Retail director, Dwell

What was your first job in retailing?

Working for Littlewoods when it had stores. It was a great business to learn from and very focused on people.

Which retail company do you admire most and why?

Asos. It has really got an amazing offer. From the way it communicates with you to the ease in which you can shop.

What advice would you give someone starting out in retail?

That it is the one industry where you can start at the bottom and work your way up quickly if you have the talent.

Who have you learnt most from in your retail career?

Wayne Lysaght-Mason, my managing director at Bathstore. He had great patience and a real ability to lead and motivate a team.

What is the trait you least like in yourself and why?

That I sometimes need to listen a bit more. I can be a bit too headstrong at times.

What keeps you awake at night?

Nothing, I sleep like a log.

What’s the most satisfying part of your job?

Watching my team develop and grow. It is amazing to watch a team you have invested in really adding value to our business.

What’s your proudest achievement?

Watching Dwell grow from three to 24 sites. It has been a real challenge, but we have a dedicated team who really know how to make it happen.

What job would you have done if you hadn’t become a retailer?

At some point I really wanted to become a political journalist.

What’s your favourite shop and why?

I really love Fortnum & Mason. It has an amazing retailing space and you always come out feeling it was special.

What was your last purchase?

My weekly food shop at Waitrose.com.