Walpole: In a world where we’re always available, how do you separate your personal time from your work time?
Anna Maude: Being an Executive Assistant means it is quite tricky to separate personal time from work life. However, I do my best to switch off from it all as soon as I get home – my work phone lives in a drawer after 9pm until 7.30am the next morning. Luckily most things are never so urgent they can’t wait until the morning for an answer.
What’s one thing you do after the workday to help you unwind?
I am that person who will get home and immediately put on comfy clothes, and on a Friday pour a glass of wine to relax!
What activity do you do in your time away from the office that helps you relax and recentre after a stressful week?
I am the epitome of a culture vulture and love spending time exploring London’s vast array of cultural institutions. As part of my role at Walpole, I am lucky enough to manage our cultural members and have been able to attend some truly special private view experiences.
What’s something you’ve read, listened to or seen in your spare time that’s helped you at work?
I recently finished And Finally: A Neurosurgeon’s Reflections on Life by Henry Marsh, the renowned brain surgeon. Henry’s reflection on his life and career has been so inspiring to me, and reading his books often gives me the perspective I need.
After home and the office, where’s your favourite ‘third space’?
Tooting Common with my family’s dog Reggie. The pure joy of a dog on a walk will always bring a smile to my face.
On Sunday night, how do you prepare yourself for the week ahead?
An early night on a Sunday is crucial for me, and I will try and not make plans for Sunday afternoon so I have the time to hype myself up for the week ahead.
Best reason you've had to turn your 'Out of Office' on recently?
Skiing over Christmas with my extended family in the French Alps. Mountain air and many vin chaudes make up the perfect recipe for a good holiday!
Your go-to 'Out of Office' outfit: I am a blazer obsessive and have over 15 in my wardrobe, so it is safe to say I am usually wearing one of them.
Your happy place anywhere in the world: The clifftops looking over Polzeath beach in Cornwall.
Your favourite bar or restaurant: Always has been and always will be The Connaught Bar, and a dirty vodka martini.
Something cultural or sporting you booked recently that you'd recommend: I love my cricket, so I have just bought tickets to see Surrey v. Middlesex at The Oval.
Something you've listened to or read recently that you'd recommend: Desert Island Discs is always a must listen for me, and I would really recommend listening to the back catalogue on BBC Sounds.
A hobby you'd like to cultivate: If I had the time, and space, I would like to better use my degree in Textiles Design and test my creative flair.
A luxury that’s actually a necessity: Chanel bronzer.
Best luxury under £25: Larry King Hair’s My Nanna’s Mousse, for the ultimate shiny blow dry. Larry King Hair is one of our Walpole Brands of Tomorrow 2024 – you can find out more about the programme and all the brands on it here.
