Nicole McDonnell, marketing director at Ella's Kitchen, on Pretty Woman, Kylie Minogue, dogs, kittens and zorbing


What was your first-ever job? Selling beautiful swimwear in a little boutique shop in a beachfront hotel in Dubai.

You've got 25 words to describe your career to date. Lucky - every day has been different. Ten years in lively marketing agencies, leaving as a board director to work with entrepreneur Paul Lindley at Ella's Kitchen.

What is the worst job you've ever had? Stacking the chilled Sainsbury's shelves on Christmas Eve. I totally didn't appreciate how hard working an eight-hour shift in store can be.

If you could change one thing in grocery what would it be? I'd like to see the supermarkets dedicate more space to making the family in-store experience a more rewarding one for children and parents. Commercial benefits would follow.

What is the most rewarding part of your job? Happy babies and mums.

What is the least rewarding part? As a small team with an entrepreneurial spirit we have so many ideas and it can be frustrating when there are just not enough hours to do everything we'd like to.

What's your best interview tip? Relax and be yourself so many decisions are based on personalities clicking it's key to a company's success.

If you were allowed one dream perk what would it be? A slide from the mezzanine floor of Ella's barn to the bottom.

What is your motto in life? Smile and focus on enjoyment and giving everything your best shot.

What do you like to do outside work? I love trying out new stuff and travelling as much as I can. My next adventure is zorbing.

What was the first single you bought? Kylie Minogue's I Should Be So Lucky.

What's your favourite movie? Pretty Woman - everybody's got a dream.

Do you have any phobias? Dogs - it can make a run in the park a bigger challenge than it already is.

If you could pick a celebrity to join your staff who would it be? Richard Branson. He's an inspiration and could take us all on a work trip to space.

What would you request as your final meal? Nasi goreng would bring back childhood memories of growing up in Singapore and Indonesia.

What's the weirdest thing you've eaten? Crocodile.

What luxury would you have on your desert island? My iPod. I just love music. It makes me feel happy and want to dance.

What animal best reflects your personality and why? A kitten.

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