What do you do and how long have you been in your current role?
I am managing director of Absolute Taste, we founded the company in February 1997 and here I still am.
Where was your first job? What was the most important thing that you learnt there?
My first job was a weekend job working in a restaurant in Scalby, Scarborough, called The Gate House. Here I started off washing up where I learnt how to be a team player and always remain upbeat. I was quickly promoted right up until I was head waitress.
How did you get from there to where you are now?
I finished school and worked in a few other restaurants in Scarborough before going to Tante Marie cookery school in Woking, where I received my Cordon Bleu diploma. This opened many doors and I cooked around the world doing any job I could to gain as much experience as I could, including director of dining rooms, luxury yachts and private homes.
Looking back, did you expect your career path to take the course it has?
I love cooking and always wanted to cook. I love food and making people happy with what I produce, whether it is food or creating a party. So, yes, I did think I would love my own company but I thought it would be a bit smaller and maybe based from my own home in the country.
Would you do anything differently?
No – I love my career. I have been so lucky to have been involved in so many amazing events, parties and situations that I couldn’t imagine doing anything differently as I would never want to miss all the things that I have experienced.
Who has inspired you along the way?
Many people have inspired me, food wise I would say Donna Hay, Martha Stewart and Gordon Ramsay. Business wise, Jo Malone, Chrissie Rucker, but really Ron Dennis who is my business partner at McLaren. He has pushed me, coached me and given me the confidence to believe I could do it.
Have you ever done a job interview that went particularly well or spectacularly wrong?
Not really, I suppose my conversation with Ron when we talked about starting Absolute Taste was slightly like a job interview. When he suggested that McLaren were my partner I really thought he was joking, but look what happened.
Is there a piece of career advice that you have been given that has stuck with you?
Be honest. I am very straight with people who work for me and with me and also with my clients. Also work hard, be positive and always be the one who says yes. And smile.
What career advice would you give to your 21-year-old self?
Maybe I would have told myself to make sure you give enough time to your friends and family and not to be totally obsessed with work.
How do you wind down and relax after a hectic day?
If I am at home I go and sit on the sofa with my little boy Joshie and with my dog Truffle at my feet. A cuddle at the end of the day or when I get home from being away makes it all worthwhile. And then when my husband Otis gets home maybe a glass of wine and a bit of television is all we need.
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