paul brown BOL

What was your first-ever job? My dad made sure my brother and I worked at least half every school holiday from an early age. We did everything from working in kitchens to working as green staff on a golf course.

What’s been your worst job interview? I had many when I tried to jump on the acting bandwagon while living in California. I failed miserably at every casting so gave up on that career.

What was the first music single you bought? Simply the Best by Tina Turner… still love it.

How do you describe your job to your mates? Challenging due to the quantity and complexity of all of the stuff we’re working on at Bol. More importantly, however, it doesn’t feel like a job and never has.

What is the most rewarding part of your job? Working with so many inspirational people who are as passionate as I am.

What is the least rewarding part? Putting lots of time and effort into innovation that never sees the light of day.

What is your motto in life? Live for the moment.

If you were allowed one dream perk, what would it be? To have all my family and friends with me at Bol every day.

Do you have any phobias? I fell off my bike into a wasps’ nest as a kid. They weren’t happy with the intrusion so we’ve not really been pals ever since.

What luxury would you have on a desert island? A resident chef with unlimited fresh ingredients.

If you could change one thing in grocery, what would it be? More space to be allocated for start-up brands.

What’s your favourite film and why? True Romance: great cast with action and loving all in the same flick, perfect.

What has been the most embarrassing moment in your life? I once took a plate of lard out thinking it was cheese for some corporate clients while working with my mum’s catering company… I was only 13.

Which celebrity would you most like to work with and why? Yotam Ottolenghi. I love his food philosophy and think we could learn lots from him in the Bol development kitchen.

What animal most reflects your personality? ‘Bull in a china shop’ was a regular theme in my school reports so lets go with a toro.