What was your first ever job? I worked weekends as a waitress for a small catering company at the age of 16. It was here I learnt just how demanding people can be. It was a good lesson in how to become more assertive.
What’s been your worst job interview? An interviewer once asked me “Do you think you talk too much?” Somewhat meekly, I answered “no”. He just looked at me over the rims of his glasses. I didn’t get the job, but I have learnt since that while sociability is positive in a sales role, you do need to have the ability to modify your behaviour and understand the person you are dealing with.
What was the first single you bought? Ant Rap - Adam and the Ants.
How do you describe your job to your mates? I tell them I sell plastic packaging. This normally generates an uninterested ‘oh’ response. It sounds very boring, but this couldn’t be further from the truth.
What is the most rewarding part of your job? Developing new designs and concepts with our design team and fully project-managing them to the point that they finally appear on shelves.
What is the least rewarding part? With the economic downturn, commercially there has been a lot of pressure over recent years. This can be difficult to manage for anyone who is keen to develop the business.
What is your motto? Do everything to the best of your ability and to be able to look back and say ‘we did everything we could and couldn’t have done more’.
If you were allowed one dream perk, what would it be? An Aston Martin DB9.
Do you have any phobias? The dentist.
If you could change one thing in grocery, what would it be? For the industry to look more regularly at packaging and embrace it as an integral part of the offer and not simply a cost.
What’s your favourite film and why? The Silence of the Lambs. I really enjoy a psychological thriller and this was so well acted and written.
What luxury would you have on a desert island? Good music to break the silence and lift the spirits.
What animal most reflects your personality? I’ve been told I’m a monkey! Sociable, but analytical and requiring structure.
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