What time does your alarm go off?

It’s not too bad actually – 7am…then possibly again at 7:05am.

What’s the first thing you do when you get to work?

I do the first 90 minutes from home over my morning cup of tea. I use this time for reading emails, identifying priorities and planning the day. It’s only a ten minute walk into the office for me so I just sit down at the desk and crack on with whatever needs doing first.   

Before working at Ashton Gate, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?

My previous full-time jobs were boring corporate ones but as a student I spent one summer making shopping trolleys. Much more fun, however, was when I was a teenager I was a “sticker-up” for the skittles teams at my local pub in Somerset. The fear of having farmers hurl large wooden balls in your direction at great speed was compensated for in cider…which I was definitely old enough to drink, ahem.

How long have you worked for Ashton Gate?

I started working on match days back in the year 2000. However I went full-time in August 2009…so I must be due a testimonial game!

What do you like most about working for Ashton Gate?

Having been part of the stadium development team, seeing and working in the stadium I helped to build is hugely rewarding – not least because I get to see different people enjoying the facility every day. As a proud Bristolian I’m delighted that we serve the whole community and provide entertainment for everyone. As a lifelong Bristol City and Bristol Bears fan – match days are still extra special.

How do you define success?

Achieving progress as a team. Individuals can be capable of doing great work in silos but still not achieve anything as a group and thus it all means nothing. We’re a club – so success has to be something everyone shares in – fans, staff, community.

What does leadership mean to you?

Persuading other people to do what you want to do because they want to do it. We’re all individuals with our own motivations – if a leader can show everyone in a team what’s in it for them it becomes effortless.

What 2019 concert are you looking forward to most at Ashton Gate?

Muse – I still remember buying their first album, Showbiz back in 1999 and seeing them on The Other Stage at Glastonbury the following year.

How do you balance your career and family?

My fiancé Agata is pretty understanding to be fair. I try to get as much work done as I can when she’s asleep or at the gym.

If you could switch your job with anyone else in the business who would it be?

Matt Joy – our Head of Marketing. The work he does alongside his team have done in recent years has been amazing. I’m not saying I could do what Matt does but I’d enjoy trying. I’m sure a lot of his workload is about organisation and process but the creative side and coming up with ideas must be fun

What advice do you have for prospective Ashton Gate candidates?

You don’t have to be a fan or even be into sports to enjoy working here. The work is so varied and you’ll work alongside some really gifted people but in a wonderfully caring and collaborative environment. It may sound like a sporting cliché but it really does feel like we’re part of a team who help and support one another.