Julian Warowioff

Managing director, Lemonaid & ChariTea UK, on transforming lives, Russell Brand and being a fox

julian warowioff

What was your first-ever job? Putting screwdrivers into boxes in a warehouse when I was 15.

What’s been your worst job interview? In my first year of university, I speculatively applied for an internship as PA to the CEO at Vapiano. It took me years to realise this might have been slightly overambitious.

What was the first music single you bought? Europe - The Final Countdown. Still a great song at any NYE party.

How do you describe your job to your mates? I sell lemonade for charity.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job? Travelling to the growing regions to meet our farmers. It’s incredible to see how Fairtrade premiums and democratic structures can transform lives.

What’s the least rewarding part? Chasing people for a response.

What’s your motto? It is not what we get but who we become, what we contribute that gives meaning to our lives.

What’s your nickname? Jules or J.

If you were allowed one dream perk what would it be? Occasionally working from remote locations. A yoga retreat in Goa, perhaps.

What’s your favourite movie? Garden State. Having left home at 19, I can relate to the feeling of returning home and realising how much you’ve changed while everything else hasn’t.

What’s been the most embarrassing moment in your life? At a high school theatre performance, I missed my entry and ran on to the stage too early. Everyone had to improvise along.

Any phobias? ET scared the hell out of me as a kid. Still recovering.

If you could pick a celebrity to join your staff who would it be? Russell Brand would be a great fit, I love people with strong convictions.

If you could change one thing in grocery what would it be? If the environmental and social impact of products was clearly labelled, suppliers would eventually have an economic incentive to make improvements in their supply chains.

What luxury would you have on your desert island? A blender to turn all those tropical fruits into smoothies!

What animal best reflects your personality? Just like a fox, I spend a lot of time in my head, love exploring new places and prefer subtlety and cunning over bragging.