What was your first job? I had a paper round - I wanted to be earning from a young age. Give us a quick run-down on your career to date. I started at TNS, working with panel data, before moving to Burton's Foods. After working in the insights team I progressed to category. How did you get where you are today? By working hard and taking opportunities. What part has luck played in your career? I accepted a consultancy job after university only for the sector to crash - without that I wouldn't be working in grocery. What is the best decision you have made in your career and why? Working at Burton's Foods - you get great exposure to several aspects of the business. Who do you most admire in the grocery industry? Sir Terry Leahy, chief executive officer of Tesco. The Tesco model should be a lesson for anyone working in business. What is the most important piece of information you have ever been told? Time is precious, so don't waste it. If you could change one thing in the grocery industry what would it be? For every retailer and supplier to reduce the amount of deep-cut deals. What is the most rewarding part of your job? Seeing the successful implementation and performance of an initiative. What is the least rewarding part? Seeing companies launch products with limited consumer or category insight because you know they're going to fail. If you could start your career again, what would you do differently and why? Nothing. The early years in an agency were a great foundation. Do you think you'll always work in grocery? If not, where are you likely to work? I enjoy the fast pace of grocery, but working in the leisure or entertainment sectors appeals. What advice would you give to someone starting out? Don't be afraid to ask questions and challenge things. The way a company has always worked is not necessarily the best. What do you like doing when you are not working? Watching films, cooking and playing football. Where do you hope to be in five years time? Enjoying more success and still climbing the ladder.