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Ellie West-Thomas

Production Manager

 

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

I am currently obsessed with crumpets – so crumpets smothered in butter and marmite.

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

I’m a Production Manager, I help organise the logistics for our live sport output.

Lay a bit of context on that?

Everything from booking reporters for Rugby games to organising the logistics and planning of our next big tournament which is currently the Euros.

What attracted you to the role in the first place?

The ability to do what I do best on a much bigger scale.

I love hearing events and Outside Broadcast’s (a broadcast that takes place away from the studio) on the radio that I know I have helped to get there.

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

No days are the same, some days you are dealing with football clubs and some days you are dealing with international bodies for big tournaments.

COVID has also massively changed the way we work and carry out live sport, there is more to consider in terms of health and safety which requires a lot of managing.

What are the three most important things on your working agenda today?

  • Health and Safety and Covid protocols for our weekend of live football.
  • Preparation continues for the Euros, working out how the COVID  protocols will impact our logistics.
  • Preparation for the next lot of live sport events coming up in April – The Masters, Aintree for the Grand National.

Who is your role model? And why?

My role models are the women in my family who came before me, my sisters, my mum and my nan. My sisters are the top women in their fields which are accounting and publishing – this comes from the upbringing we’ve had from our parents. That good work ethic has always inspired me to be the best version of myself.

My nan is the matriarch of our family, she’s the glue that holds us together. My nan has been through her fair share of experiences but she has always been there for us, no matter what. She’s 83 and will always make sure we are fed whenever we go and visit her.

What is your most treasured possession?

My most treasured possession is my life and my independence.

I had a really scary health period this time last year and it made me realise how much I valued being able to leave the house and walk completely unaided in order to get to where I wanted to go.

In the last year, I have relied heavily on my family around me and wouldn’t have got through it without them!

Last holiday destination? And why?

I went to the Isle of Wight last October. Due to my illness, I’m unable to travel far but I have so many fond memories of spending time on the Island at my grandparents’ house. It is a home away from home!

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

Never tone down your ability for the sake of offending others, it could inspire them.

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

Don’t be afraid to ask for help, this job can get quite consuming when events come thick and fast.

There are so many amazing people who can and want to help you.