Managing director, Champagne Lanson International
What was your first-ever job? I worked at a golfing range in Windsor for 50p an hour. Not at all glamorous.
What’s been your worst job interview? I trained as a chef at 16 while at college. I thought of myself as a chef when I left college and applied for a job. I didn’t get it and was put in the restaurant.
What was the first music single you bought? Duran Duran’s Hungry Like the Wolf. I wanted to be cool like Simon Le Bon.
How do you describe your job to your mates? A day job: running the country. And a night job: socialising, developing relationships and networking.
What is the most rewarding part of your job? Developing people - especially young people. I have the freedom to create a positive disruption, so fresh ideas can come to life.
What is the least rewarding part? Being given a glass of Prosecco!
What is your motto in life? The 10 x 2 rule. Ten words in two letters. ‘If it is to be it is up to me.’
If you were allowed one dream perk, what would it be? Lanson has a unique relationship with the All England Club at Wimbledon and I’d love to play on Centre Court with John McEnroe.
Do you have any phobias? No real phobias but pet hates: parking tickets, turbulence, oysters.
If you could change one thing in grocery, what would it be? To have more control over the positioning and innovation of our product in major grocery stores.
What animal most reflects your personality? A Hungarian Vizsla. They are fast, lean, strong and friendly.
What’s your favourite film and why? Catherine Ryan Hyde’s novel was made into a movie called Pay It Forward - I love to give and don’t expect to get anything in return.
What has been the most embarrassing moment in your life? Well, you’ve heard of antics that go on at stag nights. So now imagine someone without clothes being handcuffed outside a hotel in Cardiff while a ‘live’ wedding was taking place inside. I’ll say no more about that one.
Which celebrity would you most like to work with? Keira Knightley - she is quintessentially elegant. She oozes class and has an understated sophistication.
1 Readers' comment