Walpole: In a world where we’re always available, how do you separate your personal time from your work time?
Emma Fox: I'm not great at fully switching off, but I am pretty good at compartmentalising. I work In London and live In Warwickshire, so the journey back to the countryside helps me separate the two – if I'm not working from home of course!
What’s one thing you do after the workday to help you unwind?
In the winter months, I light a Diptyque candle and crack open a ginger ale. When we have longer days, I take a walk in the countryside with the dog after work and listen to a podcast.
What activity do you do in your time away from the office that helps you relax and recentre after a stressful week?
I love nothing more that reading the papers in bed with a large mug of coffee on a Saturday morning. I follow that with a leisurely walk with our 11-year-old (but still sprightly) labrador in the woods, using the time to catch up with my sisters on the phone to hear how their weeks have gone.
What’s something you’ve read, listened to, or seen in your spare time that’s helped you at work?
I love the regular McKinsey Insights that cover such a range of topics. I'm also a fan of the quote of the day at the bottom of the daily email from The Knowledge.
After home and the office, where’s your favourite ‘third space’?
The River Avon, which runs past the back of our house. I never tire of the views which change so much across the seasons. I often stand under a magnificent red maple and marvel at the beauty and simplicity of nature.
On Sunday night, how do you prepare yourself for the week ahead?
I generally work from home on a Monday so I don’t have the hassle of commuting on that day, which means that Sunday evening is pretty relaxed. I'll go through my diary and make a mental plan for the week ahead and top up my to do list.
Best reason you've had to turn your out of office on recently?
A wonderful break in Tenerife with all my family just before Christmas. I have three children, but only one of them lives at home now, so spending quality time all together with the sun on our faces, playing cards or padel and finishing with a sundowner was terrific.
Your go-to out of office outfit: Lulu Lemon yoga pants, an old Reiss cashmere hoodie and shearling-lined Birkenstocks.
Your happy place anywhere in the world: Harrogate
Your favourite bar or restaurant: St Jacques next door to my office on St James's in London – their menu du jour and the service are both brilliant.
Something cultural or sporting you booked recently that you'd recommend: David Hockney's Bigger and Closer exhibition at Factory International in Manchester.
Something you've listened to or read recently that you'd recommend: I absolutely love Country & Town House magazine - I get very excited when it arrives in my letterbox. Such a quality, inspirational read with positive impact at its heart.
A hobby you'd like to cultivate: Cooking. I'm useless. When my kids were asked when they were at primary school what their favourite dish was that mum cooked, they replied with all seriousness, "toast".
A luxury that’s actually a necessity: The kitty that my five best friends and I have a monthly standing order for. We live all over the country and meet up two to three times a year to relax, laugh, drink champagne and generally get pampered.
Best luxury under £25: My reformer pilates class at Ten St James's.
Lean more about Berry Bros & Rudd in the company's Walpole member profile here
