Kiersten Wasson

Feb 27 2007 By Evening Gazette

Regional Director North East and Humber for leadership development organisation Common Purpose.

What did you want to be when you were young?
Initially I really wanted to be a fighter pilot in the RAF and then, after reality took hold of me and I realised I wasn't gifted at maths and not so sure about war, I set my sights on the world of advertising.

How much was your first pay packet and what did you spend it on?
My first job was serving breakfasts at a local hotel, arriving at 5.30am on Saturday and Sunday... this was not exactly a perfect job for me as I'm not really a morning person - much toast was burned!

I was paid £2.50 an hour, eight hours a weekend, with money deducted for six broken cups and saucers!

What's your dream job, other than your current one?
I guess as I'm not allowed to choose my own job, which truly is my dream job, I'd have to admit to still dreaming of flying a fighter jet.

What's the best piece of business advice you have received?
Not sure it is business advice or life advice, but I read something in Oprah's biography that made a great deal of sense to me: "If you do work that you love, and the work fulfils you, the rest will come."

And the worst?
In a retail business I worked for a very long time ago, a rather single-minded owner suggested I tried to extract as much cash as possible out of everyone who came into the shop as they may not come back... I'll say no more!

What is your philosophy when it comes to business?
Working for a charitable organisation, this may seem odd to some, but my philosophy on business is "get the money straight". If your finances are healthy and your organisation is sustainable, you can actually do what you want to do, whichever sector you operate in.

What are your hobbies?
Den building, ice skating and Lego - I have two young sons!

What's your top business or financial tip?
Keep your head up - keep connected and keep on top of the changes happening around you. You can't necessarily control them, but you need to be aware of them!

Does anything scare you and, if so, what?
Heights... see answer to question 1!

What would you choose as your epitaph?
Good night, God bless, sleep tight - which is how, growing up, my family ended each day.