Kate Methuen,
brand manager at
K Shocolât, on chocolate tastings, Brown Sauce and her fear of wet wood
What was your first-ever job? When I was 16 I packed tomatoes into punnets for a grower who supplied all the major multiples. I would often dream about 'six on the bottom, seven on the top' after a long shift!
What was your worst job interview? An interview for a major multiples internment programme when I realised that I wasn't prepared for the fundamental question, 'Tell us what you know about our company?' I was mortified as I desperately wanted the placement, I had done well in the previous stages of the assessment centre and then failed at the last hurdle.
What was the first music single you bought? I Wanna Be A Winner by Brown Sauce. It was a group made up of the presenters of the Saturday morning show Multi-Coloured Swap Shop, namely Noel Edmonds, Maggie Philbin and Keith Chegwin. In my defence, I was only five.
How do you describe your job to your mates? I taste, research, develop and market a premium chocolate range. My god-daughters think I work in some magical chocolate factory.
What is the most rewarding part of your job? Seeing the range being well-received, particularly at the moment as we are re-branding. It gives me confidence that we understand our consumers' motivations and needs. And the chocolate tasting helps!
What is your motto in life? Do unto others as you would have others do unto you. People are more responsive if they trust your integrity.
What's your nickname? Kitty. A legacy from when I worked in a team with three other Kates.
If you were allowed one dream perk what would it be? An Audi R8 in matte black: my dream car. Failing that, an assistant!
Do you have any phobias? Wet wood. I have no wooden utensils or chopping boards in my house, I can't bear to touch them when they are wet. It makes me shiver.
If you could pick a celebrity to join your staff who would it be and why? Eddie Izzard. His stream-of-consciousness style would certainly add a different perspective.
If you could change one thing in grocery, what would it be? Perpetual promotions that confuse the consumer and do nothing for long-term brand or category performance.
What animal best reflects your personality and why? We're back to the kitty again. Distracted by new or shiny things, but more importantly independent, intelligent, astute, driven and curious.
What was your first-ever job? When I was 16 I packed tomatoes into punnets for a grower who supplied all the major multiples. I would often dream about 'six on the bottom, seven on the top' after a long shift!
What was your worst job interview? An interview for a major multiples internment programme when I realised that I wasn't prepared for the fundamental question, 'Tell us what you know about our company?' I was mortified as I desperately wanted the placement, I had done well in the previous stages of the assessment centre and then failed at the last hurdle.
What was the first music single you bought? I Wanna Be A Winner by Brown Sauce. It was a group made up of the presenters of the Saturday morning show Multi-Coloured Swap Shop, namely Noel Edmonds, Maggie Philbin and Keith Chegwin. In my defence, I was only five.
How do you describe your job to your mates? I taste, research, develop and market a premium chocolate range. My god-daughters think I work in some magical chocolate factory.
What is the most rewarding part of your job? Seeing the range being well-received, particularly at the moment as we are re-branding. It gives me confidence that we understand our consumers' motivations and needs. And the chocolate tasting helps!
What is your motto in life? Do unto others as you would have others do unto you. People are more responsive if they trust your integrity.
What's your nickname? Kitty. A legacy from when I worked in a team with three other Kates.
If you were allowed one dream perk what would it be? An Audi R8 in matte black: my dream car. Failing that, an assistant!
Do you have any phobias? Wet wood. I have no wooden utensils or chopping boards in my house, I can't bear to touch them when they are wet. It makes me shiver.
If you could pick a celebrity to join your staff who would it be and why? Eddie Izzard. His stream-of-consciousness style would certainly add a different perspective.
If you could change one thing in grocery, what would it be? Perpetual promotions that confuse the consumer and do nothing for long-term brand or category performance.
What animal best reflects your personality and why? We're back to the kitty again. Distracted by new or shiny things, but more importantly independent, intelligent, astute, driven and curious.
No comments yet