What is your job title?
Vice-president, commercial development and advertising.
What does your job involve?
I am the commercial lead for Discovery's UK business, working closely with our sales house Sky Media. I run Discovery's brand solutions team and we pursue commercial and partnership opportunities for the UK business, which has 12 channels. My role also involves bringing a commercial perspective to every aspect of the UK business.
What's it like working for Discovery?
Discovery is a vibrant business with terrific brands and great heritage. I feel very lucky to be working here.
What qualifications and experience do you need?
Broad media experience is important. It is vital you have worked for a broadcaster and understand the TV sector. I also believe it helps to have agency experience. In my role, general management experience helps me add valuable commercial insight right across the organisation.
How do you spend a typical day?
I arrive between 6.45am and 7am and spend two hours clearing e-mails, letters, requests and pitches. So by the time most people start at 9am, I'm ready for my meetings, big projects and development work with a clear head and an uncluttered desk.
Best thing about your job?
I enjoy working outside Central London [Discovery is based at Chiswick Park]. And being involved with Discovery Networks when there are such seismic changes happening in the market is extremely exciting.
And the worst?
Commuting from Chiswick back to Highgate each day.
What keeps you awake at night?
My baby, Milo.
Who helped you get where you are today?
I come from a true working class background - my family worked in the cotton mills way back. My parents worked really hard and continue to do so into retirement. Their work and life ethic has always been a great inspiration to me.
Who do you aspire to be like?
I admired the management style of Mick Perry, chairman of Magna Global UK, and I love what Tess Alps has done at ThinkBox.