About
News UK
The Operations Director at our website design agency Zesty talks about the best advice she has ever got and her obsession with A Place in the Sun.
We all know breakfast is the most important meal of the working day: so what was on the menu this morning?
Bran flakes and strawberries are eaten at my desk at home, which I know I should stop doing!
Sum up what you do at News UK in the shortest sentence possible.
Operations Director at Zesty.
Lay a bit of context on that?
Being Operations Director at Zesty means managing the Commercial, Design and Development teams and ensuring they have everything they need to deliver great websites for our clients.
What attracted you to the role in the first place?
Zesty are a big name in the digital agency world and I was really excited about being part of it when I joined 8 years ago.
What’s the most interesting/challenging part of your job?
Most interesting: I’ve never worked with a better bunch of people who I continually learn from.
Most challenging: Every day is different in our world which can sometimes throw up some unexpected surprises!
What are the three most important things on your working agenda today?
- I have a daily catch-up meeting with the full Zesty team.
- There are lots of client meetings.
- We’re presenting website designs today which is always a really exciting part of the job.
I’ll always end my day writing a list of things I need to do the next day. It helps organise tasks but also stops things floating around my head in the evening!
Last book, film, binge watch and sounds you consumed?
Last book: Wuthering Heights.
Film: All About My Mother – I’m a big fan of Almodovar movies.
Binge watch: Community and Modern Family.
Sounds: The soundtrack to Summer of Soul.
Who is your role model? And why?
My parents. They’ve taught me everything I know and continue to be a great support throughout my career. I come from a long line of strong women so I’m lucky to have had lots of role models throughout my life.
What is your most treasured possession?
Is a pet a possession? If so, my dog Stella.
Who would play you in the film of your life?
Sharon Horgan, please.
Last holiday destination? And why?
Donegal because it has the best beaches in the world!
You’ve won ten million on the Lottery – what do you do?
I’m obsessed with A Place in the Sun and all things holiday-related these days so I’d plan several holidays and then buy my own place in Spain.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
I have a bad habit of thinking I always need to have all the answers. A great coach once told me: “No one knows everything. Get over yourself!”
What one bit of advice would you give someone wanting to do your job?
There’s a lot to be said for putting in hard work, it’s also important to be a good listener and be eager to learn. And be kind to yourself – we need to remind ourselves of that more often.
Tell us something not many people know about you…?
I went to the school that Derry Girls is based on – watching the TV show is all very familiar!
Who would be your three Fantasy Dinner Party guests? And why?
My grandfather who sadly passed away before I was born. He was an inspirational entrepreneur and I’d love to talk to him about how he did it.
Bill Murray – I don’t even care if he’s grumpy that day and Emily Bronte, who is my favourite author and quite the female trailblazer of her time.