Name: Jo Cooper
Job title: General manager UK&I
Company: Haleon
What was your first job? At school, I ran a tuck shop with a friend. We weren’t allowed out at breaks and there was nowhere to buy snacks, so we created our own with the help of a teacher. We gave up our lunch breaks and lunches to run it and donated all the proceeds to charity.
My first paid roles came later, working behind the bar in three different pubs, a great crash course in people, pace and pressure.
What’s been your worst job interview? This was at a graduate assessment centre. I completely misread the instructions on one of the personality profiling exercises and marked myself using the wrong scale throughout. I didn’t get through to the next stage and only realised why when the feedback arrived, along with a copy of my profile. It was nothing like me or, frankly, anyone you’d want to employ.
“People shouldn’t just work harder, they should work in a way that brings out their best selves”
What was the first music single you bought? The first single I bought with my own money was Do They Know It’s Christmas? by Band Aid.
How do you describe your job to your friends? I very rarely talk about my job. If I do, I usually say I sell toothpaste brands like Sensodyne and Aquafresh, and other brands like Panadol that they’d know. I also say I look after the UK & Ireland, and they think it’s fancy!
What really matters to me, though, is the people I work with and the products we put out into the world. I enjoy what I do, and I’m genuinely proud of it.
What is the most rewarding part of your job? That’s really easy. It’s the people. Seeing them enjoy what they’re doing, grow in confidence, and develop over time. I love learning myself, and I love being surrounded by people who want to do the same. When leadership teams really click and work effectively together, that’s incredibly energising.
People shouldn’t just work harder, they should work in a way that brings out their best selves. I also genuinely love the brands. I’ve spent my whole career in fmcg, and I’ve always chosen to work on brands I believe in. I’ve been lucky to have that choice!
What is the least rewarding part? For me, it’s outdated processes and ways of working that no longer make sense. Things that ‘just’ happen because they always have done, without anyone questioning if they’re still relevant.
What is your motto in life? My kids would say it is “what’s the worst that can happen?”. But I think I always say you choose what you do with your time. Everyone has time, it’s how you use it that matters.
If you were allowed one dream perk, what would it be? To bring my dogs to work. No doubt!
Do you have any phobias? I’m scared of heights! Oh, and also rats.
If you could change one thing in grocery, what would it be? I’d love grocery retail to feel more experiential. I love stores where you can try things, discover something new, and actually enjoy being there. It shouldn’t just be transactional.
What luxury would you have on a desert island? It would be books, specifically fiction. Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier is my comfort book. I’ve read it so many times and never get tired of it.
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What animal most reflects your personality? The animal I want to be is a dolphin. They are collaborative, emotionally aware, love communicating and thrive on new challenges. They love working together as a pod and so do I.
What’s your favourite film and why? The Holiday! It’s my ultimate comfort film, especially at Christmas. And I love Jude Law.
What has been the most embarrassing moment in your life? At a Christmas party, the leadership team was asked to kick off the evening with karaoke. I sang I Wanna Dance with Somebody and I am definitely no Whitney Houston.
Which celebrity would you most like to work with and why? That would be Claudia Winkleman. Mostly because I’d love to share her wardrobe! And she’s funny.
What would your death row meal be? That’s easy! A perfect Sunday roast with rare roast beef, followed by apple crumble and custard.
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