What was your first-ever job? I went on a graduate scheme to train to be a recruitment consultant after university, which was definitely not for me. Give us a quick run-down on your career to date. I got into marketing at Mars and worked in brand management. I then moved to Unilever to join Birds Eye and looked after the brand's advertising. Birds Eye was bought by private equity firm Permira last November and I have now become marketing manager for meals and bakery. How did you get where you are today? By pushing myself outside my comfort zone. Has your career followed a logical path? No. I studied sport science at university and wanted to be a sports psychologist. What part has luck played in your career? I believe you make your own luck in life. What is the best decision you have made in your career? Specialising in advertising and communications at Birds Eye. Who do you most admire in the grocery industry? Marks & Spencer's Stuart Rose for how he has transformed the fortunes of the landmark British brand. Do you have a mentor and how have they helped you in your career? My boss Carolyn Hearne at Mars for encouraging me and Jerry Wright & Caroline Drummond at Birds Eye. What is the most important piece of information you have ever been told? Never lose sight of who is buying your product. If you could change one thing in the grocery industry what would it be? Reduce the number of bogofs in-store. What is the most rewarding part of your job? Bringing big, bold initiatives to life. What is the least rewarding part? Tasting ready meals early in the morning. If you could start your career again, what would you do differently and why? I probably would have stuck to my instincts & trained as a sports psychologist. What advice would you give to someone starting out? Try new experiences so you can find what areas you enjoy. What do you like doing when you are not working? Going to the gym or playing tennis or watching Liverpool play. Where do you hope to be in five years time? Hopefully I will have set up a communications agency but it' still early days.

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