Simon Bell, chief executive of Donatantonio, on horse-hating, Abba-loving and being called Badger
What was your first-ever job? Selling bread rolls door-to-door in Dunfermline.
You've got 25 words to describe your career to date. I've been hugely fortunate to work for a variety of food companies, small and large, in roles from sales rep to chief executive. Very interesting.
How do you describe your job to your mates? Much tougher than theirs.
What is the worst job you've ever had? I spent one summer working at a riding school in Canada. I was indifferent to horses before that but afterwards I genuinely hated them.
What would you like to change about the grocery industry? Slow down do fewer things but better and focus on quality food.
What is the most rewarding part of your job? Having the freedom to make decisions quickly and working with some genuine food heroes in smaller companies.
What is the least rewarding part? Having to rush.
If you didn't work in grocery where would you work? Cars are a big passion and my first interview was with Ford, so probably the car industry.
What's your best interview tip? Do your homework on the company and be yourself.
What was your worst job interview? Many years back an enthusiastic headhunter talked me into applying for a role I knew wasn't right for me. The interview only lasted 20 minutes but I still remember it 20 years later.
Where do you hope to be in five years' time? Still in the same role but five years wiser and more experienced.
What would your dream perk be? A luxury office suite 15 minutes' walk from home.
What is your motto in life? "Eat, drink, worry a bit."
What do you like to do outside of work? Eating and drinking with friends and family and watching Fulham Football Club.
What's your nickname? The only printable one is 'Badger'. I've had grey hair since I was at school.
What was the first single you bought? S.O.S by Abba an underrated 70s classic.
What did you want to be when you were a kid? Taller and not bored.
What's your favourite movie? Chinatown starring Jack Nicholson - so dark and atmospheric.
What has been the most embarrassing moment in your life? There have been a few but totalling a new company car I'd only had for three weeks in my early sales career wasn't a career high.
What's the weirdest thing you've eaten? I don't eat weird things.
What was your first-ever job? Selling bread rolls door-to-door in Dunfermline.
You've got 25 words to describe your career to date. I've been hugely fortunate to work for a variety of food companies, small and large, in roles from sales rep to chief executive. Very interesting.
How do you describe your job to your mates? Much tougher than theirs.
What is the worst job you've ever had? I spent one summer working at a riding school in Canada. I was indifferent to horses before that but afterwards I genuinely hated them.
What would you like to change about the grocery industry? Slow down do fewer things but better and focus on quality food.
What is the most rewarding part of your job? Having the freedom to make decisions quickly and working with some genuine food heroes in smaller companies.
What is the least rewarding part? Having to rush.
If you didn't work in grocery where would you work? Cars are a big passion and my first interview was with Ford, so probably the car industry.
What's your best interview tip? Do your homework on the company and be yourself.
What was your worst job interview? Many years back an enthusiastic headhunter talked me into applying for a role I knew wasn't right for me. The interview only lasted 20 minutes but I still remember it 20 years later.
Where do you hope to be in five years' time? Still in the same role but five years wiser and more experienced.
What would your dream perk be? A luxury office suite 15 minutes' walk from home.
What is your motto in life? "Eat, drink, worry a bit."
What do you like to do outside of work? Eating and drinking with friends and family and watching Fulham Football Club.
What's your nickname? The only printable one is 'Badger'. I've had grey hair since I was at school.
What was the first single you bought? S.O.S by Abba an underrated 70s classic.
What did you want to be when you were a kid? Taller and not bored.
What's your favourite movie? Chinatown starring Jack Nicholson - so dark and atmospheric.
What has been the most embarrassing moment in your life? There have been a few but totalling a new company car I'd only had for three weeks in my early sales career wasn't a career high.
What's the weirdest thing you've eaten? I don't eat weird things.
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