5 minutes with…Anna Richards, communications and engagement manager

5 minutes with…Anna Richards, communications and engagement manager

Posted on in News & Events

What do you like best about your job?

I tell anyone who will listen that I love my job. The best thing is how you come into work in a morning not knowing what’s going to happen, and having to deal with changing situations as they emerge. I also really love to talk, and my job is all about communicating so it suits me perfectly.

What was the first record you ever bought?

It was the Eternal album, Always and Forever.

Who or what inspires you?

I’m inspired by people who demonstrate the ability to juggle doing a great job at work as well as doing a great job as a parent. It can be a tough thing to do, but I really admire people who do it well.

Name one thing you couldn’t live without?

Books. I read every single day, even if only for a few minutes. It’s what calms me, transports me to different places and helps me to sleep.

How would your friends and colleagues describe you?

Talkative! Hopefully they would also say that I’m always very positive.

Which three people, living or dead, would you invite to a dinner party and why?

My mum, my nana and my auntie. They are the three women who brought me up, and I have the best memories of being with the three of them. My mum and nana both died within months of each other a couple of years ago, and I’d love to get everyone back together for a good catch up, and let my mum and nana see how my daughters have grown.

Who had the greatest influence on your career?

My current boss Lucy Ettridge has taught me a lot about being a communications and engagement professional but, more than that, she has shown me what it means to be a great manager. I am already using lessons that I’ve learned from her in how I work and manage people every day.

What’s your favourite sport?

To play it’s badminton, as it’s the only thing I can really do!

I like to watch any sport, especially live. My favourites are athletics, rugby, cricket and gymnastics. 

If you could have any superpower what would it be?

To be invisible. I’m super-nosy and I’d love to go places I’m not allowed.

What was the last thing that made you smile?

My workmates. I have a great team and we manage to have a laugh even when we’re really busy.

What talent do you wish you had?

To be able to sing. I absolutely love singing, but I’m terrible at it.

Who’s your favourite band?

I don’t really have just the one band I like, but I like guitar/indie music generally. I’ll actually listen, and dance, to pretty much anything!

What is your greatest achievement?

My daughters are my greatest achievements. They are such a joy to be around and I’m proud of how they are growing into polite, friendly and happy girls.

Where is your favourite place in the world?

Cornwall. For me it is the perfect mix of beaches, great clifftop walks, clotted cream teas and cider.

What’s your favourite book?

I think it’s probably the Woman in White by Wilkie Collins, as I’m a big fan of gothic fiction and it has influenced so many other pieces of literature since it was published.

If you could change one thing about where you work what would it be?

I’d love it if we could wave a magic wand and improve the culture of our organisation, making all of our staff happy and content in their work.

If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you take with you?

My Kindle (unlimited supply of books), chocolate and my goggles (I love swimming and I’d expect a desert island to have some great swimming waters)

How would you like to be remembered?

As a friendly, positive influence.