LAUNCHING:
ALEX GRAINGER
Company:
Bauer Media
THE BIG QUESTIONS
WHAT IS YOUR PROFESSIONAL TITLE?
Journalist - Features writer for Take a Break
WHAT DO YOU DO ON A DAY-TO-DAY BASIS?
Follow up articles in newspapers, do interviews, speak to possible interviewees, write up stories.
WHAT DID YOU WANT TO DO WHEN YOU WERE A CHILD AND WHAT CHANGED?
Be the Queen or an author.
WHAT ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS DO YOU HAVE?
A Levels, English Literature degree, NCTJ and Senior Reporter NQJ qualifications.
WHAT’S THE BEST CAREER ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN?
Give it a try and see how you do. AND ask for help when you need it!
WHO IS YOUR ROLE MODEL AND WHY?
My parents. They spent years saving lives as a doctor and nurse and always unfailingly did their best. Also Marie Colvin who was one of the bravest women I've ever heard of and who shone light on the darkest places.
WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT YOUR CURRENT WORKING ENVIRONMENT?
The people in it and the variety of different stories I hear each day.
WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE ABOUT YOUR DAILY WORK ROUTINE IF YOU COULD?
More flexible working hours.
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF PROFESSIONALLY IN FIVE YEARS’ TIME?
Still a journalist, still writing about what matters to all sorts of people.
DO YOU FEEL YOU CAN BE THE SAME PERSON AT WORK AND IN PRIVATE?
Absolutely, just slightly more together at work, with less flopping around on the sofa.
WHERE AND IN WHAT ROLES ARE WOMEN IN THE LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE AT YOUR COMPANY?
My editor is a woman, as are the majority of my team. I'm in a position where there are large numbers of women at my work and it's great.
DOES DIVERSITY MATTER TO YOU?
It does. A job should be done by the best person for it, nothing else should matter.
HOW GOOD IS YOUR WORK LIFE BALANCE?
It could be better, but that's down to me, not pressure from work!
WHAT QUALITIES DOES BEING IN YOUR ROLE NECESSITATE?
Understanding, sound judgement, ability to think quickly and write fast, and most of all an open mind.