Lynn Stainsby

Oct 31 2006 By Evening Gazette

Shopping centre manager for Jones Lang LaSalle.

What did you want to be when you were young?
It changed depending on my age; an archaeologist, accountant, doctor and lawyer are several I remember.

How much was your first pay packet and what did you spend it on?
£5 from a Saturday job at Charles Clinkard on Stockton High Street. My sister was a window dresser there and got me the job while I was at college. Staff could buy one pair of shoes at half price but I still had to save up for a few weeks to buy a pair of their summer sandals.

What's your dream job, other than your current one?
Managing a shopping centre in Dubai; it's one of the fastest growing cities in the world with some fantastic shopping.

What's the best piece of business advice you have received?
"Be good to people on the way up, you might meet them again on the way down." A bit pessimistic, but a good philosophy

And the worst?
"Don't take things personally" as I find this impossible.

What is your philosophy when it comes to business?
Don't be afraid to admit it when you don't know something, but make sure you find out the answer and pass it on, never make something up.

What are your hobbies?
I love crosswords and other puzzles, eating out and relaxing with my family.

What's your top business or financial tip?
Go with your first instinct, it's usually right.

Does anything scare you and if so, what?
Heights and small spaces, so I could never be an astronaut.

What would you choose as your epitaph?
She was a good daughter, wife, mother and friend.