Walpole: In a world where we’re always available, how do you separate your personal time from your work time?
I think when you love what you do it becomes less of a priority to separate personal and work time and the sweet spot is finding the best way to fit enough of both in your day.
I try really hard not to look at my phone all the time! We have a no phones rule at the dinner table (or during any meal) in my family and that time is sacrilege. I get up early and go for a walk most days, taking this as a time to think about the day ahead and to disconnect by spending time by myself and not looking at my phone.
What’s one thing you do after the workday to help you unwind?
Unless I am out in the evening, entertaining or at an event, I change into 'non-work' clothes as soon as I arrive home, which signifies the beginning of the evening and the shift from working to relaxing.
I once had a colleague once who spent all evening in his suit: eating dinner, watching TV, doing chores. I could not fathom why he would not change into his comfy clothes!
What activity do you do in your time away from the office that helps you relax and recentre after a stressful week?
I love spending time in nature. I live in a beautiful part of the world, close to Gleneagles and The Glenturret in Perthshire, where we have access to some amazing places with an hour's drive. Whether it's wild swimming in summer, cold immersion in winter or just a big walk with my family, that area is my happy place where I can recalibrate and recuperate.
What’s something you’ve read, listened to, or seen in your spare time that’s helped you at work?
I recently read Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman, which was not specifically related to business but more about how we use the time we have on this planet. It definitely has some transferable perspectives for how we prioritise at work.
Since joining The Glenturret earlier this year, it has been very easy to focus on the urgent and less on the important – but this will not deliver the success I hope to achieve. Refocusing energy and time on a daily and weekly basis is helping me to drive my vision while ensuring my time is being spent in the most effective way.
After home and the office, where’s your favourite ‘third space’?
My local yoga studio or swimming pool – both a haven for focusing on my mental, emotional and physical wellbeing!
On Sunday night, how do you prepare yourself for the week ahead?
My husband usually makes pizza on a Sunday, we watch David Attenborough with the kids and when they go to bed I go for a deep, hot bath before big sleep to set up for the week ahead. Sometimes if I'm travelling that week, I also pack and organise everyone for the week ahead.
Best reason you've had to turn your out of office on recently?
After 20 years, I went back to Ibiza for a long weekend and revelled in returning the ultimate party island – albeit in a much better hotel with significantly higher quality food and drinks!
Your go-to out of office outfit: Jeans, trainers and cashmere jumper (living in Scotland means the jumper is required all year round).
Your happy place anywhere in the world: In Skye with my family, mussel picking or swimming in the sea.
Your favourite bar or restaurant: My favourite bars are at Dukes, Claridge's, The Connaught and The American Bar at Gleneagles. I usually order a Gin Martini but recently have started drinking more Rob Roys (magnificent with The Glenturret 15 Year Old whisky!).
Something cultural/sporting you booked recently that you'd recommend: Wildlife Photographer of the Year (on loan to the National Museums Scotland) was a sharp reminder of the fragility of the natural world. Not always comfortable images, but so important to see.
Something you've listened to or read recently that you'd recommend: Condé Nast Traveller is a source of escapism and travel inspiration for the next holiday.
A hobby you'd like to cultivate: Paddleboarding, but I may have missed the boat!
A luxury that’s actually a necessity: Champagne.
Best luxury under £25: Time – there is never enough of it.
