We all know breakfast is the most important meal of the working day: so what was on the menu this morning?

I had a yoghurt pot this morning, but if it’s project delivery day and we are in the building then I’ll have beans on toast in the canteen.

Sum up what you do at News UK in the shortest sentence possible.

I manage publishing operations for the News UK magazine portfolio.

Lay a bit of context on that?

I support the business by ensuring the smooth running of the magazine supply chain to maintain flexibility of the publishing cycle for editorial and commercial – whether it’s forecasting paginations or producing special requirements. This includes managing several external commercial print contracts.

What attracted you to the role in the first place?

I had worked in books for HarperCollins and in magazines for Haymarket in my career, so newspapers seemed the natural next step. I’d produced one-off dailies for print shows before, so I was always going to be impressed with people of who do that every single day.

What’s the most interesting/challenging part of your job?

Every day is a challenge for one reason or another in this business. The variety of what we do can mean working months on the development of one product and then producing a supplement in 24 hours due to news events or a celebrity death.

As a News UK Run Club regular, why should people join in and how do they get involved?

I try & keep this fixture in my diary – not only for the exercise but also for the social chat! I’ve met people from around the business that I wouldn’t have met otherwise and they’re a great bunch of people.

It’s normally Tuesday at 1pm outside the building but we are taking Run Club remote through coronavirus so we can keep running. Anyone can join in whatever level as it’s not a race, everyone (including me!) can run at their own pace and still complete the laps and input your runs into our Strava group.

Last book, film, binge watch and sounds you consumed?

I don’t read as much as I’d like to unless I’m on holiday, but I like biographies. The last box set I watched was Stockholm Requiem – although all the scandi female detectives seem to either have to have a special coat, be having an affair or have emotional issues. Latest sounds were Keith Urban’s free concert on Instagram – as live music is cancelled at the moment this is the next best thing! Plus seeing Nicole Kidman (his wife) pop up dancing in the background was really funny…

Who is your role model? And why?

I’ve been lucky to work with some amazing people that I’ve kept in touch with over the years. Business-wise I admire Karren Brady – she’s a successful woman in a man’s world and she’s brilliant on The Apprentice – a good listener and has great instincts about people.

What is your most treasured possession?

A battered old money tin figurine that looks like my grandfather – it makes me smile on my way out the door. It’s the only thing I wanted when he passed away.

Last holiday destination? And why?

Skiing in Chamonix earlier this month – a well overdue holiday to recharge the batteries – I tend to do active holidays, I fidget on a beach holiday. I bumped into News UK’s Retail Director Neil Spencer while I was there for a drink – small world…

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Never assume anything, always check – a great mantra for an Ops job!

What one bit of advice would you give someone wanting to do your job?

You need to have bags of energy and be able to roll your sleeves up and get stuck in. I have a Management degree, but I started at the bottom & worked my way up.

Tell us something not many people know about you?

I got stuck on Snowdon doing my first attempt at the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award expedition and had to be located by mountain rescue. An inexperienced instructor sent us out in thick fog so you couldn’t take a bearing. I learnt a lesson that day to question more, even those in authority. We were invited to Buckingham Palace to meet the Duke to be presented with our award – I have a funny anecdote as a result of our conversation!