? Lioness. Though the staff say that alongside Tasmanian devil and dragon (hahaha).
What’s your favourite film and why? Any of the old James Bonds - for the nostalgia of going to see every one along with the family as a kid. My dad loved them.
What has been the most embarrassing moment in your life? Being cocky in maths class at secondary school. I had the class laughing with me at a remark I made about the teacher and I was cockily swinging on my chair enjoying the attention, when the teacher launched a board rubber at me at full speed. I had to duck fast and was in shock, so then the class was laughing at me instead. The embarrassment taught me a good lesson very quickly - don’t get too cocky in life!
Which celebrity would you most like to work with and why? Winston Churchill - for his humour and old-fashioned values.
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