How I got here: Helen Pomery

Describe yourself in one word Driven. What is the most important thing you’ve learned in your career? Love what you do and work is easy. Tell us your biggest strength Being able to connect with people, whoever they are. Whether they’re customers or members of my team, I genuinely care. What has been your biggest mistake? Recruiting the wrong people. Not only is it costly, but the wrong people can have a devastating impact. What makes a good leader? Honesty, approachability, kindness and clear communication. Who has had the biggest influence on your approach to business? A chap I worked for in the printing industry. He had an eye for detail and a head for sales and marketing like nobody I’ve ever met. He believed in me and gave me an opportunity not because of my experience, but because of who he thought I was. I learned so much from him. The customer is king, communication is everything and marketing must never stop. Keep selling and the numbers will add up. How do you stay motivated? My commitment to my team and our guests keeps me motivated. I’m not doing it for me or for the money, I’m doing it to get it right for everyone else. How often do you check your email? All day and all night, every day, including holidays. How do you relax? That’s something I’ve always struggled with. I don’t switch off very easily. A good TV drama or quiz, or spending time with family and friends, helps distract me and makes me think about something other than business. What was your dream job growing up? Any job that got me away from school. I was always good at languages, so I planned a career that would use them, but life had other ideas. What’s the best advice you’ve been given? Do it. What’s the worst that can happen? What would you call your autobiography? 100mph. Tell me something you think about the restaurant sector that almost nobody agrees with you on It’s the people, the environment, the atmosphere and the feeling that matter most, not the food. Do you have any business regrets? I regret not backing myself or believing in my abilities. Too often I let fear hold me back. Our business is in good shape, but with more self-belief I feel I could have reached this point much earlier in my life.

How I got here: Helen Pomery

The co-owner and sales and marketing director at West Sussex hotel Tottington Manor and TERRA Restaurant on looking after her team and why food isn’t the most important thing.

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