Becky Nichols, brand manager, Thierry’s Wine Services, on dancing in the rain and generating new ideas


What was your first-ever job? I worked on the production line in a contact lens factory during my university holidays.

What was your worst job interview? I received a job offer and duly resigned, only to be called and told the job no longer existed.

What was the first music single you bought? Culture Club’s Karma Chameleon. I was only nine at the time.

How do you describe your job to your mates? I manage the marketing of wine brands though they generally get fixated on the ‘wine’ bit and rarely hear any further.

What is the most rewarding part of your job? I love being able to use my experience from other industries to generate new ideas and look at things differently. Best of all is involving consumers in developing our brands I love hearing people’s ideas.

What is the least rewarding part? Paperwork.

What is your motto in life? Life’s not about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain.

What’s your nickname? Rebecca is often shortened to Becs, Becky or Becca.

If you were allowed one dream perk what would it be? I’d love to visit wineries around the world without travelling. A company Tardis would be useful!

What’s your favourite movie and why? The Holiday or Withnail & I, a bit of a random classic.

What has been the most embarrassing moment in your life? Winning best dancer at an IBM children’s Christmas party when I was about six. I was painfully shy and hated dancing.

Do you have any phobias? I’ve had a fear of caving ever since I got stuck behind a rather large man in a very small, dark tunnel in a Welsh cave system. Never again.

If you could pick a celebrity to join your staff who would it be and why? Can I have three? Heston Blumenthal for some weird and wacky food and wine matching, Michael Bublé and Lance Armstrong.

If you could change one thing in the grocery industry what would it be? I’d like to see the consumer genuinely placed at the heart of decision-making. And more focus on smaller brands and businesses. Big brands are beautiful, but small is more interesting for the consumer.

What luxury would you have on your desert island? Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish and a windsurfing board.

What animal best reflects your personality and why? A grizzly bear. Good-willed, in touch with people and my surroundings, liking a social life, but also happy alone.

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