When people outside the industry ask what I do, I say…

I usually tell them I lead the voice of the UK bathroom industry. I am a champion for our sector and our members, making sure we have a seat at the table for the greater good of the industry as a whole. Most people think bathrooms are just about plumbing and ceramics, but I explain that I’m in the business of representing the collective industry behind what is arguably one of the most important rooms in any home or business.

If I was in charge of this industry I would…

Mandate a dual focus on well-being and inclusivity. On the one hand, I’d ensure bathrooms are designed to be accessible, and on the other, I’d open the doors wide for people working in the sector by influencing a much heavier investment in skills and capabilities. I want to see more gender diversity, a broader range of voices in our boardrooms, and a genuine culture of collaboration.

What I love most about my job is…

The sheer variety and the agility of our setup. One hour I’m discussing complex policy and market data, and the next I’m talking to passionate creators about the future of design. After 24 years at the CIPD, I’m a dedicated People Professional, so seeing the talent and drive within our member organisation is what really gets me going. I particularly love the challenge of leading a small, dedicated team; it allows us to act at pace, testing new ideas and innovating in ways that larger organisations often can’t.

The thing people might not know about me is…

Beyond my role as a CEO, I am a spiritual life coach and Reiki healer. I find that balancing the corporate world with energy work keeps me grounded—though I haven’t quite started offering Reiki sessions during Board meetings… yet! Above all, I am deeply passionate about people and the concept of “good work.” I have championed the importance of fulfilling, inclusive, and healthy work environments heavily throughout my career, and I will continue to do so. 

The work story I always tell to make people laugh is…

The time I returned from maternity leave and arrived at a very important meeting with my dress on completely back-to-front. Between the sleep deprivation and the rush of a crazy commute, I’d missed the most basic step of getting dressed. I just decided to own the look; it’s amazing what you can get away with if you carry yourself with enough confidence! 

I wish this industry would talk more about…

The “human” side of the bathroom. We are brilliant at talking about products, but I’d love to hear more about the people who use them and how our industry can better support diverse needs, from multi-generational living to neurodiversity in design. 

I wish this industry would talk less about…

Short-term hurdles. Yes, the market has its challenges, but I’d rather look at the fantastic long-term innovations we have in the pipeline. I’m a big believer in looking at the horizon but creating pragmatic steps to get there.

My biggest professional inspiration is…

Any leader who manages to be “human” while being “high performing.” I’ve always been inspired by people who lead with empathy and a sense of humour; it’s a much more sustainable way to get results than the old-school “command and control” style. 

My proudest professional achievement is…

Making the leap from a 24-year career in a professional body, from UK Market Director to CEO of the Bathroom Association. It was a very big shift at this stage in my career journey, but it proved that if you are authentic, understand people and have a clear vision, you can add value to any industry. 

One professional mistake I’ve learned from is…

Trying to be “perfect.” Early on, I thought I had to have every single answer immediately. I’ve since learned that saying “I don’t know, but I’ll find out” is much more respected. It opens the door for collaboration rather than building a pedestal that’s too high to stay on! 

If I could go back to the day I started in this industry, I would tell myself…

I’m only five months in, so I’m still learning every day! But if “Day One” could tell me anything, it would be: don’t worry about the fact that you don’t know everything from day dot. You will catch up on the technicalities; always focus on your members, people and the culture first. 

I dance in my kitchen to…

Prince. If I Would Die 4 U comes on, the kitchen immediately becomes a dance floor. There is something about that 80s music that is completely infectious and nostalgic for me; pretty much anything from that era will get me moving. 

The song I always sing in the shower is…

Madonna’s Borderline. I’ve been a huge fan since I was eight years old, when I saved up to buy the True Blue album, and I’ve been to many of her concerts over the years. It’s a shower singing classic!