Each week we shine the spotlight on a member of Dorset’s business community and ask him, or her, for answers to our part fun/part serious questionnaire. This time…

Her favourite smell is hay because it reminds her of horses and the 30 years she owned them; she gets angry at selfish people who do not think of anyone else but themselves; chooses Lobster thermidor and fries as her favourite food and would like to be remembered for always being there for those who need help or someone to turn to. 

Gemma Murphy, Director, ViewHR, takes the 20 Questions’ hot seat.

Question: What is your favourite TV show?

Answer: Currently, ‘This is us’. I do love a bit of psychology and relationship dynamics. If you’ve not watched, give it a go…

Q: Who would you like to share a car with?

A: My husband on a very long journey so that we get an opportunity to talk without the children interrupting! We drove to Newcastle pre-pandemic together, child free. It was bliss.

Q: The best bit of my job is…?

A: Some of the reasons I am most proud of ViewHR, and the service we offer our clients, is because of our exceptional team of skilled HR consultants, our additional employment law support, our drive to deliver client centred care to support their businesses specific needs, our commercial approach and to give them the skills to keep their businesses safe together with the prestigious level of service we provide. Oh, I forgot to mention, we laugh (and sometimes cry) with our clients. Our clients aren’t just numbers, they each have dedicated key HR consultants to work with them and to get to know their businesses and their employee needs.

Q: And the worst…?

A: When people lose their jobs, even when they are at fault. Ultimately, everyone has a life (and often family) to support.

Q: Who was your childhood hero?

A: My Grannie – she was wise, strong, kind, and clever. She overcame a severe mental breakdown lasting 15 years, but upon knowing she was going to be my Grannie, she got well and never looked back. She was determined for me to have my own occupation so that I could stand on my own two feet as you never know what life may throw your way.

Q: What’s your favourite smell?

A: Hay. It reminds me of my horses and the 30 years I had the pleasure of owning such beautiful animals.

Q: Where’s your favourite place in Dorset?

A: Hengistbury Head (beach huts). It’s like being on holiday every time you step foot there!

Q: What advice would you give to anyone starting out on a career?

A: Absorb everything. Listen to what others have to say – friends, family, experts, even yourself and never take things personally. Ultimately, though, follow your gut. It generally serves you well.

Q: What was your first record/CD?

A: Kylie Minogue.

Q: What gets you angry?

A: Selfish people who do not think of anyone else but themselves.

Q: Do you have a favourite piece of music?

A: Eva Cassidy – Songbird.

Q: What are the qualities you look for in a new employee?

A: Initiative, kindness, conscientious and a can-do attitude (and of course relevant experience if needed).

Q: What’s your favourite food or dish?

A: Lobster thermidor and fries. Yum.

Q: Steamed sponge pudding and custard or a plate of melon?

A: Easy – steamed sponge pudding and custard.

Q: Name the best thing about living/working in Dorset?

A: The business community. Everyone showed how great they are at pulling together through this pandemic.

Q: If you were Prime Minister for the day what would be the first thing you do?

A: Gender equality transformation. How many wonderful women have left the workplace because of the imbalance and the disproportionate negative impact Covid has had on women. Urgent action is needed to help protect women’s careers and create gender equality. Every gender brings a different dynamic and idea to the world and workplaces. We need diversity to get the most out of this world.

Q: What’s your biggest frustration?

A: Middle-lane motorway hoggers.

Q:  Where’s your favourite holiday location?

A: The Perhentian Islands in Malaysia. So remote and simply beautiful.

Q: Where do you see yourself in ten years’ time?

A: I would like to foster teenagers to give them a helping hand and an opportunity to make the most of their lives. We all need foundations to build on, otherwise the house will fall down…

Q: What would you like to be remembered for?

A: Always being there for those who need help or someone to turn to.