Sum up what you do at News UK in the shortest sentence possible.

I’m the Creative Director for Bridge Studios, News UK’s award winning content agency.

Lay a bit of context on that?

I head up a team of talented art directors, designers and picture editors and ensure that we deliver the most innovative, engaging and forward-thinking campaigns across all platforms, whilst working alongside the industry’s finest photographers, illustrators, set designers, stylists, videographers and artists.

What attracted you to the role in the first place?

I live and breathe design and have previously worked in editorial across a range of print magazines and digital publications. The commercial world was fairly new to me when I joined 5 years ago, but the endless creative opportunities excited me and has enabled me to significantly diversify my skill set. I was also attracted to the fact that we were building a brilliant new team that is full of exceptionally talented individuals. It’s one of the best teams that I have worked with in the industry, and it’s fundamentally the people that make such a difference to how much you love your job.

What’s the most interesting/challenging part of your job?

The most interesting thing for me is that we cover so many different content categories and work with such a varied spectrum of clients across all platforms and publications. No two days are ever the same. I’m constantly kept on my toes and that’s extremely refreshing in a creative industry that can sometimes get quite stagnant. We’re really fortunate to work in a team that gives us the creative freedom to be innovative and push boundaries every single day.

What are the three most important things on your working agenda today?

1. Continue working on the set up and launch of Studio PI – a new photography and illustration agency that will support and promote diverse talent in the industry. Watch this space – we’ll be launching in September!

2. Promote the ‘Poems For A Pandemic’ book that we have spent the last month creating in collaboration with HarperCollins. It was released on Amazon on June 18th and is a powerful collection of first-hand accounts from the front line of a global epidemic. All proceeds will be going to NHS Charities Together – so please do buy a copy and share. It also features some fantastic established poets like the amazing Hollie McNish! https://www.amazon.co.uk/Poems-Pandemic-Ordinary-extraordinary-circumstances-ebook/dp/B089NH6R95

3. Performance Reviews!

Last book, film, binge watch and sounds you consumed?

Book: Natives by Akala

Film: Parasite

Binge Watch: The Last Dance

Sounds: D’Angelo, Black Messiah

Who is your role model? And why?

My role model is my mum. She left Sri Lanka and her seven younger siblings in the 60’s after her father passed away. She came to the UK to join the NHS in response to an appeal from the health service as it was suffering from acute shortages of staff and desperately needed migrant workers to help rescue it. I grew up on one of the roughest council estates in London and my dad passed away when I was 10, but my mum was the rock that kept our family together. She worked endless hours to keep myself and my siblings clothed and fed whilst also sending money to her mother and siblings in Sri Lanka. She’s incredibly brave, kind, generous, driven, strong, selfless and hard working. If I can become even half the woman that she is, it would be a massive achievement to me.

Who would play you in the film of your life?

Uzo Aduba.

Last holiday destination? And why?

Sri Lanka for my sister’s 40th birthday. I’m obviously biased because I’m from there, but it’s honestly my favourite place on this earth. The food, the people, the beaches, the culture, the history, the landscapes – it’s a beautiful island and if you haven’t been I would highly recommend it.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

It’s like airline masks: ‘If you don’t take care of yourself first you won’t be able to take care of others.’

What one bit of advice would you give someone wanting to do your job?

Be brave and bold in your decisions. No one makes a difference in the world by playing it safe.