The chief executive of Walk the Walk, which runs Moonwalk events around the world, didn't chose the third sector but she's very passionate about it now
What is the first thing you do when you arrive at work?
I sit in the car and put my make up on, as I’ve been up since 6am getting my little girl to school.
What makes a good day at work?
A good day at work is when you can just really feel the energy buzzing, everyone is happy and working together. There’s a distinct energy on those days, which means things are really moving. Fridays are always good, as that’s when we get to hear how much money has come in that week.
What turns you into the office Victor Meldrew?
On the odd day when people don’t do what they are meant to do or what they have said they will do – especially when we are in the middle of our event season – I really feel let down. When you’re striving 100 per cent, I hate the whole attitude of “that will do”.
What was the last thing you did that scared you?
The last thing that really scared me was when I was in the 36th hour of labour. The whole process of childbirth was quite frightening, but by then it really got quite intense.
Would your 16-year-old self be impressed with where you are now?
I think so! When I was 16, I was managing a restaurant at weekends and doing loads of different jobs mixed in with my schoolwork. My 16-year-old self was also very driven, and if she could see me now, I think she’d be quite impressed and would think, well, fancy that!
If you were your boss would you like you?
If I were my boss, I’d like to think that I understood my passion and drive and would be excited by it! However, if I was one of those who just didn’t get it, I think my perfectionism would be a real pain in the backside!
Is Facebook your friend or your enemy?
I’m not on Facebook, so it’s not my enemy. It is a friend of the charity’s because it’s a good tool for bringing people together, but it is also quite shocking how destructive it can be.
My 16-year-old self was also very driven, and if she could seen me now, I think she’d be quite impressed and would think, well, fancy that!
What’s your perfect weekend?
Not having any specific plans and just deciding to do whatever I want to do as it comes up – wherever I am and whoever I am with.
Is the third sector a calling or an accident?
It was a total accident. Fundraising was never on my list of things to do, but I’ve always loved a challenge and am passionate about health and fitness. The whole idea that we have the ability to heal ourselves is the ethos of Walk the Walk. I never imagined I would run a charity and that we would now be entering our 20th year of events! But it does fit in with my approach to life and I get a great thrill from seeing people empowered by what we are doing.
Is this a rung on the ladder to success or your final destination?
This is certainly not my final destination! Your whole life is a ladder and I have no idea what is in store, but I’m certain that there is a lot more to come!
Is world peace possible?
I think it is possible if everyone could just realise that they have this wonderful spirit within themselves to be accepting of fellow man and to make it happen. However outside influences only get in the way.
Which Brian Cox?
The scientist, without question!
