When you were growing up, what did you want to be?
A solicitor.
What was your first job?
Washing hair in a salon.
First job on the railway?
Answering phones at National Rail Enquiries.
Morning or night person?
Morning.
What annoys you most?
Grumpy people.
Favourite food?
Chocolate.
How long does it take you to get ready in the morning?
Ten minutes.
What are you most proud of?
My three children. Three boys.
Most prized possession?
I can’t say my kids, so…my tortoises.
Artist or scientist?
My degree was in applied economics, so that would be a science.
If you could change one thing about the railway, what would it be?
Reform the fares structure.
What is the railway’s greatest challenge?
Sustainability of funding.
Career high point?
Chairing the Chartered Institution of Railway Operators and Inspire, Network Rail’s employee network.
Career low point?
I was Southeastern’s Train Service Director during the Lewisham incident, when a lot of passengers left stranded trains during the Beast From The East storm.
Who on the railway has influenced you most?
Dyan Perry.
Guilty pleasure?
Sci-fi novels.
Hidden talent that would surprise people?
I play the flute. I run a lot.
What temptation do you wish you could resist?
Everyone who knows me knows I drink far too much Pepsi Max.
What book are you reading?
Empire World, by Sathnam Sanghera.
Favourite children’s book?
The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
Best childhood memory?
Running through bluebell woods with my parents.
Favourite film?
The Sound of Music.
Favourite TV?
Stranger Things.
What was the first record you bought?
Hanson: MMMBop.
Favourite song?
Wake Me Up When September Ends by Green Day.
Beer or wine?
Wine.
Introvert or extrovert?
Introvert.
Cats or dogs?
Dogs. Or tortoises.
Greatest regret?
Not sticking with learning the piano.
Adventurous or cautious?
Adventurous.
Saver or spender?
Spender.
When you are old, what wisdom would you pass on to your grandchildren?
Live life while you can.
What car do you drive?
A Mini.
Favourite place in the UK?
Home.
Who should play you in the film of your life?
I would hate any film about me.
How would you like to be remembered?
Someone who is kind.
