What time do you rise and shine?
Around 6 a.m. – I love the quiet before the day gets busy. It’s my time to get centred before family and work kick in.
What is your morning routine?
Mornings are when I find balance between being a mum and wearing my many professional hats. I start the day with my family; those early moments help me stay grounded. Once everyone’s set for the day, I shift gears into productive work: checking in with people, planning board work, or catching up on what’s happening in Manchester’s life sciences community. It’s my time to connect and set the tone for a purposeful day.
Do you have any non-negotiables that must get done in the morning?
Mornings are when I’m most energised and present. I like to begin the day with meetings, conversations, or thoughtful human connection; it’s when I connect best with others. After that time of meaningful interaction, I shift into focused, independent work.
How do you prioritise your day?
I prioritise my day around energy and impact. I start with people – conversations, meetings, and community work. Then I move into focused tasks and strategy once I’ve had that space for connection. Although it doesn’t always work out that way! It’s equally important to stay flexible and to know what gives you energy if needed.
Do you have a Task List? How do you use it, or what do you use instead?
Yes, but I use it flexibly. It’s less about completing tasks and more about keeping sight of what matters most that day.
Do you schedule breaks during the day?
I always make time to step away – a short walk, something healthy to eat, and a few quiet minutes make a big difference in keeping my energy steady.
What does the end of your day look like?
The end of my day is a mix of reflection and planning for the next day, followed by quality time with my family. On top of my own career, I am also a homework support person, chef and bedtime story reader – which I love being able to do.
How do you plan tomorrow and beyond?
I’m a planner, so I like to set goals 1–3 years ahead and map out the steps to get there. I also stay flexible, using my plans as a tool to reflect on progress and adjust as needed. Even if the track changes, I find that regular reflection often highlights how much we have grown and where we need to adapt.
What is your favourite break from work?
My favourite break is getting outside for a walk. Sometimes I take a more informal work call whilst walking if I need to be extra efficient that day. It helps me recharge, stay focused, and make the most of my time.
In terms of your productivity, what do you wish you had known earlier?
I think the biggest thing I’ve learned is the value of confidently understanding my priorities and boundaries. Once I stopped letting distractions take over, my productivity and focus improved dramatically.
Are you happy with your routine? What do you feel you should change?
I’m happy with my routine. I prioritise real human connection and the power of building relationships over trying to find quick shortcuts. I believe that authentic connections take time and energy, and there’s really no fast route. It’s worth investing in.
What are your top 3 digital tools / apps you use most throughout the day?
For planning and organising activities, I often use AI tools as a thinking partner to assess large volumes of data for risk and to identify strategic opportunities. Given the hybrid nature of modern boardrooms, tools that facilitate remote communication and collaboration are essential, but for the human side of my work, like building relationships and community, I prefer direct, personal interaction over apps.
Shameless plug for your business:
As a NED, board member, and chair, I love building strong teams and nurturing culture. My focus is life sciences, healthcare, and MedTech, but I’m fascinated by any sector where people are creating and innovating. I thrive on solving problems and building communities that help organisations and people succeed.
How can people connect with you?
You can find me on LinkedIn; feel free to drop me a message to start our connection.
Social Media Links?