Vanessa Fairfax-Woods

Vanessa Fairfax-Woods, senior trader, Shropshire Trading, on yoga, deep water and re-homing stock

What was your first job? Clearing tables in a riverside café in Taunton. I remember saving my pay packets up and buying a pair of Kickers trainers I had been lusting after.

What’s been your worst job interview? At Baines & Ernst, the debt management company: I was 19 and wet behind the ears, while they were high-powered in suits and glass offices. Somehow I got the job, but it still gives me the heebie jeebies thinking about it!

What was the first music single you bought? Neneh Cherry: Buffalo Stance.

How do you describe your job to your mates? I help manufacturers stop excess food and drink from going into the ground.

What is the most rewarding part of your job? Helping out a company that is really stuck with some problem stock and knowing that we have re-homed it responsibly - respecting their brand taking away their problem at the same time.

What is the least rewarding part? Logistics! Luckily we have a fantastic logistics co-ordinator who stops me from tearing my hair out.

What is your motto in life? Always do that thing that scares you.

If you were allowed one dream perk, what would it be? A yoga and meditation room.

Do you have any phobias? Deep water… Eek!

If you could change one thing in grocery, what would it be? People’s attitudes towards residual stock. It’s getting so much better, with the help of campaigns like Waste Not Want Not, but there’s a long way to go.

What luxury would you have on a desert island? My bed.

What animal most reflects your personality? Our MD says it’s a mongoose! What a thing to say.

What’s your favourite film? Most David Lynch films do it for me. Surreal, haunting and amazing cinematography.

What has been the most embarrassing moment in your life? Being hauled over the barriers at a Kylie Minogue concert and realising I wasn’t wearing any underwear!

Which celebrity would you most like to work with and why? I don’t really do celebrities.

What would your death row meal be? My partner does a mean seabass, chorizo and cannellini bean broth. That, please.