‘I started working as Tara Donovan’s PA in May 2005. As MD of Jamie Oliver Ltd, she’s an incredibly busy and in-demand boss – it’s my job to ensure her workload is easier.
‘I’ve always worked in the media and creative industries – and hospitality too. I had a Saturday job in a butcher’s when I was 16 and, like many students, financed myself through university by working in bars, pubs and restaurants.
‘Even though I graduated with a BA (Hons) in Drama and Theatre Studies at Roehampton University, I didn’t pursue an acting career. After leaving university, I started working for an independent record company called Wall of Sound. I worked my way up the company as a receptionist and office manager. By the time I left 18 months later, I’d been promoted to PA to the MD. It was a small company and I learnt lots of new skills on the job, including those in IT – I once networked all the computers in the office!
‘Then I moved into TV where I worked as a PA at the BBC and ITV for a few years before I heard about the vacancy at Jamie Oliver Ltd. Initially I’d applied for a PA role supporting another manager at the company, but instead was offered the chance to be Tara’s PA. I was ecstatic. Tara and I really clicked and the company seemed perfect for me.
‘Like others, I’d watched Jamie Oliver on TV throughout the years and really liked his down-to-earth nature. But it wasn’t until I actually started work that I realised how talented and passionate he is about everything he does. The campaign work Jamie is involved in really struck a chord with me. As a person, I believe it’s important to make a positive impact on the lives of others – Jamie does that with food and the whole company is built on that ethos.
‘I was nervous, but totally excited about my first day at work. I knew it would be a challenging role. The company was right in the middle of Jamie’s School Dinners campaign and it was such a defining moment in terms of nationwide nutrition for children, I literally hit the ground running. Everybody in the office was incredibly friendly and welcoming and totally immersed in making sure the project was a success.
‘Our offices are based in Old Street so I have an hour’s commute into work each day. My working hours vary, but usually I’ll get into the office about 8:30am. My main duties are to manage Tara’s emails and diary – which requires a great amount of multi-tasking, negotiating, forward planning and organising. I set up all Tara’s meetings, restaurant bookings, and sort out her travel arrangements. I also attend meetings on her behalf and write monthly board meeting reports too. Luckily, our offices are near Jamie’s Fifteen restaurant, which makes breakfast and lunch meetings – with great food – easy to arrange.
‘Everything in Tara’s diary is colour coded so I can see at a glance what she’s doing that day, week and month. And as things change on a daily, sometimes hourly basis, I have to be flexible. Even if I’ve spent ages working on setting up an event or meeting, I know cancellation or postponement is always a possibility so you have to think on your feet.
‘At the moment, Tara is working on the launch of The Ministry of Food centre in Australia – which is all about teaching people how to cook easy and affordable food. The work comes in overnight and, because of the time difference, I have to get information over to the Australian team while they’re still online. I once had to deal with urgent last-minute changes for an event in Australia which meant making calls and emailing at 3am. Usually in the afternoon I’ll catch up on various projects with colleagues and email our US partners.
‘Alongside those responsibilities, I also project manage a number of endorsements and partnerships internally, including film and photo shoots. Most recently, I’ve worked on launching the digital apps we’ve developed for the iPhone, iPad and Android which have gone on to win awards. It was a career highlight. We’d never developed an app before and I totally immersed myself in the new technology and meetings with developers over content.
‘I’m predominantly based in our headquarters, but I do sometimes have to travel. One of my projects is a hotel group partnership based in Scandinavia so I occasionally have to fly out for meetings.
‘Another highlight has been winning the Hays & The Times PA of the Year 2011. A friend persuaded me to enter, but I didn’t expect to win so I was both shocked and honoured. It’s always nice to be recognised for your achievements.
‘While the company is big, it’s not a stiff corporation. From my days at the record label, I’ve always liked to work in an environment that honours staff individuality and offers a good work/life balance. For instance, I could never imagine myself having to wear a suit to work. Even now, most days my office wear consists of a smart pair of jeans and Converse trainers (though I’ll quickly change into a pair of shoes for meetings).
‘Training wise, practical experience and learning as you go are very important in what I do, but I’ve done some internal company training too. Recently I’ve done development days on time and pressure management and project management which have been very useful.
‘And I’m incredibly lucky that I’m also part of a team of office testers for Jamie’s recipes before they go into apps and books to see how easy or difficult they are to make for non-foodies and professional chefs. I have to pinch myself sometimes: here I am, getting paid to eat delicious food!
‘Currently my efforts are focused on The Big Feastival (www.thebigfeastival.com), which is a food and music festival that will be held on London’s Clapham Common this summer.
‘Food is at the centre of everyone’s lives, and you can’t help but be affected by that. So job satisfaction aside, I’ve also gained a massive respect for food and its power to transform lives. Plus, I’ve been given the confidence to be a better cook. I’m really excited about what the future holds.’