Happy Friday, readers, and welcome to another interview with a charity sector leader courtesy of your loyal servant, Society Diary.
This month, Breast Cancer Now took the plunge and faced questions about fast food jobs, warm weather and biscuits.
You can read our conversation below.
Your first ever job was working at McDonald’s at 16. How good an employee were you?
“Five gold stars. I was very committed to the process, the teamwork, and the quiet satisfaction of a perfectly assembled Big Mac. Honestly, I peaked early.”
What is the hardest fundraising event you have ever taken part in?
“To lead, it has to be Stand Up to Cancer back in 2012. An enormous operation with countless moving parts, relying on the generosity and availability of artists and contributors who are, understandably, quite busy. We experimented constantly, pivoted often, and learned a huge amount — exhilarating, inspiring, and absolutely a marathon rather than a sprint.
“To take part in, Cycle Cuba when I was at the National Deaf Children’s Society. Big hills, big heat, and daily moments of questioning my life choices. Fortunately, the rum and salsa dancing provided both recovery and perspective.”
You’ve led charity cycling trips in Cuba, Mexico and China. Do you miss working in warmer climes?
“Desperately. I’m answering these questions from my office, where the view is currently a study in grey skies and persistent rain. Experiencing new cultures was extraordinary — and doing so without a coat was a definite bonus.”
Who’s the most famous person you’ve ever met?
“One of the best things about my career has been meeting and working with so many remarkable people — many of whom aren’t famous but are truly extraordinary. That said, in purely celebrity terms, probably Bradley Cooper, Gwyneth Paltrow and Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
“At Breast Cancer Now, we’re lucky to have great celebrity supporters and a real highlight has been working with our very own Spice Girl Vice Patron, Geri Halliwell-Horner. She’s such a passionate and intelligent woman, and we are excited to continue to work with her (and maybe get a private rendition of Wannabe!).”
When was the last time you felt embarrassed?
“I should probably feel embarrassed more often than I do, which made this question harder than expected. But there was a genuinely awful moment at a recent funeral when my phone rang halfway through the eulogy. I never have my phone on loud, so this remains one of life’s great unsolved mysteries. What I take some comfort from is knowing how funny the person whose funeral it was would have found it.”
Favourite biscuit?
“I don’t really have a sweet tooth. But put a packet of salted peanuts near me and I will make it disappear at an alarming speed.”
Cats or dogs?
“Cats. I have two rescue cats, Alice and Nancy, who tolerate me generously and run the house entirely.”
What’s your go-to karaoke song?
“I don’t do karaoke. I’m outgoing, I love people, I love a party — but karaoke is where my confidence draws a firm and immovable line.”
How will you spend your time when AI inevitably takes all our jobs?
“I’ve just completed an Oxford University course on AI, and I’m convinced it will push us towards the things humans are uniquely good at — connection, creativity and care. Leadership in the charity sector isn’t about being worthy all the time — it’s about being human and then getting on with the job. AI should help us do that better, not distract us from it. Ideally, it will also give us more time to do what we love. For me, that’s being active, eating great food, hosting people, and spending time under big skies.”
If you won an Omaze house, would you live in it or sell up?
“I’ve taken extensive advice from my imaginary financial adviser, who suggests I should probably rent it out for most of the year and enjoy the occasional holiday there too.
“Joking aside, at Breast Cancer Now we’ve been lucky enough to partner with Omaze twice, so I’ve seen firsthand how stunning their houses are and the extraordinary difference their campaigns make. This is what excites me most about working with them. Most recently their support has helped fund vital research that genuinely changes lives. As for whether I’d live in an Omaze house myself, that feels like a very nice problem for a future version of me to deal with.”
