Simon Konecki, co-founder of Life Water, on working in the City, Jungian pop music and beautiful British water
What was your first-ever job? I landed my first job as a trainee foreign exchange broker in the City at the ripe young age of 17.
What was your worst job interview? Definitely that one. I wore a pin-striped suit with red braces, inspired by the film Wall Street. They took me to the pub and proceeded to take the mickey out of me for hours. But I got the job.
What was the first music single you bought? Synchronicity II by The Police. The song is based on a Jungian theory but I loved it.
How do you describe your job to your mates? I tell them that I run a British bottled water company trying to make the world a better place by encouraging people to support British business and our charity, Drop4Drop, which supplies clean drinking water to developing countries.
What is the most rewarding part of your job? Definitely seeing the smile on a kid’s face when they try clean water for the first time.
What is the least rewarding? Admin! I am very disorganised.
What is your motto in life? Imagination is more important than knowledge.
What’s your nickname? I get called The Waterboy. When I was in the City they used to call me Swampy, after that kid who tunnelled under Manchester Airport runway - probably due to my long hair and leftie views.
If you were allowed one dream perk what would it be? Every day, I help give clean drinking water to those without it via Drop4Drop, and I get to help promote the idea of ‘Buying British’. Every day I get up is a dream perk.
What’s your favourite movie and why? Goodfellas. I was 16 when it came out and it taught me a lot.
What has been the most embarrassing moment in your life? Probably when I kept a packed jumbo jet to the States waiting. I fell asleep in the lounge and everyone sarcastically clapped when I arrived. People even came up to have a go during the flight.
Do you have any phobias? Not really. Although I always worry about when my luck is going to run out.
If you could pick a celebrity to join your staff who would it be and why? Indra Nooyi, CEO of PepsiCo. Does that count? She would know how to get things done. Otherwise Snoop Dogg to answer the phones with his dulcet tones.
If you could change one thing in grocery what would it be? I would ensure that no-one imported water. British water is beautiful.
What animal best reflects your personality and why? I am an Aries and I admit the ram is appropriate at times.
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