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

I’m not much of a breakfast person, so a smoothie and black coffee is usually my lot.

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

I am the HR Advisor for business areas in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Lay a bit of context on that?

I support various business areas, including our Scottish editorial teams; the Scottish Sun, Times and Sunday Times, Newsprinters, Commercial and our tech companies in Belfast; Zesty, Web Bureau and Tibus, with all things HR. It ranges from ad-hoc queries our employees may have, to supporting learning and development, the delivery of our people plan and promoting positive mental health and wellbeing.

What attracted you to the role in the first place?

My background is HR in manufacturing and financial services, which gave a really good grounding HR fundamentals but this role felt like a real step up in getting involved with the development and delivery of strategies. The idea of working with people who strive to pull together the best product possible, meant that I would need to be delivering 100% effort every day.

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

Working with people who are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about what they do.

My role means that I work with a huge variety of people and departments, from Editorial, Commercial, COO, Newsprinters and Tech teams, all of whom have different styles and priorities. It makes my weeks hugely varied!

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

With some restrictions easing in Scotland I am working with Health and safety and facilities to ensure we have clear communication to staff about how to safely return to the office.

I am working with the talent team and managers on the next steps for our Scottish Sun and Simply Zesty apprenticeships.

I am also working on the next steps for actions that have come from feedback following the engagement survey in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Who is your role model? And why?

My Dad. He is just the hardest working person I know, he works full-time, runs 2 large farms, helps out at his local butchers and is the kind of person who is willing to help anyone. I have really tried to take his work ethic with me.

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

Do what’s right, not what’s easy.

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

Take your time, listen to people and don’t assume anything.

Tell us something not many people know about you…?

I was dropped off alone in the middle of the Amazon jungle with nothing but a machete, canteen of water and iodine, for 48 hours to see if I could survive.