Five minutes with Karen Taylor, Head of HR Operations 
What was the first record you ever bought?
I can’t remember without going in the attic to find my 7”s but I can remember Bruce Willis, The Boardwalk was near the top. I also recall Whitney ‘one moment in time’ I bought inspired by roller skating (I still have the skates and bag!)
How would your friends and colleagues describe you?
Not sure I can answer that….But I asked a friend and colleague and they said generous, perceptive and inspirational.
Which three people, living or dead, would you invite to a dinner party and why?
My Popsie (my dad), I would love to have the opportunity to give him another hug and tell him not to forget I love him, Mrs Brown or Catherine Tate as they just make me laugh….And princess Diana as I spent most of my childhood being inspired by her caring nature.
Who had the greatest influence on your career?
The teacher that told me I was going to fail and that I might as well give up in secondary school, I like to prove people wrong!
What was the last thing that made you smile?
My six year old son when he told me today I would always be his best friend.
What talent do you wish you had?
To be able to sing. I think singing is good for the emotions.
What is your greatest achievement?
My four university degrees, when being told I would fail.
What’s your favourite book?
I don’t have one really, I love reading (it’s good for relaxing) but authors I really enjoy are Sheila Lewis, Joy Wood (an ex NHS colleague and a good friend) and Nicci French. For work, I love the book ‘Who moved my cheese’ everyone should read it!
If you could change one thing about where you work what would it be?
Making everyone in the organisation believe that they can make and do make a real difference.
If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you take with you?
Music, a good book and a G&T (as long as I could be home tomorrow)