Client Consumer Director Pamela Ferrari talks about why remembering the small details matters, the most interesting and challenging parts of her role and the importance of looking after your physical and mental health.

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

A very media avocado, feta and kale affair at White City House.

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

I lead the Consumer Client team, building senior stakeholder relationships and strategic business partnerships with clients
across a number of core advertising categories.

Lay a bit of context on that?

We look after the Retail, Grocer, CPG, Entertainment and Telecoms categories and discuss any area of our business with them, according to their individual business challenges and strategic objectives.

They share insight with us that is useful in supporting ongoing investment in our brands or that will help generate new revenue and increase brand count.

What attracted you to the role in the first place?

The scope, variety, creativity and strategic focus – it’s a great left brain/right brain mix.

I can be knee-deep in contract discussions with Camelot for their partnership of The Sun’s Who Cares Wins one minute, then discussing ideas with Sky for the impending Season 3 of Succession the next or building the commercial offering for Virgin Radio’s Big Thank You Tour.

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

People are always the most interesting and challenging part; it’s important to have an understanding and empathy for individuals’ and teams’ agendas and pressures and in this business, getting to know who’s who is a project that is never done.

It’s a privilege to get close to businesses and understand what keeps senior stakeholders awake at night and then to work together to find common ground and bring revenue in.

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

Last book, film, binge watch and sounds you consumed?

Book: Guantanamo Diary by Mohamedou Ould Salahi.

Film: Schumacher on Netflix.

Binge-watched: ZeroZeroZero.

Sounds: Maxwell. I’ll always listen to his version of Kate Bush’s This Woman’s Work on repeat – if anybody reads this, please listen to it.

Who is your role model? And why?

I’ve admired people for different reasons and at different times in my life but not sure I have one overall role model. I
admire my mother’s ability to have been a focused and driven career woman in (what was then) a male-dominated world of courts and the justice system whilst also being a present and nurturing presence in our lives.

What is your most treasured possession?

My physical and mental health; the former has taken a beating over the last few months and there’s nothing like it for making
you realise that we are nothing without good, robust health. It’s difficult to be the best version of yourself without it.

Who would play you in the film of your life?

Jennifer Saunders.

Last holiday destination? And why?

It was meant to be Carlisle Bay in Antigua courtesy of a very good connection but it was cancelled.

You’ve won ten million on the Lottery – what do you do?
20 per cent on family, friends and charity.
Place orders for my five-car garage and yes, it includes a Ferrari (246GT in yellow and the one chosen by Enzo Ferrari when he first launched the brand)
Spend a few days at Coworth Park Spa between house viewings.

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

Listen properly and remember a detail. It could be something small from a client’s throw-away line about one of their children or their love of a particular sport or something more profound. Remembering a small detail and referencing it in later conversations with the individual can make a big difference and ensure that you’re remembered.

Tell us something not many people know about you…?

I’m 25 per cent German and speak Swedish so I have an annoying habit of walking around IKEA pronouncing
everything as the Swedes intended which is lost on Thurrock/Reading/Wembley. I can also pronounce Porsche correctly!

Who would be your three Fantasy Dinner Party guests? And why?

Tom Ford to discuss his aesthetic, attention to detail and sheer visual joys of A Single Man and Nocturnal Animals.

Marilyn Monroe for the inside scoop on the 1950s/60s.

Jean-Michel Basquiat to be inspired by his rebel spirit, his record achievements at such a young age and his artistic style.

Am I allowed to have Ella Fitzgerald keeping the mood mellow and Jeff Bezos on washing up as I have an idea I’d like to discuss with him?