How did you get where you are today? It's been quite a journey. My first working experience was in retail management within House of Fraser. This was followed by a spell in recruitment and then on to Kraft Foods, where I achieved my first national account sales role in the confectionery category. It was tough finding a product as interesting and sexy as chocolate - cue a career move into wines with Constellation and then Buckingham Vintners.
What was the best decision you have made in your career? Joining Buckingham Vintners International, which is already a major player in the wine industry but still has huge potential and ambition for growth.
Who do you most admire in the grocery industry? Sir Ken Morrison, chairman of Morrisons, for his leadership and standards and all those retail staff who smile and provide good customer service on a daily basis. It's not easy to work in retail but providing good and friendly service is key to gaining loyalty from shoppers like me.
Do you have a mentor and how have they helped you in your career? There have been several managers (you know who you are) who have influenced me over the years with lessons learnt, both good and bad.
What is the most important piece of information you have ever been told? Keep it simple and focus on the 80/20 rule. It's so easy to get dragged down into trying to complete all tasks without sitting back and analysing which ones would really make the most difference.
If you could change one thing in the grocery industry what would it be? Utopia would be the ending of all out of stocks in stores especially during promotional peaks. There's nothing worse than setting up a promotion or launch only to see empty shelves half way through.
What is the most rewarding part of your job? Being involved in the creation and launch of innovative wines and achieving new business.
What is the one thing that you could not do your job without? Family, friends, colleagues and a sense of humour.
If you could start your career again, what would you do differently and why? I am a great believer in not looking back. It's pointless looking at the past and I honestly believe that everything is an experience and it all adds to your life skills.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in the industry today? To listen and not to be afraid to ask a question is a quality that should never be underestimated. Be prepared to talk to all contacts at all levels as everybody has an important role to play.
Where do you hope to be in five years' time? On my own island in the Pacific.
What was the best decision you have made in your career? Joining Buckingham Vintners International, which is already a major player in the wine industry but still has huge potential and ambition for growth.
Who do you most admire in the grocery industry? Sir Ken Morrison, chairman of Morrisons, for his leadership and standards and all those retail staff who smile and provide good customer service on a daily basis. It's not easy to work in retail but providing good and friendly service is key to gaining loyalty from shoppers like me.
Do you have a mentor and how have they helped you in your career? There have been several managers (you know who you are) who have influenced me over the years with lessons learnt, both good and bad.
What is the most important piece of information you have ever been told? Keep it simple and focus on the 80/20 rule. It's so easy to get dragged down into trying to complete all tasks without sitting back and analysing which ones would really make the most difference.
If you could change one thing in the grocery industry what would it be? Utopia would be the ending of all out of stocks in stores especially during promotional peaks. There's nothing worse than setting up a promotion or launch only to see empty shelves half way through.
What is the most rewarding part of your job? Being involved in the creation and launch of innovative wines and achieving new business.
What is the one thing that you could not do your job without? Family, friends, colleagues and a sense of humour.
If you could start your career again, what would you do differently and why? I am a great believer in not looking back. It's pointless looking at the past and I honestly believe that everything is an experience and it all adds to your life skills.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in the industry today? To listen and not to be afraid to ask a question is a quality that should never be underestimated. Be prepared to talk to all contacts at all levels as everybody has an important role to play.
Where do you hope to be in five years' time? On my own island in the Pacific.
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